Bug Out Diesel Bike | USMC 1031-M1

[@hatman4818]

I'm building out a 1992 Delica L300 Starwagon as both a full time camper van, and a "bugout" vehicle. It's small, it's 4x4, and it's a turbodeisel from the factory. It has a few issues I've had to address to improve its longevity, but then again, what van doesn't. I was able to pick it up for 8k while I was stationed in Japan, and have it shipped home for free as my POV by the military. Theyre normally worth 15k in the states. Since it's deisel, it's kinda multifuel (especially if I set it up to burn vegetable oil, which I intend on doing). So I decided to build my entire build around just 2 resources: Deisel, and electricity. Besides the usual solar/battery setup and electric stovetop and the electrical side of things, I have gotten a pair of MSR dragonfly burners to build myself a custom multifuel dual burner, as opposed to propane. I got them because from what Ive read, theyre about the only burners still produced on the market that cleanly burn deisel. And they have a valve so you can turn them down and simmer food that way. Some future plans of mine, Im going to be installing a diesel heater, auxillary deisel tank, and maybe get a small deisel generator. If I did all that, I'd pretty much only need to worry about getting food, water, and deisel (or... Vegetable oil... Or JP-8... Or Jet-A... Etc etc etc... Btw, did you know you can make vegetable oil relatively easily if you collect enough nuts? You only really need a press to make it. Biofuel gasoline however is very difficult to make). I thought this would simplify my setup somewhat, as opposed to trying to get food, water, deisel for the van, propane for burners, gasoline for a generator etc etc etc etc. Part of that led me to the idea of getting an enduro or dirt bike of some kind to have as transportation option besides the van, but... Well, following this logic, I'd need to get a deisel bike. Lo and behold, there's only this one rare model of production deisel bike sadly... And 12-30k is a little steep for my blood, so I guess there goes that idea XD.

[@skoelzer5566]

I’ve grown up riding in the woods since I was 6 years old (riding 30+ years now) with loads of experience on many types of bikes in many disciplines on and off road. A 2 stroke ~300 or ~350 will get you amazing low speed off road capability at low (quiet) rpms - excellent tractor like torque on bottom and mid range. Reliability wise, they have come a very long way since the old 2 strokes. There’s an extreme availability for parts, upgrades. Maintenance is extremely easy due to the simplicity. Many modern 4 stokes need maintenance done after 5-10 hours of ride time. List goes on, lots of reasons for them being great for what you are looking for Mike. For me, ~2017 KTM 300xc properly tuned to your height, weight (load out), skill, and oversized tank is my go to. Many other good bikes but too many to name.

[@eriklambert3809]

Add the self adjusting carb and be done. Great bike. Easy to keep enough parts to keep them running for a very long time

[@brianjones3245]

I remember seeing that bike in the Marine Corps Times magazine in 2000, then i got stationed in Okinawa Camp Kinser and seen a pile of them at DRMO waiting to get junked. Man that sucked.

[@hatman4818]

I stole a Matco 6S toolbox that was almost brand new out of a DRMO dumpster on the flightline at Kadena a few years ago. One side kept breaking the lock because it was built a lil wrong at the factory, and CTK decided to just throw the whole box out... Theyre like 21,000 dollars new XD. A little elbow grease and some misuse of equipment (I talked my forklift qualified CTK buddy into using his super powers and a military forklift for an hour to help me), and I managed to get it onto a 2 ton truck I rented and got it home. ... It now sits in an autobody shop I worked at for a summer, whose owner I sold it to for 3500. If the military is gonna be insanely wasteful, might as well take advantage of it when and where you can.

[@crazymonkeywvaughan6360]

Good times . Happy to see you out and about doing what you like You do look cool and good By the way. God Bless ❤

[@LongRider47]

Ive got the new gas model. 2022 KLR650. Great all around bike with over a 300 mile range. Set up right its a great all around budget friendly bike. Easy to work on and easy to locate parts.

[@GnoticPasta]

i like my Suzuki DR650 for a bugout bike. pretty bullet proof, shorter and lighter than the KLR and it's a ton of fun.

[@daveettel4750]

That's a cool bike but good luck keeping it running and getting parts

[@JacobPattonEdits]

Its a KLR it doesnt need parts. and most of the gas powered version parts are available for this one interchangably.

[@daveettel4750]

@@JacobPattonEdits the whole drivetrain is completely different.

[@Frank-uw5xq]

Awesome bike to find... not just for the functionality, but it's a rare collector piece, that's not just cool Military vehicle but is associated with SOCOM...

[@deenawilson-i5y]

Love Michael’s bike! ❤

[@clwbob]

I've had 2 KLR 650s, and I think with the already available accessories, it would be a good Bug out bike. I has the horsepower and range and is fairly quiet. And a personal observation is that itt is one of the most popular bikes for cross country riding.

[@madmav414]

Awesome video guys! Y'all need a Fieldcraft drone to get some sweet shots outside!

[@tennesseelockpicking8803]

Ylthat bike was in TN 😂I was going to buy it but looks like you beat me to it. The local law enforcement agency bought them and then sold it to the guy who had it for sale. I hope you enjoy it man.

[@alanwilliams2251]

Great comparison Mike! Thanks for the information! God bless brother!

[@ElTejon47901]

What a cool bike! No idea it existed.

[@Andrew-hu3eb]

It's very wholesome to see you and your boyfriend enjoying time outside.

[@MakeItUpAsIGo]

Bro love is incomparable 👊💪

[@Andrew-hu3eb]

I wonder if their fanny packs get in the way when they spoon.

[@sicituradastra9216]

Looks like you might be jealous that they're not plugging you up.

[@Andrew-hu3eb]

​@@sicituradastra9216I hear Glapin is good at those back shots.

[@sicituradastra9216]

@@Andrew-hu3eb I trust you to have your ear to the ground regarding that stuff.

[@RedFlyerMedia]

I bought a couple non-working Yamaha Serow 250s to rebuild. I will end up with a pretty decent little bug out bike & spare parts.

[@alexs1972]

One of the best bikes ive ever owned is a tw200. It went everywhere and was indestructible. 100 miles per gallon, quiet, light, went 55mph, and was geared to take my fat ass anywhere

[@starriderstudios]

Tw200 is the the best fun I've had, but a bit small for me. I learned on a tw200

[@rogercrouch5866]

Great video! I was thinking about the Military bikes like that .

[@terryanderson3901]

E bikes are a pretty viable option. Especially you have a camp/homestead wirh solar.

[@jurassicfrank1935]

When you come to California you should check out some trails at Jawbone. Super fun hill climbs. It’s probably just over an hour north from where your class is.

[@Emily-ou6lq]

Still got my XR600R bought new in '92

[@Jeff_D421]

MIKES BACK

[@renegadearms]

Those are cool bikes I’ve came across a few overseas.

[@Frank-uw5xq]

It'd be a really cool video to get a Marsoc guy to come on & share some experience with those..or other inside knowledge,... from Ops or the research & development side.. also an engineer like you mentioned

[@Gunnyfelker]

Im not a Marsoc guy (MSOB/MARSOC units stood up with my Recon brothers after i PCSd) but those bikes were built for my unit. Raids & Recon, our R&D at Quantico started sourcing a build for the 650 in the late 90s and the first ones were tested around 99. I used the gas version up until about 04/05 and these diesel models were fielded. Due to the heavy deployment schedules the only guys that had a need for these were MEUSOC units or guys going to CAX (Combined Arms/Supporting Arms exercise) out in 29 Palms or Red Flag in Nellis. These were not ideal for CQB, which was our main mission in theatre. See my other reply.

[@Gunnyfelker]

I used those bikes. We would throw them in a 53 and drop them in the desert. You had to also have a truck, which we had an Ifav (tactical Mercedes G Wagon). You cant wear a 100lb mission ruck while riding it. I’ll always be the guy that says its better to walk in. Quiet and less casualty producing; definitely not as fun as HAHO. What usually happened is we would ride those bikes to the ORP a terrain feature behind the OP and walk from there. So you have to cache the bikes. Yes they are loud and you cant carry much gear. I worked the East German border in the mid 80s, and the GRU bikes were easy to find due to noise & engine heat using thermals. PS- nvgs over open terrain at night will get you a broken foot hahaha.

[@mattmacpherson1033]

My favorite bike is the one I can afford. I currently have a specialized epic evo. And a 1974 BMW R90. The R90 needs some work.

[@jcar1417]

Based on the KLR 650 I believe.

[@danb37]

thanks for sharing my anxiety is going through the roof waiting for a clear side view of the bike

[@brethowell2311]

I am a Honda guy. I have a Honda XR650L. You also need to look into RECLUSE clutch set ups.

[@deenawilson-i5y]

Love the bike!

[@starriderstudios]

Still have my 2011 klr 650, cheap to run and maintain. Sent carb to mech to get rebuilt, otherwise do all the work myself

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

Awesome vid! What kind of chest rig does the guy in brown have on? Is that a wlfenduro? Next time put the bike expert on the green diesel beast and let’s get his perspective! Glad you’re back Mike!

[@calvins4084]

much love mike

[@liberatedlady4689]

It amuses me to this day on the line, ‘load pipes saves lives.’ I wonder what the accident and wreckage percentage rate would be if this were true. As someone who’s been around military bases with Fighter Wing Squadrons all her adult life, I find amusing when a fighter jet can just creep up on you and you never heard them coming. Wait for it… until they fly past you.

[@Not_James_Hernandez]

Great review. Loadout and practical exercise video with the bike coming soon?

[@justinmccoy7167]

Suzuki DRZ400. Just a super reliable mule that hasnt changed in over 20 yeara so parts are abundant. Also inexpensive.

[@shooterll7936]

Awesome bikes! 👍👍

[@Ha3731]

Have a look at Himalayan 411. It is a great little bike.

[@PetraDavenport]

I wish I could try this

[@buckaroobonsi555]

Great bike if you have a ton os spare parts that are no longer made, service manuals since no one knows how to work on them, and you have deep pockets and time to hunt for one and restore it! Have fun finding diesel fuel every place you might go in America off grid! Gasoline is far more widely available.

[@theworstvow]

Nice jacket!

[@Gunga-ct9nz]

Husqvarna 701 is the best bug out bike.

[@ronmexico5908]

Best👍 Checkout BVC off-road in Tucson AZ. They make a fat tire kit for all the XR, DR, KTM etc bikes. I think I’m going to check them out when I retire out west to crawl all over the mountains

[@thatslowyukon1362]

I would like to see some electric content as well I know Mike reviewed one on his channel , “dirty civilian” on KZbin covered a pair of e bikes on his channel and it was great

[@CainnechK]

Let’s get some XR 650 videos!

[@pyeitme508]

Amazing

[@easycompany6384]

KLR is where it’s at

[@OvDirt]

My favorite bug out bike is my only bike 😂 gonna either sell or build out my YZ450 to hunt off and increase capability. So uh, we’ll see.

[@garygaither8263]

You are lucky but I can't have one so what is the point. I am glad for you ❤

[@rparkes1098]

KTk 1190 Adv 😎

[@11ccom]

Old Honda 90, so I can carry it across the creek.

[@WearilyMistaken]

Can we get a test of a viable option for the rest of us? Something quiet and dependable?

[@ifyoudontfailyouarenoteven6210]

If this a diesel bike, can it be also fueled with something like cooking oil, or it just must be a diesel?

[@Gunnyfelker]

Yes.

[@Frank-uw5xq]

Kerosene

[@BoomerChimichanga]

I'll trade you for my 2016 Harley FLSTC, and I will even throw in some crayons. 😁

[@tntzimmerman9552]

It’s all fine and dandy till it breaks down and you need parts for such and obscure bike. A carb’d Honda would be ideal.

[@Gunnyfelker]

Anytime you deploy with equipment like this you have to take a big parts resupply bin. Same as any other vehicle or weapons system. Yes as a civilian bike you may have to source parts through a machine shop… ie build them from scratch.

[@BigSawCat]

This video applies to .0000001% of the human population

[@bz9363]

If you want silent check out the e ride pro ss

[@user-yv7dt5je1l]

Hoping to get a nice bike soon 😭

[@deenawilson-i5y]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@davidoconnor1773]

6:22 "During this test, we forgot to turn off the mic on Mike" Uhhh, how about when you're editing the video, instead of overlaying text on that portion of the video, just turn off the source from that mic....?? 🤦

[@merely-man]

Let's be honest, we all just want to ride a dirt bike like Rambo in First Blood.

[@AliasTekTV]

Anyone want to notice how that rear sprocket could be a third wheel on it's own? LOL As for a survival/bugout bike, I'm not sure. They are neat, but a lot of them have sat for a long time and most need work. Parts aren't available either.

[@GamingwithGamerGirls]

I have the xr650l and klr650. I like the honda much better

[@kober2118]

Would have liked to hear more about that engine. Diesel?!?!?

[@Gunnyfelker]

They built that bike around 2004 and fielded it a couple of years later. MOGAS (unleaded gasoline) is hard to find in a combat zone when everything else runs on JP5 diesel.

[@ET_Videos]

TW200 with big gas tank.

[@davidbasco7076]

Electric Mountain Bike. Any M2 variant

[@CertifiedSunset]

I had a yallow DR600, and for the few times I rode it, it was a cool little dual sport for $800.

[@riley3760]

Can I make mods to a klr-650 to make something like this?

[@Frank-uw5xq]

I believe so

[@11ccom]

Shift quicker off the line.

[@bobbyberry5559]

Bug out on one of the rarest bikes on planet earth. 😎 or 🤪 ?

[@Frank-uw5xq]

Is he actually bugging out...or if he had too go book of Eli, who's collecting collector shit? besides water...& Books...🤔or🥴

[@mountainlife1165]

3rd gen Klr 650…(2022-2024) budget friendly all purpose bike. Does nothing great, does most things well.

[@mikestowe1973]

there is a reason they only made 200 of them LOL...

[@Jaycren86]

I thought Mike knew how to ride.

[@LyonsLeo]

Bikes are horrible bug-out vehicles. Limited storage. No weather protection. Half of the terrain capability of a Subaru Outback. As an adventure vehicle, or for reconnaissance, super; but if the stuff hit the fan, my Aprilia Tuareg would stay in the garage and my Toyotas would get me (and my loved ones) off the x.

[@TM-ye6fk]

First to like the video!!

[@tritech]

Ultimate bug out vehicle with non-existent parts availability. No thanks.

[@Roninbuilt]

Precisely what I was thinking.

[@dsig7776]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@JohnSmith-fi2gu]

Fraud

[@Frank-uw5xq]

Who??

[@Frank-uw5xq]

Who?? elaborate

[@rigger4695]

Just convert your xr650 to run diesel. It's not that hard to do.

[@Grimm0351]

Since it's so easy, care to share with the rest of the class?