How Totally Silent Motorcycles Changed Recon

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The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit has already adopted this asset and is adjusting their mobility teams around them. The zero MMX motorcycle is a revolution in recon technology. It has a 100% electric powertrain that emits zero exhaust and is completely silent when in neutral. These new capabilities will change the way the US military conducts future reconnaissance missions and direct action raids. But why would your average soldier ever want the added risk of an unarmored motorcycle? Couldn’t a drone do the same job but better?
Written by: Chris Cappy & Justin Taylor
Edited by: Michael Michaelides
Produced by: August Dannehl
in 2010 a US Marine named Golembesky said his unit in Afghanistan started to improvise since there was a shortage of bikes outside special forces. The Marines actually purchased cheap chinese knockoff motorbikes directly from the Afghanistan Bazaars or marketplace. The Marines then welded racks on the back of the bikes for added payload capacity and spray painted them with a tan camouflage coating. This allowed them to overcome long distances and harsh terrain. I get it, I mean I’ve seen the kind of slopes that need to be navigated by goats.
Picture an elite mobile biker gang of marines speeding across the mountains of Afghanistan. The tires grinding through the sand would be the loudest warning the insurgent would have. Marines launched successful surprise attacks on Taliban positions. Even the big conventional force of the Army took notice and started equipping ATVs to not just their special forces but regular troops.
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#WAR #MOTORCYCLE #SOLDIER

[@Taskandpurpose]

Get entered to win this brand new Kawasaki KLR 650s! go.getenteredtowin.com/taskandpurpose DEADLINE to ENTER is 12/10/23 @ 11:59pm (PST)

[@ClassifiedUnit-135]

Chech out Sri Lankan SF riders/ LRRP. With limited weapons and ammo they still were guite a dangerous proffesional guerilla-ish force.

[@DS-hd2ke]

Boo! The "no-purchase" method is snail mail. Do better

[@NightBlado]

This "lottery" is only available to USA residents, which is BS and should be clearly states beforehand in the video.

[@rocko7711]

🎄

[@dennismiles1167]

This is not new. In the 90s Div Cav and LRRP had motorcycles. Heck, the French had a school dedicated to it as light recon. Only thing news worthy here is the bs electric motorcycle. Otherwise this is not new. Some, O saw our enemies using this and add EV to it. Bam OER bullets and funding. Instead of looking back to shit we did that worked. Hell, there's SOPs on this. But the standard infantry thinking this might seem new.

[@teddy.d174]

“Elite, mobile biker gangs of Marines” Sounds horrifying for the enemy. Another excellent and informative video Cappy, well done by you and the team.

[@cedhome7945]

I wonder if they get a set of club colours and a 3 pice patch ?

[@romankovalev7894]

Elite mobile biker gangs of Marines 😂😂😂 🤡 Americans are such Americans. They live in the past century. They have not yet understood the essence of the new generation of war. The Russians have released a new Lancet that operates in conjunction with reconnaissance drones and attacks a priority target. Without human or operator participation, in autonomous mode. It's inexpensive and says hello to the invisible motorcyclists of the USA. There is a hunt for every infantryman. For everyyyyoooone. (in voice of a corrupt cop from the movie Leon) Trenches is no longer a reliable shelter. The near transparent zone has increased many times to 50 km. They have invisible motorcycles and other miracles, like small children

[@aaltag4068]

I believe just the term "US-Military" itself can evoke horror in friend and foe alike. Jokes aside it would be interesting to see how professional armies would move and fight with bikes. Hopefully in training only.

[@NotReallyHere198]

Do they come equipped with "Tactical-Modular-Multifunctional Chain Whips?" for CQC engagements?

[@patmann9363]

WH40K😂

[@gallendugall8913]

Let us be honest; we need the motorcycles in the military so we can have epic motorcycle stunt scenes in the movies about the conflicts we fight. We would never have lost Vietnam if cool motorcycle patrols were there to inspire public support.

[@jaganshi5444]

Remember the number 1 rule of surviving combat: looking cool

[@DrownedInExile]

Where's the Batpod when you need it?

[@Mr0Whitey]

6:45

[@DavidHalko]

The US won in Vietnam, with a peace treaty where the North Vietnamese were compelled to sign. It was only after the impeachment of Nixon, when Ford went to Congress to request funds to uphold the US treaty obligation of air support, that the Democrat controlled Congress decided to not get involved. It was a conscious US decision to not uphold a treaty obligation that led to the fall of Saigon, not a loss of the US military.

[@arvintyree1109]

​@@DavidHalkodon't forget about the public opinion on the war at the time factored in greatly too

[@falconiusazurius5572]

I'm happy to hear Zero is making headway with special forces. When my 2013 Zero S died due to a battery manufacture issue, Zero replaced it with a 2017 DS model (free of charge). This was a huge upgrade. The 2013 had a max range of 80km. It had great acceleration of zero to 100 in about 3 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h. The 2017 version was a bit slower but it could easily do a 180km highway trip. What makes this extra special is that I was living in South Africa at the time.

[@andrewh7852]

Got a 2021 new, now with 7k miles on it now. Love it

[@fritzy.]

Zero's got good bikes but that subscription bs just throws me off, shame too as I was genuinely thinking about buying one

[@SoloRenegade]

this is not a paradigm shift. I've been advocating these tactics for 20yrs now, and especially when I was deployed in Afghanistan. Everyone told me I was wrong, but could provide no valid proof nor counter arguments. Now here we are 20yrs later and people are finally growing a brain.

[@user-yl8gd4pp1n]

There is more corporate profit in armoured vehicles, u.s doesn't fight to win, they fight for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@SoloRenegade]

@@user-yl8gd4pp1n " u.s doesn't fight to win" Wrong. US fights to win. US politicians fight for personal profit.

[@johncothren8861]

Someone stole your idea. Seems most "new" tech spends 20 years r&d.

[@user-pq4by2rq9y]

​@@johncothren8861if I had to guess, not much r&d had gone into this one because a light turbodiesel hybrid motorcycle is well within their capabilities by now.

[@phdtobe]

Imagine how Billy Mitchell felt in the 1920s!

[@GrahamBunneh]

Edit to say: they are MT350 off road bikes - not street cruisers they were riding. Way too many commenters thinking they were riding fat bobs, or low riders 😀 When our local medic unit was issued the then new harley davidsons before going to Bosnia, they stopped using them almost straight away as the first 3 casualties they treated were dispatch riders who'd crashed headfirst into trenches, and the forth was a medic of theirs responding to one of the incidents incident.

[@slaphappyduplenty2436]

“We put casualties in your medics unit so they can medic while they medic”

[@arminbayan]

Skill issue

[@Nickrioblanco1]

How can these medics be smart enough enough to treat wounded soldiers but not smart enough to drive a motorcycle? To be fair though motorcycles bring out the stupid in almost everyone and it takes a lot of training to get rid of that stupid.

[@GARBO96]

​@@Nickrioblanco1or they were just driving in the dark and didn't have enough visibility to see the depth of the trenches not everybody rides a motorcycle like a jackass

[@PotatoeJoe69]

​@@Nickrioblanco1Dirt bikes take a unique skill set to use off-road. Rough terrain, muddy terrain, soft terrain like sand, makes it a very exhausting, mentally intensive job to stay in 2 wheels -- which is why I feel quads would do the job better.

[@granatmof]

I'm reminded of the 2000 wargame where the retired Marine General ran circles around the modern Military. Among his solutions were like wooden hull boats and using motorcycle runners to carry messages instead of using traceable radios.

[@freedomloverusa3030]

That was savage.

[@ClassifiedUnit-135]

You should check out "SF combat riders", they are basically what cappy's talking about here but they were quite innovative about this tactic. Basically a rapid deployment of troops in urban areas/ dense jungles to provide any fire support or guarding convoys or just delivering any resources.

[@badluck5647]

The general embarrassed the military establishment so bad that they had to rerun the war games where the US team was given the handicap of knowing where all the adversary military assets were hidden. Basically, they had to cheat to win against a hypothetical Iran commanded by a 3 star US general.

[@used2venom]

I would like to know more about this, sounds like a great story for a book or a movie

[@silverjohn6037]

@@used2venom They had a B-movie about the concept back in the 80's called either Omega Force or Megaforce depending on the region it was released in. More GI Joe than realistic though. If I recall correctly they used toy rockets (literally the kind of cardboard tubes they let kids fire off) on the handle bars of the dirt bikes that were supposedly able to take out tanks;).

[@nanayawberko3212]

Shout out to all the insurgents watching

[@pietskiet42-_]

Funny😂😂😂😂

[@ashenblunts8865]

This had me rollings lmao

[@svetlinsofiev1910]

lol

[@Davey-Boyd]

Thank you

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

My first experience with a motor and 2 wheels was catastrophic. It was a Vespa type scooter, I fell off but did not let go and was dragged around a local park. People got a kick out of it. Emotional pride scars are still healing.

[@HitlerlandBoi]

It's a shame you didn't have a father who could tell you that that vespa type scooter weighted approx 100kg and that shifting of that weight on small wheels is a dumpster fire, if not being careful

[@MrSlayerboy99]

@@HitlerlandBoimost dads even decades back couldn’t tell you how to properly ride a motorcycle. “Just get on and twist the throttle” is about as much as they would know.

[@HitlerlandBoi]

@@MrSlayerboy99 my father actually slided for about a 500 meters in the city, just because of that same reason you mentioned. Vespa was actually first introduced into the market when he bought Vespa new. But, after that, my father THOUGHT ME, what to look out for

[@thetimebinder]

As an Aeldari player in Warhammer 40K who makes great use of Shroud Runners and other Jetbikes, I approve of this new Mon Keigh detachment unit.

[@teeess9551]

Oh god. How sad.

[@The_Natalist]

Lol

[@KraziEyevin]

​@@teeess9551truly, enjoying Eldar is self harm. Hate to see it.

[@bobhill-ol7wp]

cringe

[@torg2126]

White Scars

[@euansmith3699]

War never changes, eh? Thousands of years after their introduction, light cavalry and mounted infantry continue to fulfill a role on the battlefield.

[@julianshepherd2038]

Ever increasing "collateral damage"

[@tooxtalivai0690]

@@julianshepherd2038no cannon fodder collateral damage comes from civilian deaths. Cannon fodder sounds better too.

[@FarmerDrew]

Can you imagine the Khans on dirt bikes

[@euansmith3699]

I guess that they would have rapidly run in to logistical issues; unless there were able to be mobile bio-fuel processors. 🤔😄👍@@FarmerDrew

[@FarmerDrew]

@@euansmith3699 nah there's oil fields all over the steppes

[@timothymachen687]

Great presentation and analysis! Keep them coming!

[@chriss9991]

Man, who would've guessed the 80s movie 'Megaforce' was gonna be the blueprint for a modern fighting force!

[@kenfowler1980]

Yes we used them in the “80’s & ‘90’s for route reconnaissance, patrolling, guiding convoys etc. started as little Suzuki DR 250’s and I ended up riding Yamaha 650’s based on their DAKAR bike. Simply brilliant for the Australian Bush!

[@isabelgellibrandi7496]

XT600e. Simple and bulletproof. A bunch of them sold at the auctions here in oz, with the long range tank and a few other wee mods.

[@obi3kenobi]

If only you'd had them during the Emu War!

[@Npc1488-wc1kf]

had a 97 with a 6gal tank I need another

[@schlirf]

Motorcycles have been used since Patton. Back in 1981 the 7th Infantry experimented with Cav Scouts on motorcycles, out of the 2/10th CAV. They had their plus and minus points, but in the end if the cycles are quiet and the rider well trained, they become more of an asset to the unit than a liability.

[@Native_Creation]

And before that we had bicycle battalions in WW1, which were quieter than horses (since 1800s). The French had a folding bicycle they could carry on their backs in WW2. Then of course before that was horses. TX National Guard cavalry has some of the oldest heritage, going all the way back to Spanish Soldados de Cuera and indigenous Tejano scouts. But it wasn't phased out till the Pacific Campaign in WW2 (they sent the horses to the Burma Campaign) as horses were ineffective in the muddy/tropical Pacific islands.

[@jerrymiller9039]

We used them in WWI as well

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

The Japanese General that took Singapore was asked how he did it. His answer - 'Expensive British Roads and cheap Japanese Bicycles.' They were still using bikes in WW2. Quite effectively too.

[@cedhome7945]

Friend of mine has a 1916 Norton that was used In Flanders ww1 battle

[@julianshepherd2038]

British had started using motorcycles by August 1914.

[@robertdothillary]

Great piece! I mean not only the video, but also the massive rifle he's holding throughout. Brilliant ❤

[@scotthazelton519]

Thanks for sharing Cappy

[@lukemorin52]

Don't forget about the tactical options of cliff jumping / climbing like the GLA had in CNC Generals.

[@Ag3nt0fCha0s]

For the GLA!!!

[@MrCustomabstract]

Command & Conquer Representation 👍🏻

[@harrisonbuck2749]

Ive only heard people talk about tiberian sun or red alert 2 and shit on the other series. Thats generals sounds cool now.

[@MrCustomabstract]

@@harrisonbuck2749 generals zero hour is top tier

[@user-fx6fj7xq2k]

​@@MrCustomabstractROTR mod was the GOAT too

[@catthomas3097]

Damn, I thought about this concept years ago! it's nice to see your ideas vindicated in the world even if you were never able to be involved in it's concept or application.

[@blackhawk7r221]

When the 82nd got the Polaris Razor side x sides, it was a game changer. Light and nimble cross country vehicle. No more heavy slow turtle anti-IED truck rolling target. And it’s always cool when your Razor has two M-240’s sticking out of it.

[@heaththeemissary3824]

Dirtbikes are light for a reason. Those 1200cc "adventure" bikes aside, in an unpredictable terrain there are times when you just have to muscle the bike around. Weight and weight distribution are much what dictates control and safety on a bike.

[@got2kittys]

You can't tell the guys on a 650 lb adventure bike that it's not a dirt bike. It's a gravel road machine.

[@STR33TZK1NG]

@@got2kittys sorry gotta say, you're wrong on this one. We've got guys here on KZbin making off-road crotch rockets. Sure they work on trails, but they're also taking em off-road up slopes with brush and logs, large jumps all in the way. It's the rider, Tires, and ground clearance that determine this.

[@got2kittys]

@@STR33TZK1NG Those machines are not as good offroad as any common dirt bike with an enduro setup. Or a trials bike, or a better grade dual purpose. They're just ponderous, off road.

[@Mike5Brown]

Didn't those used to be called dragoons, horseback infantry that dismounted to fight?

[@SoccerPhoto]

The US Army has Dragoons. They are a variant of a Stryker with a turret...

[@Native_Creation]

They were considered medium cavalry rather than light. Dragoon nickname came about in reference to the "dragon" sound of their short muskets, but they fought both mounted and dismounted.

[@hazzardalsohazzard2624]

And Dragoons were always trying to turn themselves into cavalry, because they were resented by the infantry and looked down upon by the cavalry.

[@graydanerasmussen4071]

Skirmishers, I believe. Mounted scouts are as old as horses in warfare, but the people who operated behind enemy lines and used fast transports and hit-and-run tactics would be skirmishers.

[@bermanmo6237]

In the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, the critical Missionary Ridge was defended by a Union Army cavalry unit that dismounted and fought as infantry since they were able to get to the area faster.

[@les3449]

This was a great report on a VERY reasonable idea! After working out the bugs these motorcycles will probably become outstanding assets.

[@NormanInAustralia]

Thanks!

[@greengeck0]

Lithuanian Special Forces "Aitvaras" use buggies ATV's and Motorcycles (KTM EXC-R 530 for example) as part of doctrine of hit and run as well as recon for a quite long time now. You can see them in the footage at 9:23 in the video ;D They were fielded like that in Afganistan as well just not sure if it was already in '02-'04 or after '07 Lithuanian company Elektrociklas are now making the "Perkūnas" (In Lithuanian God of Thunder or just Thunder) designed by our Special forces, as a silent alternative for the bikes fielded already

[@nexas2316]

They were also nick named "Hells Angels" by the Americans in Afghanistan

[@TheBooban]

I didn't see any ATV at that mark. Or did you mean the bike? I think an EV ATV would be better than bikes. Size for 2 soldiers, lightly armored, remote gun, trophy system. Some can be remotely or autonomously controlled. All you need. If the Ukrainians or Russians could do it, I think they would be all over the place in that war and render every other frontline ground vehicle obsolete.

[@kolasillers7776]

Labas.

[@greengeck0]

@@TheBooban meant the Aitvaras forces were on display at that mark. In this case only bikes, but there's is content online with buggies and bikes, for the ATV's not sure which video but got to see it in person on a cross training exercise

[@greengeck0]

@@kolasillers7776 Vakaras!

[@williambarnebee40]

Dude, this is quite possibly the best report you've done yet. Clean, clear and easy to understand. The edits work. Keep it up.

[@mekosmowski]

I usually say this on Memorial Day but I've ended up having a personal day of remembrance today. Thank you for your willingness to bear the loss of fallen comrades.

[@philhines]

Tight presentation Cappy!!

[@dathat555]

My brother was a moto messenger in the Marine Corps in the 1980s. He said the best part was not having to salute while riding.

[@prcr8tion]

Mongols mastered using scouts before every battle and that is why they were so successful. The problem with the scenario of a gang of bikers riding in Afganistan was the dust that gave you away your position from miles away

[@Cdr_Mansfield_Cumming]

Only if you were ripping down the dirt road. The tally dickers who followed patrols or convoys kept themselves just out of range. You never really knew where they were unless they gave themselves away when you laid up someone hoping they would run over your position.

[@Shinkajo]

That was just one of many reasons and not even the most important one.

[@pusheendalimitsofgeneva5816]

I like how we have just reverted back to using what is basically just a modern version of horsearchery combined with hit and run tactics

[@nightfury6836]

Awesome video Cap!!!

[@inna.domini]

I'm from Europe and I was shocked because I didn't know that civilian KLE was still produced. We only have Versys series and we lack an enduro from Kawasaki like this. As an interesting fact, my army, unfortunately, doesn't officially have any basic motorcycle

[@I_THE_ME]

In Northern Europe enduro bikes like KTM's 690s are plentiful and often used by officers to zip around on training grounds.

[@inna.domini]

Here in Poland I often see some Quad's and Yamahas Tenere but they are not like official deployed vechicles

[@sirseigan]

The Swedish "Home Guard" have old Husqvarna enduro bikes. Not the most comfortable rides I have been tomd but the are robust and at times nicknamed "iron horses". If the regular army have newer model (or any bikes) I do not know. Up in the north though snowmobiles are used during winter time.

[@jameshatton4405]

My friend just gave me his 2007 KLE. It's very dark purple, so I'm wrapping it in Ivory Gloss 3M wrap (to be more military looking style - same colour as the M1030-M1 but in gloss cause it looks more OEM) which should be much less hot riding in the Australian sun, hopefully?

[@burre01]

Fact correction 4:34, laser guided bombs are not "useless" unless lased from the ground, the Sniper pod on the aircraft themselves can also easily lase a target, they do this by selecting an option on the MFD in the cockpit. all GBU laser guided bombs can be dropped with either ground or airborne targetting, but ground targetting has some advantages by surveilence time and target selection.

[@facePuncher5]

(motor)bike infantry is back on the menu, boys!

[@KT-ki6gz]

The light cavalry is making a comeback

[@Oivaras]

A lot of your motorcycle footage is specifically from Lithuania, which invests a lot into these stealth technologies, ultralight ATV's and all that. Lithuanian guys (namely the Aitvaras group) were riding bikes in Afghanistan for years while everyone else were stil driving heavily armoured Humvees.

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

Depends where is war you can drive in Afghanistan but try in Ukraine

[@Npc1488-wc1kf]

smol satellite nations are less susceptible to 'big army' hubris and can adapt faster

[@Npc1488-wc1kf]

Russians arent local insurgents with no air and artillery This situation shows near peer threats arent gonna be swept aside like untrained rabble@@bogoljubdjordjevic7528

[@JimmyStewpot]

Zero has been consistently improving their bikes, while not flawless the stealth level is exceptional.

[@DataGeek903]

Problem is trying to charge on the battlefield vs gasoline

[@glareicebutts1423]

@@DataGeek903we are in need of some magical battery cells if people want to really go electric on a widespread scale. But yeah let’s keep selling these evs with shitty li-ions

[@pmk661]

​@@DataGeek903For such small vehicles, I don't really see the problem

[@samuelmendoza9356]

6:10 perhaps a bike SO COOL, it got a major following in the region that they team up and conquered said region...and beyond.

[@ricky2.137]

I see recon riding those around my area all the time it looks fun

[@jamesgoley5589]

We had them to use for airfield certification. It's part of the Combat Control mission set. Every airfield in the AOR had to be certified every year. Using bikes made this much easier than walking the length of an airstrip for measurement and testing.

[@TheDgdimick]

Had a 2000 KLR for almost 20 years, loved it. The only real change the Marines made to them, this was about 10 years ago, was to replace the engines so they would run in JP8.

[@jimscott1717]

Great analysis as always

[@Zapperthekid69TH]

From my own experience in my country, I saw an outpost that houses like 4 border guard or park ranger not far from my girlfriend family (on a remote mountain village) and they use a very common (in this region) Honda wave 125 motorcycle and one would ride and the other would hold 2 M16 during routine patrol. I saw them ride up and down mountains through jungles and into town below the mountain to buy some food and then ride up the mountain back to the outpost. So my opinion of motorcycle is that they’re pretty neat. (And they use normal road tires to ride through mud as well which I thought was cool)

[@rolandbubb3398]

The UK have invested heavily in E bikes and ATVs, especially for Recon. They are planning AT Teams for the E Bikes from lessons learned in Ukraine.

[@cedhome7945]

Probably spend ages trying to decide what to purchase/supply the get ripped off by overpaying then use them till the squaddys break a few then end up at Witham specialist vehicles sold off cheap (in case you wonder a family member worked at Abby wood m o d supply centre so this is the usual thing to happen)

[@ifv2089]

Already have quads, been using them since Afghan, and we sent Ukraine the kit.

[@Cdr_Mansfield_Cumming]

@@ifv2089Exactly, we had them in Iraq I, II and Gan. We had at least two RM’s trained on them per troop when used for LRP accompanied by Land Rovers in the old days, Jackals, Jackal 2 and Coyote TSV’s. A mix was used by the recce troop or when accompanying SBS/SAS on long-range taskings. The thing is, matey boy, is talking about this new revolutionary equipment and method of screening. We have been doing that for decades, I know the SF boys have seen way before Oman, David Stirling started with jeeps and BSA’s in North Africa during WWII. It's that well practised they even taught the Neanderthals in the Paras to do it on bikes. Of course, when it came to the latter, they kept the stabilisers on and rope attached to the back seat in case they got lost. The British Army wouldn't want to lose valuable motorbikes, would they?

[@ifv2089]

@@Cdr_Mansfield_Cumming history repeating itself just going green, lol.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@cedhome7945Scabby Wood…. Halcyon days! God bless our military, but they always wanted the Mk5 version after every single contract had been agreed and signed off for the Mk4 version. Understandable but all that happens is BAE (other defence contractors are available) just stick on a massively overpriced contract amendment happy in the knowledge that the recent employment of Cdr Biggles and Colonel Smyth (both recently retired) puts them at a classic supplier advantage…… Happy I’m well out of it now…..

[@totwallybaba]

The point of having these stealth motorcycles is to present a more maneuverable and challenging target to the FPV driver.

[@johnnycaps1]

Many feel riding a motorcycle can be very dangerous, although it's probably less dangerous than engaging an opposing military unit that is trying to kill and destroy you. Very informative video - filling an information gap for me.

[@davegrove795]

Hell yeah! In desert shield/storm I bumped into bikes regularly. We teased the Brits for having to dismount to kick start. I was pretty jealous, as a long time dirt rider.

[@ifv2089]

Used to ride the Yamaha Grizzly around helmand province 2009-10 was wild times, the Yamaha quad was very effective in many roles and became a work horse for patrols, wasnt used for every patrol but situation dependent very capable bit of kit.

[@eddiestray4870]

As a 2 wheller in a large city, I can attest their mobility and, since electric models are getting popular, how silent even the cheaper civilian ones can be. Also, since local security forces long ago adopted wolfpack tactics for law enforcement (particularly against cartels employing hit and run robberies and strikes against rival factions), it's no wonder army went same way... Not only that but due to traffic, some units got equipped with adapted XT-660 with pre-rescue kits for medical emergencies and even firefight equipment! Strapping fighting gear is just a natural step...

[@user-bf1ne6iv6o]

Very very good video.Thanks.

[@jamesspry3294]

My first "road" bike was a KLR 650. It's steady and reliable, but not fast or sporty like plenty of others. But it'll get you through, and you can fix them with a but of wire and some duct tape. Parts are everywhere, all around the world. That's why the military still use them. They're good all rounders!

[@SGTvolcan]

The Diesel KLR 650 was the way to go. 600 miles on 6 gallons is still unrivaled for a 40 horse power bike. That being said. I have that exact 2023 KLR 650S. The S stands for Short because the seat height has been lowered by 2 and a half inches. I'm 6 foot 3 inches tall. But the only place i get wind on the highway is my shoulders (I'm top wide) and my head. It's a great machine with 30+ years of Kawasaki evolving tech thrown into it.

[@julianshepherd2038]

Is that nice quiet so you don't get spotted and shot?

[@SGTvolcan]

@@julianshepherd2038 Yes actually, the diesel is very quiet. Bikes and Beards channel has multi episode videos on the diesel KLR650's. Sadly today, they're around 20k.

[@mangrumpyold1871]

The Diesel KLR was a good idea but they are too heavy. For what they are doing you want something dirt bike light and low maintenance. I think they are moving in the right direction.

[@SGTvolcan]

@@mangrumpyold1871 I think the real issue is converting civilian vehicles for military use. With the rising need of a recon bike. It won't be long before they make a dedicated bike for military use from the ground up.

[@kinotroikgames2818]

The KLR sucks unless you’re riding gravel roads and flat terrain. I guarantee you, you couldn’t take it where I ride. Not everywhere is flat like the us lol the government should have given the contract to ktm to get some 300 2 strokes. Now that’s some technology that’s been pushed to its limit. The 300 will probably not drive as far but it’ll get you over anything, and over any mountain/ hill. I guess you guys aren’t thinking very far ahead lol If there’s a conflict going on and you need to get somewhere quickly. I on a 300 2 strokes wouldn’t be limited to public roads or flat terrain. You could easily go through the woods, up on a mountain for the high ground, then back down, you could squeeze between tight terrain, like say there’s a hiking trail that’s fairly tight between trees, the 300 can get through it lol there are so many advantages to having a 300 2 stroke bike over the heavy and slow 650’s

[@customkev67]

Granddad was a dispatch rider during WWII... for a while in England on bicycle, then on the push through Holland, Belgium & Denmark on a motorcycle... I'm pretty sure he rode a Norton but, not 100% ... He did have an Indian Scout after the war but, after taking granny out for a spin, she made him get rid of it. lol

[@tomcatt1507]

yea my grandfather was a runner/messanger in italy with our Canadian forces. used a motorcycle. im not aware of what type, sure wish i knew.

[@Shinkajo]

He defeated the nazis, but couldn't defeat his wife.

[@carbharharbcar5867]

that's crazy man, i have no clue how boomers let themselves get so pussywhipped, just say no bro

[@Albert4H]

​@@tomcatt1507 My grandfather was with the 6th Recce in Italy, Netherlands and France. He said that he was issued Triumphs and Nortons, but that he'd beg/buy/steal a Harley from the Americans whenever he had a chance. Then he'd get caught and issued another Brit-bike until they'd come across more Americans.

[@tj_2701]

Informative 👍👍👍👍

[@103SideProjects]

Don’t forget that great feeling you get after a ride.

[@kennethng8346]

I like the innovation and out of the box thinking for these hybrid bikes. As for charging, I'm surprised they have not developed a gas powered fuel cell battery charger. You leave it near the front line, quietly charging the battery packs. Then periodically they come by and swap out the battery packs on the bikes.

[@RobFomenko]

You really wouldn't even need to recharge the battery then just switch it out with a fully charged one. Your support team to take care of the recharge. Lithium batteries have temperature parameters where they can't be charged. And solar panels don't work because most of those batteries are 48-52 volts. A small solar panel like he shows in the video cannot supply that voltage.

[@kennethng8346]

@@RobFomenko Thats the idea. A small gasoline powered fuel cell charging a replacement pack of lithium batteries. Small, quiet, low noise, low heat. Come by, swap the batteries, and go. Can be hidden under the forest canapy. Record location with a gps.

[@b127_1]

​@@RobFomenkoYou very much can charge 48v batteries from solar panels, it just needs some kind of charge controller in between. You will however need fairly big solar panels to get useful amounts of energy. Probably over a square meter of panels if you want to charge a bike in one day.

[@user-pq4by2rq9y]

the buggy can charge the batteries I bet

[@RobFomenko]

Yeah those big solar panels would not work in a high threat environment. I know about charge controllers as I have 1400 w of solar on the roof of my RV and 600 amps of lithium batteries. But it's stepping the voltage down which is a whole lot easier than increasing it.

[@ubrukelig2777]

I wished they named it the Light Infantry Mobile Platform... AKA LIMP

[@AaronHendu]

This is why I love my ebike vs a motorcycle...it is super silent and a joy to ride in nature.

[@raywalteroutdoors]

I can't wait to read this safety brief

[@GameFuMaster]

I've been wonder why they don't use silent/quiet ATVs with anti-tank weaponry to go on tank hunts, or at least make them more maneuverable when a tank is detected

[@davidty2006]

There is 6x6 quad bikes which are similar. Though sounds like were gonna need to bring back the universal carrier, but make it electric...

[@GameFuMaster]

@@davidty2006 well, the universal carrier is just an APC. the quad bike would basically be a more powerful and stable version of the motorcycle, being able to carry more load with more range, at the cost of a bit of mobility.

[@misterperson3469]

​@@GameFuMasterthere is a big trade-off with getting heavier than these dirt bike style vehicles. That being you can really lift them with 1 or 2 people if theres an obstacle it cant handle or it gets stuck somewhere. An ATV might get stuck at the first ridge or ditch you come across and there wouldn't be nearly as much that you could do about it

[@haakoflo]

ATV's are easy to spot with drones, and you cannot hear the drones when there are tank engines running nearby. With a motorbike, you are a much harder target to attack with a drone, as with the bike it is easier to hide behind cover (or even dismount from to take cover). It's also smaller, making it harder to hit if spotted and if actually hit, only one man is lost.

[@GameFuMaster]

@@haakoflo i feel like you don't know what an ATV is

[@DigitalNeb]

Horse soldiers, man. The method continues to evolve, but the tactic is always going to be viable.

[@kiereluurs1243]

So glad you got 10 magazines ready at hand. I feel secure now. I assume they are empty. But hey, it looks 'cool'!

[@robs4517]

As a dirt bike rider, I now want to change branches. Bikes are very versatile, and you will be surprised at where they can go.

[@TheDacane]

Making a KLR slower is an impressive feat. That said ive seen other info on the multifuel klrs and there is honestly some impressive engineering.

[@cborecky]

I would think a 4 wheeled ATV would do better. With an MC you need all 4 limbs engaged, but an ATV could be driven more simply. They could also carry more weight, batteries, etc. We're heading back to the WW2 jeep instead of using million dollar armored vehicles to run base errands.

[@Lafiel-gc8fn]

Dont they use those polaris side by side now? Its essentially an atv with steering wheel and more conventional car-like layout. Mechanically like engines etc are closer to atv.

[@petermonahan2140]

Take a look at the Ural motorcycle and let us know your opinion of that being re-tasked for military use. Not as silent yet still lightweight, designed with a sidecar plus it has two-wheel drive that could be beneficial in some terrains.

[@PaulG.x]

Yes ! Equip the military with pre WW2 military motorcycles. Excellent idea!

[@martinkrijger]

The Ural is the bmw from WWII. But the factory was relocated to the Urals after WWII. Also the XA remained experimental in WWII. The WLA was the mass produced bike. Also WLC's were used by the Canadians.

[@mikefingbond3888]

Good video, Cappy

[@quietprofessional]

Great video, disappointed that the Suzuki SP600 was not given an honorable mention as it was used by Delta Force Major Scott McCoy and that it was outfitted with two front rockets, two front short-barreled machine guns, and two rear mortar cannons. Much of the WWII-era motorcycle-riding veterans were behind the creation of the Motorcycle Clubs we know today, including the Hells Angels (inspired by the bomber crews of the US Army Air Corps (thanks @jacquesstrapp3219)) , so no surprise you would find many of today's vets who were given the opportunity to ride in the military among the MCs.

[@jamesbernald2850]

Also no mention of the flying motorcycle used by Megaforce’s Ace Hunter.

[@mikhailglobus6766]

Does it mean that soon we are going to see MC clubs riding Suzuki and Zero?

[@jacquesstrapp3219]

The Hell's Angel's were formed from Army Air Corps bomber crews not MC messengers. Look up the history of that name

[@repete111]

Colonel, it's the major!

[@smtkelly]

Surron eMX bikes fits the role better. The lighter weight means they can be lifted over objects and some even have peddles to get you home. Combine them with a a staging area ATV with a silent diesel generator or powerbank.

[@JimmyStewpot]

Can't take the weight required.

[@vg30dett]

Some of the footage he put up is of the Surron e-bike being used, Zero is probably a bit more upscale and dirt bike capable but extra weight. I have a Surron and the only thing holding it back for missions like they intend to operate under this is its range that could possibly be fixed with upgraded batteries for more capacity. Otherwise very capable e-bike that blends the line between bike/motorcycle. Also Surron's pedal system (optional) is atrocious and only there for legal reasons.

[@kinotroikgames2818]

That’s a terrible idea. Just give them 300 2 strokes. Easy to maintain. Cheap to repair. And super reliable technology that’s been pushed to its limit by ktm. On these 300 2 strokes, you can literally ride for probably a good 4 to 5 hours before needing to refuel. Also the 2 strokes are very light, enduro riders have made a chainsaw holder for them, that could come in handy and they are actually pretty damn quiet. Mostly the beta’s there 300s are super quiet.

[@hung8969]

@@kinotroikgames2818you’re actually autistic lol. 2 strokes are beyond loud

[@akosh4926]

@@kinotroikgames2818 and hear, smell and see them (thermal vision) the a 100 miles away…… nope. Zero it is.

[@andrewholm6341]

My friend showed me his dad’s electric dirt bike in like 2010 so I soon later thought “there’s no reason these couldn’t be used for military applications” now I’m a ghost recon breakpoint lover and they’re all over in game and I’m like “this makes perfect sense” lol

[@bendrenth441]

A piece of World Wars era equipment I never thought I'd see used in a modern military application

[@daveoatway6126]

Great video as usual! Wow, the Army is changing fast in good ways. I served from 1965 to 1986. The new leverage of technology and assessment of differences in theaters characteristics was not as needed then. Now there seems to be recognition of the need for alternative modes of deployment and fighting! Your examination of the issues of different modes and capabilities is spot on!

[@sukt00]

Wow, you’ve lived through the most transformative time I think anyone could have. You won the lottery for the time you were born, pretty awesome!

[@daveoatway6126]

60s music was great too! It's been a great life - 79 now and perfect health.@@sukt00

[@Sky_Pony_1_mic_sierra]

The army is changing in good ways??? One soldier out of 300,000 might twist an ankle on this, which is why the Army would never consider it.

[@EndOfCenturyTyrant]

Always good to see another video but, how come this one was reuploaded?

[@lynnhooley7608]

Thank you

[@punkavaug]

My pops and his buddy started a company after their last deployment and initially started developing this bike. They eventually sold it all off, but I got to see and sit on that thing before it ever started getting mass produced, when there was only 1 in my dads buddys garage.

[@granatmof]

I remember reading about the US Army researching deploying heavy duty electric skooters like a decade ago in a similar role like a decade ago. I guess they went with the bike option instead.

[@Shinkajo]

Scooters? Like the ones you stand on?

[@oknevals]

It takes a lot of skill and experience to be competent dirt/offroad rider. Not to mention carrying load in high stress/fatigue environment. It is niche branch but, it may be useful in some scenarios.

[@phazix6529]

One big issue I saw with the plan to deploy these from MRAP type vehichles is that the MRAP could be a target while waiting/loitering while the bikes are away

[@iadam1993]

War is basically a constant competition of wits and strategy of how to exploit weaknesses the most effective way.

[@WagesOfDestruction]

I am an experienced dirt bike rider. My first thoughts are that while electric bikes could potentially provide military advantages in terms of stealth and mobility through rugged terrain, eg jungle, there are serious safety and injury risks to consider. This environment presents many hazards even for experienced dirt bike riders - hidden roots, rocks, holes and drops that could easily cause accidents. When adding the stress of combat conditions and the pressure of military operations, the risk of crashes and injury would be exponentially increased. Also, soldiers carrying heavy weapons, equipment and body armor on unfamiliar bikes in unpredictable terrain would be pushing the limits of safety. Even minor spills could lead to severe damage if dismounts and landings aren't executed perfectly.

[@dulankak]

The Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment has a unit using dirt bikes,they are known as "The Rapid Deployment Force",which was adopted by other elite units of the Sri Lankan Military.Members of these dirt bike units are known as Combat Riders.

[@WagesOfDestruction]

@@dulankak Do you have info on their safety records? I think it would be likely that over the years, there have been many accidental casualties among these highly skilled Combat Riders due to the inherent dangers of their mission requirements.

[@MylesKillis]

They won’t be moving at race paces. They just use them so you don’t have to walk.

[@BoricuaDBO]

Bikes are an excellent choice. I've been playing around with my XR 650 and it's easy to see why such a vehicle is valuable for recon type missions.

[@kinotroikgames2818]

Xr650 is too big and heavy. It can’t go anywhere. I guarantee you would take that thing where I ride and you can’t get up the first technical right hill with all its turns and root and rocks lol they need 300 2 strokes. Cheap to maintain, cheap to repair and they are lightweight so you can actually get over obstacles

[@BoricuaDBO]

@@kinotroikgames2818 so you guarantee it couldn't do technical huh? I actually do it here in Colorado every chance I get so I actually know for a fact it can, bikes way more capable than most people's abilities. And it's only too heavy if you never seen the inside of a gym.

[@ycplum7062]

I can see potential for teh bikes to augment existing forces. The key to remember is that we are adding tools to the toolbox, not replacing the ebike for some other tool. The example of the two 4-wheelers being a communication relay and logistical relay station means they can burn diesel or JP to recharge batteries. An OP team ride out to set up an OP site. Four bikes go out, but the team only consists of 3 soldiers. The fourth bike only carries fresh batteries. Once at the site, the drained batteries are switched out for fresh batteries with the fourth soldier bring those drained batteries back to the 4-wheeler to be recharged. The fourth bike can act to resupply food, water, and otehr necessities, to include fresh batteries. I really wished I had this when I was a 19D. We had M113s, HMMWVs, and later M901 ITVs. We were not small or quiet.

[@thekwoka4707]

When I was in the Marines, we had some motorcycles for MARSOC. Only a few, they existed and were used.

[@alexisnogueras9400]

I always thought you could overwhelm an enemy with a bunch of motorcycles, especially on small objectives. Definitely the future. You still need the big stuff to carry the little stuff.

[@user-sc7fk5ys6x]

Am I the only one thinking, this is a whole lot like what happened in Israel recently?

[@thrasherLT]

I love how many Lithuanian flags I get to see in this vid. Our spec ops are the pride of our nation, carrying the legacy of our guerilla war against the soviets and we're even manufacturing military electric bikes.

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Nice. At 1133 you have pictures from my last Afghanistan deployment BMG FOB Todd. Must have been a MSOT before the one I was with because we closed that FOB down. We lost one on that deployment (Sgt Hansen) I planted a Japanese maple in my front yard in his honor. Beautiful tree with red leaves 🍁.

[@tadams1969]

This is a modern version of old-school Cavalry tactics.

[@MusicalMemeology]

Apparently a lot of this dispersed warfare theory has come from UK military. Would be cool if you could do an episode about the different militaries theories on this. Wouldn’t surprise me if the Australian military also has some input.

[@gl1363]

In the late 90s while doing national service in Singapore, I was a brigade recon in teams of 4 on 3 bikes. That's our main insertion mode besides heli

[@nicholasjones7774]

cappy taking a page out of the pergozin school of content production 😂 standing in a forest in full kit for no real reason other than giving the right vybe to the video

[@Hikaru109Ichijyo]

I remember at the recruiting station in 2013 ish bunch of young men join in as Cav Scouts, thinking they'd be riding dirt bikes, they were bummed out when they found out Cav actually used Humvees, Bradleys, and Strykers, and went with different MOS. I guess the dirt bikes is a possiblity now. I found out I couldn't get in (health), MEPS had let me in initially but the later medical testing via Navy Hospital ruled me out.

[@glennwilliams3692]

This channel has come a long way

[@keza3250]

The Australian special air service Aka sasr use motor bikes for scouting an reconnaissance an still do for patrol out riders

[@Ocker3]

Did I just see a clip of a guy on a silent bike pulling a pistol and poking it through a window, from an Australian Army video?? 🇦🇺 Hell, that's a whole series of Australian Army promo video clips 😎

[@leesuschrist]

The KLR650 is a legendary dual sport motorcycle.

[@kurtlovef150]

That last dirt bike he talked about was extremely impressive. I really want

[@John_Conner222]

Love the video and love the Delta Force vibes but drone technology has moved forward in ways that would scare even the hardest and most grizzled general. They have swarms that can move through tree cover effortlessly. With the new torodial blades they can move almost quietly and the stuff from Festo IS quiet because they don't use blades, they mimic nature. AI has been integrated and advanced facial recognition software can be used to positively ID enemy targets and destroy them with a C4 charge inside them, literally flying up to your face and popping. Lots of stuff that has alot of people scared and is just never talked about because you know corrupt individuals will eventually get their hands on the tech.

[@knoll9812]

In a drone world men on bikes might be the safest men. The men in bigger vehicles will he targeted

[@granatmof]

6:00 if Mangolia takes over the world again, I will blame you.

[@lhpl]

Now that Finland has joined Nato, I'm sure the future Finnish-Mongolian border will be very peaceful.

[@v16v]

This is what light cavalry progresses into in the game of civilization

[@joejohnson4183]

This is just reinventing the wheel as that was the original concept of light cavalry reconnaissance using horses throughout history .