For their military operations US Special Operation Forces need a fast, near silent and easy to handle mean of transportation. For this purpose, Zero Motorcycles conceived an all electric off-road motorcycle currently being tested in real operation conditions. The 2013 MMX military motorcycle main features include:
Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls, Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure, Modular and quick-swappable power packs, Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion, Switchable headlight for night-time stealth, Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems, Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations, Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control, Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap.
wheni was in the marines I was part of a pilot program with converterd klx 650 Kawasaki’s….this bike would have been way better! lol
Made in Santa Cruz, USA!
Considering the fact that in most operations, electricity to recharge the batteries will be unavailable, are these bikes considered disposable similar to ammunition? Once fired, expendable?
Good point Mr. Greenwald.
I’m sure that since everything is on our dime, that they’ll get disposed of as necessary.
I just hope they don’t leave any of our troops in harms way because of limited range and no apparent field / mission charging capability. Having to carry extra power packs could pose a serious weight penalty for a mission.
Pretty cool that they can be submerged up to 1 meter and still operate though.
Iron Horse,
That is very shallow water to start an artificial reef program.
Mike
They have these things on the FOBs now, called “generators.” Brand new technology; maybe only a half-dozen decades old. Check them out: they’re almost as cool as these new bikes they’ll be recharging.
You know, I’d still LOVE to get my hands on one of those diesel KLR conversions, but I think this is not a bad idea for a few reasons:
1. Frankly, our troops are not getting a whole lot more mechanically sophisticated these days. The LMTV/FMTV trucks that replaced the “deuce-and-a-halfs” all have automatic transmissions, as do HMMWVs. I’m not sure I would trust a Marine or Soldier from the X-Box Generation with a manual transmission, to be honest, and the direct drive of the Zero gives them simple twist-and-go operation.
2. Ridiculously few moving parts! Motor, chain, wheel, suspension, steering head, brake levers/calipers… that’s it. There’s very little that can fail, and very little chance of it, barring severe accidents or combat damage. This probably makes for a very light maintenance workload, which is handy when you need every man scouting and fighting, and can’t spare [m]any for the wrenching.
To be honest, these are reasons why I’m mildly interested in the Zero myself. They’re still a bit expensive for the range/top speed, but at least those specifications are FINALLY real-world usable for a daily commuter, as of the latest models for 2013. For bleeding-edge technology, they might be worth the price.
But I don’t know how I’m going to recharge it without that cool new cutting-edge “generator” technology the military has, and I don’t! 😉
Plug in battery bikes are a ride to nowhere technologically.A H fuel cell bike combined with a Peltier effect on-board system with regen braking charging and capacitior auxiliary volt storage is the way forward.
Interesting — I recently read a story about Preston Petty running his modified Zero at the Perris Flattrack races in SoCal. The story is about his race debut — (can you say that about a legend who is over 70?) Anyway, the second time out he won his class. . .
Check it out.
http://www.todayscyclecoverage.com/wordpress/2013/04/21/dateline-perris-preview-of-scfta-round-four/
Scroll down to find the pictures and story.
Jim
WOW a seat strap………Maybe to save on production they can reuse all the seat straps removed from nearly ever motorcycle brand produced since the 60’s.
It’s a bit hard to haul a generator with you when you’re out on patrol, but hey, maybe they have thought of everything and have a tiny little cutting edge “generator” that fits in the soldiers ruck-sack.
Gotta agree with getting to play with one of the diesel KLR’s. They do hold some interest to me.
I also would love to see more hydrogen cell vehicles. Although I’m sure there are probably down-sides to them also.
I’m sure the Zero will haul its generator in the same mysterious pouch the HMMWVs in current use haul their tanker trucks when THEY’RE out on patrol.
Durrrr!
@ A 1 Mike – We had them too when I was in. Mostly the FO’s used them along with the STA platoons. I was at the stumps. Where were you?
Mike
I want the vehicle that will carry the spare battery packs, because it will have to be just as fast, if not faster, go over the same ground and not run out of power, just when you need it lol
Zero is doing great work, and yes, they’re made in the USA. On the recent Quail Motorcycle Gathering ride, I was passed by the Zero CEO on one of their sportbikes, while hauling ass up and over the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca. Those things are fast! Kudos to them. And battery pack with portable gen is utterly simple tech, and as easy to carry as ammo etc…all part of the modern soldier’s backup kit. It would be rare for a man in the field to need more than 100 miles range on a bike anyway, esp in likely conditions/terrain. Beats walking, for sure!