Special Operations Motorcycles
The use of motorcycles in the military goes back to before World War 2. Motorcycles have been used for administration / communication tasks such as the transfer of orders across the battlefield, for scouting / screening operations for larger vehicle formations, as a reconnaissance platform and as transport for special operations units.
Even though, in some cases, the 2-wheeled motorcycle has been usurped by the 4x4 quad-bikes, or all-terrain vehicles (ATV), the are still employed by U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF).
Common features of U.S. SOF motorbikes include infrared headlights and brackets for holding the rider's personal weapon. Many are modified in order to decrease the motorcycle's signature such as being painted in infrared camoflague coatings or fitted with run-quiet mufflers.
This article features images and info on the various motorcycle employed by U.S. special operations forces...
Kawasaki KLR 250-D8
A pair of AFSOC
Combat Controllers (CCTs) pictured riding Kawasaki KLR250-D8 motorcycles. CCT motorcycles can be airdropped from aircraft on special pallets under parachutes. The
75th Ranger Regiment also use KLR-250s for administration and reconnaissance, along with newer, smaller Suzuki DS80 mini bikes.
sourced from public domain | US Air Force Photo by 1st Lt. Gabe Johnson
Kawasaki M1030
U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit pictured before loading their Kawasaki M1030 motorcycles aboard a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter, April 2005. The M1030 is a variant of the Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle. A more recent model, the M1030M1, can run on diesel, kerosene, JP4, JP5 and JP8 fuel.
sourced from public domain | U.S. Marine Corps Photo
Christini AWD
A relatively new adition to the SOF inventory, the Christini AWD is reportedly in use by
U.S. Navy SEALs,
U.S. Army Special Forces and other Special Operations units in Afghanistan. The Christini AWD is based on the Honda CRF450 and features a liquid cooled 450cc four-stroke diesel engine.
more info :
Christini AWD (www.christini.com)
sourced from public domain | U.S. Army photograph by Sgt. Todd Robinson
Mini Bikes
An AFSOC Special Tactics
Combat Rescue Officer picture on a Kawasaki KLX110 mini bike at an airfield during a training exercise, 2012. AFSOC Combat Controllers use minibikes during airfield survey operations. They are smaller and lighter than the full scale Kawasaki / Christini motorcycles which also used by special tactics and are easier to deploy via parachute. Mini bikes are small and light enough to be attached to the sides of MH-6 helicopters and can be stowed on the rear of a GMV or similar vehicle. Aside from Air Force Special Tactics Teams, the Army's 75th Rangers also operate mini bikes, in the form of the Suzuki DS80.
sourced from public domain | U.S. DoD Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr
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