Special Operations Motorcycles (2024)

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

Special Operations Motorcycles (1)

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

Special Operations Motorcycles (2)

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

Special Operations Motorcycles (3)

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

Special Operations Motorcycles (4)

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

« Special Ops Vehicles

Special Operations Motorcycles (2024)

FAQs

What motorcycle do Navy SEALs use? ›

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.

Why doesn't the military use motorcycles? ›

Motorcycles are still used by the U.S. military but mostly by special operations units and typically for some very limited tasks. Motorcycles can deliver small teams quickly over harsh terrain and allow troops to move with a lower profile than a vehicle.

Why can't I find neutral on motorcycle? ›

Why is it Difficult to Find Neutral on Motorcycles? The main reason why it is hard to switch a motorcycle into neutral is due to the clutch cable being over-tightened. The lack of slack doesn't allow you to shift completely when trying to switch to neutral gear.

What is the hardest thing to learn on a motorcycle? ›

There's a lot of gear to get familiar with and techniques to master. You've got to know how to shift gears, use the clutch, and execute smooth, precise turns. And, if you're riding a motorcycle with a manual transmission, don't even get me started on that.

What bike do Hells Angels ride? ›

Members in North America are required to ride U.S.-built motorcycles; Harley-Davidson bikes are most common in the club, although other American brands, such as Victory and Indian, are also permitted.

What motorcycle does the Secret Service use? ›

Motorcade Support

These highly-skilled Officer-Technicians ride police model- FLHTPI Harley Davidson motorcycles with sidecar attachments and perform their protective duties year-round, including inclement weather days.

Why are motorcycles banned in China? ›

There are 185 cities in China that prohibit or restrict the passage of motorcycles. In the eyes of Chinese regulators, motorcycles are synonymous with cheap, inferior and dangerous. The cost of regulating them is very high, and it is easier to ban them directly.

Why is Vietnam full of motorcycles? ›

Motorcycles played an essential role in Vietnamese daily life due to its mobility to transfer people and goods. People drove motorcycles to travel around the city from door to door. In this period, Honda motorcycles could be found in every street of Vietnam.

Can you own a motorcycle in the Marines? ›

Basic Rider Course (BRC) - The BRC is a two-day course that covers basic motorcycle riding techniques such as stopping, turning, and counter-steering. This course must be taken within 60 days of purchasing a motorcycle. Without BRC training, Marines cannot register their bikes on base.

Why is 1st gear down on a motorcycle? ›

5.3 First Gear is Not Used While Riding

First gear is used to propel your motorbike forward when it is stopped, not for riding.

Can you start off in 2nd gear on a motorcycle? ›

You can, but it will use up your clutch faster if you do. Many motorcycles have a fairly tall first gear, especially those with only five forward speeds and sport bikes. Using the clutch to start from second gear makes you slip the clutch. Slipping the clutch wears out the clutch faster.

Can you release the clutch in neutral motorcycle? ›

In neutral the gears are not engaged, you can pull in and release the clutch to your hearts content and the only damage you are going to do is tire out your wrist.

What's the hardest part of riding a motorcycle? ›

Mastering the art of turning on a motorcycle can be one of the hardest parts of learning how to ride. Twisting the handlebars won't be enough to turn your bike at high speeds. You'll need to use your body weight to turn the bike in the direction you want to go. This involves leaning your weight to one side.

What is the easiest motorcycle to learn to ride on? ›

Let's take a look at the different options:
  • KTM 390 Duke. ...
  • KTM RC 390. ...
  • Yamaha YZF R3 ABS. ...
  • Kawasaki Z125. ...
  • Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS. ...
  • Yamaha V-star 250. ...
  • Yamaha MT-03. Another option from Yamaha is the MT-03. ...
  • Honda Rebel 300 ABS. The Honda Rebel 300 is another urban street bike that's suitable for cruising.

Is riding a motorcycle hard on your body? ›

Full-Body Workout

Motorcycle riding is not for the weak. You'll need to be in control of your bike, which requires a lot of stamina and strength. As you ride, you engage your core, back, neck, and shoulders to maintain a proper riding posture. You also engage your leg muscles as you steer.

What vehicle do Navy SEALs use? ›

SDVs are employed by U.S. Navy SEAL operators. They are small free-flooding submersibles that can transport up to six combat-equipped SEALs.

What motorcycle do Marines use? ›

Kawasaki KLR650 (FORCE Recon)

The USMC has recently utilized the Kawasaki KLR650 dual-sport motorcycle by various military and special operations units worldwide, including Force Recon and the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).

What brand of motorcycles does the military use? ›

Harley-Davidson and Thompson: A Perfect Match

The WLA went on to see use by military police, scouts and soldiers in armored units who needed fast, agile transportation. Silodrome, an automotive and motorcycling blog, notes that Harley-Davidson reached back in the company catalog to source the engine for the WLA.

What does SEAL Team 6 use? ›

SEAL Team Six - Assaulters Weapons

Guns carried by DEVGRU assault teams include: HK 416 - 5.56 x 45mm carbine. M4a1 - 5.56 x 45mm carbine. MK13 CQBR - 5.56 x 45mm carbine.

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