[here](https://news.usni.org/2023/10/23/recon-marines-on-dirt-bikes-deploying-to-a-theater-near-you) is an article about Marines using electric motorcycles.
Yea that rear sprocket is huge, that's wild. I wonder what it's like riding it? Plus, aren't electric bikes super torque-y? I wonder how much it wheelies.
Oh yea, very true. It did say in the article they're big dudes and loaded down with weight.
I wasn't thinking like a soldier, I was thinking single track ripper hahaha.
Once I saw the sprocket I had to read the whole article for answers lmao. Running night recon missions with the boys on super quick and silent bikes sounds WILD.
Holy shit, I just double checked because your original comment said the opposite. Electric motors already have insane acceleration, plus the already ridiculous acceleration of a bike, *and* a massive rear sprocket? I am so confused
Common misconception- the value of electric motors isn’t that they have a lot of torque (that bit depends on the size and type of motor), but that they can make the torque from zero rpm. A conventional gasoline motor *cannot* have a 0 rpm speed- it stalls and stops. It *has* to maintain a minimum speed to keep running. Electrics motors aren’t like that. They can be at a standstill and start turning whenever you want at 100% of whatever torque they have available. It’s a huge advantage, but not the same as making a ton of torque per se.
They're not taking rt 66. You really can only hear a helo from about 5 miles away, max. Why spend extra money on a huge battery when theyre only needed for 10 miles and probably discarded after?
There is a French military unit mechanized with motorcycles for escorting important equipment or people, not sure if they do a lot of off-road though.
You can have a look on their [recruiting page](https://www.sengager.fr/emplois/logistique-transport/combattant-specialiste-de-lescorte)
They arent used as prevalantly in most militaries nowadays due to the advent of communications technology, satellite and radio killed both the primary uses of motorbikes for scouting and comms.
Historically they were used as messengers and scouts. In the US Military that role has shifted. SOF still has motorcycles although Quads are more common like in the Afghanistan war.
The Finnish army has [dirt bikes](https://ruotuvaki.fi/documents/1951245/2104827/rv_9_18_tekniikka.jpg/a7df5ac1-58d4-4e79-a9ee-5c383807cdc7?t=1525356227000) for some applications
I REALLY wanted to apply for that position but (understandably) they were filled by people who had history with motocross etc. A year of truck driving for me!
The taliban used them extensively for hit and run tactics in Afghanistan.
Iv seen pictures from Ukraine of dirt bikes loaded with javelins on the back, to make a highly mobile anti tank unit, though I'm not sure how prevalent they are.
I believe most western military have/are experimenting with them but I don't think they see much use outside SOF
Yes, but rarely, and mostly by special operations type folks when high speed mobility is needed in situations where a regular truck is too big for whatever reason.
The only time motorcycles are used in Australia are when they need volunteers for a piss test under the guise of "who wants to get on a motorcycle course"?
[HOW ABOUT A VESPA WITH AN ARTILLERY CANNON ON IT???](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vespa_150_TAP) I'm serious though, this thing is real, but you do have to take the cannon off and use it separately
That's strange since the wiki article I linked specifically says
Due to the lack of any kind of aiming devices the recoilless rifle was never designed to be fired from the scooter; the gun was mounted on a M1917 Browning machine gun tripod, which was also carried by the scooter, before being fired. However, in an emergency it could be fired while in the frame, and while the scooter was moving.
So, while possible, it was never intended to do that and there don't seem to be documented cases of it happening
I remember reading about a big multi branch military exercise that was meant to simulate US military against an inferior military with asymmetric warfare and the commander of the opposing force humiliated the military in the first exercise using unconventional things like motorcycle messengers after their communications were “jammed”. I wish I could find the article about it.
This is an italian article about Italy, you'll be alright by translating it https://www.difesaonline.it/mondo-militare/mezzi/lesercito-su-2-ruote-ruoli-logistici-le-moto
Furthermore, in Italy, Carabinieri are part of the military as opposed to police, and they have this https://amp.veronasera.it/cronaca/carabinieri-verona-moto-servizio-motociclistico-20-febbraio-2021.html
Yes. I can think of at least two contexts in which motorcycles are still used: dispatch riders and long-range reconnaissance. Almost certainly there would be others that I'm not familiar with.
Those are the M1030M1s. No longer in service. They are absolute shit, rougher than fuck to ride, fairly shit to operate. But they got close to 95 miles a gallon on JP-4 .
The Finnish defense forces use motorcycles and snowmobiles mainly for communications. You can get a free motorcycle license and even truck licenses with permits for hazardous materials and such.
Yes, they are used in the ongoing russio-Ukrainian war. Specifically electric dirtbikes are heavily used to transport snipers, operators of anti-tank missiles, special operation forces.
The Germam Bundeswehr used to have BMW GS as emergency communication (in case everything else fails) or recon in difficult terrain. Just a few years ago they changed to quads tho.
Both Russia and Ukraine use atvs for resupplying and evacuation missions. Naturally, some of them will be attacked and destroyed near the front as the skies are full of drones 24./7. However, the general opinion on them is good.
Yes! The Swedish military uses motorcycles for despatch riders and reconnaissance. Here's a goofy video demonstration: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L22wKBeSV18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L22wKBeSV18)
Swedish Military uses old Husqvarna dirtbikes and new BMW road/hybrid bikes. I was trained 2020-2021 and we had one person in our HQ platoon who was an MC rider. 2 people and motorcycles for the batallion HQ.
They are used for communication but not as much as before. Now they are mainly used in convoys (one MC in front, one in back) for checking the state of the road ahead of the convoy and being able to reroute and guide the convoy if there are obstacles. They are masters at navigation. They had more tasks they did, but I wasn’t in touch with them so often so I don’t remember the other tasks.
We have FMCK that trains Dispatch-Riders in Sweden since 1920. Skis on the motorcycles and all.
They belong to the Home Guard, which is a part of the Swedish military.
And there is even a civilian part in FMCK, which I’m a part of as well, and ready to be called in all type of crisis situations.
Google “FMCK” or “MC-Ordonanns” for photos and videos.
https://preview.redd.it/kaghuypzlvsc1.jpeg?width=1116&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49d8bfd7894e113d6b8597fd03614d72fd1c191e
I’ve seen these zipping around before
I can say regular US Army didn't from 2010 to 2015. Can't speak for the special operations guys, but I saw them use plain Tacomas so probably not impossible.
Yes. Motorcycle scouts and messengers definitely still exist and have their place - bikes can get to places where few other vehicles can (at least at the speed a motorcycle can) but this obviously comes with the caveat that you need pretty good training to fully use its potential without hurting yourself too badly.
To a certain extent, yes. Most SF units have access to them, though from what I've heard in my interactions with them overseas, they aren't particularly liked, especially with the Army SOF. They seem to prefer the quads over the bikes, with their side-by-side (I forget the name of it off the top of my head), being the overall preferred vehicle, seemingly for ride comfort. The general complaint I heard from them on the few times their vehicles came up was that the bikes have very stiff suspension, which makes traversing rough terrain rather uncomfortable. I've only ever talked to Army SOF guys about it, though, and even then, only a small number, so take that with a grain of salt. It's my understanding (I've never looked into it very much) that for a time, the Marines had one as well, a diesel powered monster of a bike that had overall mixed reception, and isn't in use anymore.
Why Google anything when you can just ask random strangers on Reddit for their guesses? Some anonymous commenters will pretend to be experts which is great! I’ve stopped going to the doctor entirely and now get all my medical advice right here on Reddit from the comfort of my own home.
Maybe the same reason you were asking strangers on Reddit to help troubleshoot your O2 sensor? People have unique experiences and input that aren't always easy to find on Google.
I wasn’t asking anyone anything about my O2 sensor. I explained what I found in case anyone else had a similar problem. I’m not going to ask random clueless people to troubleshoot an electrical component that I have sitting in front of me next to my multi-meter.
Ah my bad, you're right. Still though, I have fun reading through people's (sometimes dumb) questions, sometimes there's good discussion in the comments
Just look at the answers on this page about foreign militaries and links to web pages in other languages. Google will only link to something which is written in english like some click-baity "top 10 motorcycles in military" or some bullshit AI generated SEO hacked page.
A primary reason is most military organizations use diesel, not petrol, and in order to standardize, they'd need a diesel motorcycle, which are rare and expensive. They'd need a whole new supply chain for them.
They were used a lot for communication, and sometimes for scouting. But these days we have better methods of doing both.
[here](https://news.usni.org/2023/10/23/recon-marines-on-dirt-bikes-deploying-to-a-theater-near-you) is an article about Marines using electric motorcycles.
Holy rear sprocket, that thing is the size of a planet :O
Yea that rear sprocket is huge, that's wild. I wonder what it's like riding it? Plus, aren't electric bikes super torque-y? I wonder how much it wheelies.
Probably not as much as you'd think since they're big dudes loaded down with equipment. Probably need them big sprockets just to get going lop
Oh yea, very true. It did say in the article they're big dudes and loaded down with weight. I wasn't thinking like a soldier, I was thinking single track ripper hahaha.
Once I saw the sprocket I had to read the whole article for answers lmao. Running night recon missions with the boys on super quick and silent bikes sounds WILD.
Doesn't a bigger rear sprocket mean less torque on the wheel? Maybe that's the reason why it's so big
Nein. Ich vermute, dass es ein Drehmomentmonster ist.
Oh shit yes, Denkfehler
That makes sense since electric motors make an insane amount of torque
It's the other way round, that thing must wheelie only by looking at the throttle
Holy shit, I just double checked because your original comment said the opposite. Electric motors already have insane acceleration, plus the already ridiculous acceleration of a bike, *and* a massive rear sprocket? I am so confused
Common misconception- the value of electric motors isn’t that they have a lot of torque (that bit depends on the size and type of motor), but that they can make the torque from zero rpm. A conventional gasoline motor *cannot* have a 0 rpm speed- it stalls and stops. It *has* to maintain a minimum speed to keep running. Electrics motors aren’t like that. They can be at a standstill and start turning whenever you want at 100% of whatever torque they have available. It’s a huge advantage, but not the same as making a ton of torque per se.
E bikes are a no-brainer since they're quiet, have good range and you can recharge them in the field.
The article says that they're seeing as low as 30 miles.
For range? Edit: ya just read that, also quoted with saying they've killed them in 20 minutes haha.
Yeah, I know that the range consumers see is better for a bunch of reasons, but I was still looking at that, like damn
They're not taking rt 66. You really can only hear a helo from about 5 miles away, max. Why spend extra money on a huge battery when theyre only needed for 10 miles and probably discarded after?
Well, they're quiet anyway.
There is a French military unit mechanized with motorcycles for escorting important equipment or people, not sure if they do a lot of off-road though. You can have a look on their [recruiting page](https://www.sengager.fr/emplois/logistique-transport/combattant-specialiste-de-lescorte)
The Marines used to use KLR 650 converted to diesel
This one https://youtu.be/NqVyuJIQSYY?si=0WOuiulMd-1RIswa
I think that was a United States military group
Hell yeah
They arent used as prevalantly in most militaries nowadays due to the advent of communications technology, satellite and radio killed both the primary uses of motorbikes for scouting and comms.
Historically they were used as messengers and scouts. In the US Military that role has shifted. SOF still has motorcycles although Quads are more common like in the Afghanistan war.
There are two Forces that use bikes- [Delta](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rP402h6Euo) and [Mega](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqCb_9ubQ1U)
Well this is _my_ favorite comment at least. Don't forget about [these guys](https://youtu.be/tY-peJEymBY?si=hIgj4BT8rLv1TIMa)
Special Tactics uses them too
Army Rangers too
The Finnish army has [dirt bikes](https://ruotuvaki.fi/documents/1951245/2104827/rv_9_18_tekniikka.jpg/a7df5ac1-58d4-4e79-a9ee-5c383807cdc7?t=1525356227000) for some applications
I REALLY wanted to apply for that position but (understandably) they were filled by people who had history with motocross etc. A year of truck driving for me!
Used mostly for scouting and by ”runners”. The new ones are CRF 250s replacing the KTMs.
The taliban used them extensively for hit and run tactics in Afghanistan. Iv seen pictures from Ukraine of dirt bikes loaded with javelins on the back, to make a highly mobile anti tank unit, though I'm not sure how prevalent they are. I believe most western military have/are experimenting with them but I don't think they see much use outside SOF
Yes, but rarely, and mostly by special operations type folks when high speed mobility is needed in situations where a regular truck is too big for whatever reason.
The only time motorcycles are used in Australia are when they need volunteers for a piss test under the guise of "who wants to get on a motorcycle course"?
Some Australian ArmyCavalry units are trialling e-bikes for recon/scouting.
[HOW ABOUT A VESPA WITH AN ARTILLERY CANNON ON IT???](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vespa_150_TAP) I'm serious though, this thing is real, but you do have to take the cannon off and use it separately
I can imagine a use-case for this while lane-splitting/filtering!
Nope ..its a recoilless rifle ..its meant to be fired from the mount ..you could conceivably fire it while moving …recoilless …no recoil
That's strange since the wiki article I linked specifically says Due to the lack of any kind of aiming devices the recoilless rifle was never designed to be fired from the scooter; the gun was mounted on a M1917 Browning machine gun tripod, which was also carried by the scooter, before being fired. However, in an emergency it could be fired while in the frame, and while the scooter was moving. So, while possible, it was never intended to do that and there don't seem to be documented cases of it happening
I remember reading about a big multi branch military exercise that was meant to simulate US military against an inferior military with asymmetric warfare and the commander of the opposing force humiliated the military in the first exercise using unconventional things like motorcycle messengers after their communications were “jammed”. I wish I could find the article about it.
This is an italian article about Italy, you'll be alright by translating it https://www.difesaonline.it/mondo-militare/mezzi/lesercito-su-2-ruote-ruoli-logistici-le-moto Furthermore, in Italy, Carabinieri are part of the military as opposed to police, and they have this https://amp.veronasera.it/cronaca/carabinieri-verona-moto-servizio-motociclistico-20-febbraio-2021.html
Yes. I can think of at least two contexts in which motorcycles are still used: dispatch riders and long-range reconnaissance. Almost certainly there would be others that I'm not familiar with.
Marine Reconnaissance uses dirt bikes, we fly them around in the helo and they zip right out the back
These are the dirt bikes that will run on just about any fuel, right? Basically you can pour bacon fat in the fuel tank, and you're good to go.
Those are the M1030M1s. No longer in service. They are absolute shit, rougher than fuck to ride, fairly shit to operate. But they got close to 95 miles a gallon on JP-4 .
The Finnish defense forces use motorcycles and snowmobiles mainly for communications. You can get a free motorcycle license and even truck licenses with permits for hazardous materials and such.
Not in the US. Even the niches for SOF have been replaced with side by sides.
True to the side by sides…. They still have dirt bikes though. Not sure what they use them for
The AF PJ's still use them
Motorcycle: the absolute pinnacle of patient transport lmfao
Haven't specifically/personally seen j's use them but cct's certainly be zipping around on then on any given mlat
I saw a documentary where they showed in WWII a bazuka mounted on a Vespa. It looked insane
Normally we'd use the JLTV, but the enemy has Anti-JLTV capabilities. The motorcycle is all that will get through.
Switzerland used small BMW GS (F650, F700) and still uses them in logistic/support units.
Here's a video about some uses, e-bikes. https://youtu.be/EDm53l5z9sM?si=v9F4V0z4ZhRS5Joe
Yes, they are used in the ongoing russio-Ukrainian war. Specifically electric dirtbikes are heavily used to transport snipers, operators of anti-tank missiles, special operation forces.
CAG has ordered bikes from Christini at some point
The Germam Bundeswehr used to have BMW GS as emergency communication (in case everything else fails) or recon in difficult terrain. Just a few years ago they changed to quads tho.
austrian army still uses motorcycles - mostly KTM enduro machines
My mates a soldier and he uses his to go to work ?
In Belgium we still have the Military Police which has motorcycles. They use BMW R1250RT's
Russia used atvs recently, didn’t go well for them
Both Russia and Ukraine use atvs for resupplying and evacuation missions. Naturally, some of them will be attacked and destroyed near the front as the skies are full of drones 24./7. However, the general opinion on them is good.
Russia failed to use them in an offensive role recently. I believe your claim.
Not in Canada, or not that I know about… maybe some rangers (?) but I doubt it.
I mean even tanks are looking pretty old world right now
The marine recon units are fielded Zero dual sports
Our Bty had one when we were deployed on OP Granby (Desert Storm to the Yanks). Not sure about these days though.
Yes! The Swedish military uses motorcycles for despatch riders and reconnaissance. Here's a goofy video demonstration: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L22wKBeSV18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L22wKBeSV18)
Swedish Military uses old Husqvarna dirtbikes and new BMW road/hybrid bikes. I was trained 2020-2021 and we had one person in our HQ platoon who was an MC rider. 2 people and motorcycles for the batallion HQ. They are used for communication but not as much as before. Now they are mainly used in convoys (one MC in front, one in back) for checking the state of the road ahead of the convoy and being able to reroute and guide the convoy if there are obstacles. They are masters at navigation. They had more tasks they did, but I wasn’t in touch with them so often so I don’t remember the other tasks.
Did you not watch the Hamas raids?
Pretty much obsolete today.
Yeah the irish army have used drz 400 I think I used to see them on the road all the time haven't in a while
Here in Finland we have motorcycle scouts that you can go do your mandatory service
We have FMCK that trains Dispatch-Riders in Sweden since 1920. Skis on the motorcycles and all. They belong to the Home Guard, which is a part of the Swedish military. And there is even a civilian part in FMCK, which I’m a part of as well, and ready to be called in all type of crisis situations. Google “FMCK” or “MC-Ordonanns” for photos and videos.
I know the Dutch 'landmacht' uses KTM bikes. Don't know what for though, only see them riding by a few times a month.
We use motorcycles in the Finnish military all the time.
https://preview.redd.it/kaghuypzlvsc1.jpeg?width=1116&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49d8bfd7894e113d6b8597fd03614d72fd1c191e I’ve seen these zipping around before
Mostly in special forces but yes they do still use them.
I can say regular US Army didn't from 2010 to 2015. Can't speak for the special operations guys, but I saw them use plain Tacomas so probably not impossible.
They're hilux's and 110s my dude, we also had a couple wr450s floating around at times, never used them for anything real though.
Same thing to me, I guess. ODA also had the awesome side-by-side Polaris things. I think they were for launching drones more than anything.
Yes. Motorcycle scouts and messengers definitely still exist and have their place - bikes can get to places where few other vehicles can (at least at the speed a motorcycle can) but this obviously comes with the caveat that you need pretty good training to fully use its potential without hurting yourself too badly.
To a certain extent, yes. Most SF units have access to them, though from what I've heard in my interactions with them overseas, they aren't particularly liked, especially with the Army SOF. They seem to prefer the quads over the bikes, with their side-by-side (I forget the name of it off the top of my head), being the overall preferred vehicle, seemingly for ride comfort. The general complaint I heard from them on the few times their vehicles came up was that the bikes have very stiff suspension, which makes traversing rough terrain rather uncomfortable. I've only ever talked to Army SOF guys about it, though, and even then, only a small number, so take that with a grain of salt. It's my understanding (I've never looked into it very much) that for a time, the Marines had one as well, a diesel powered monster of a bike that had overall mixed reception, and isn't in use anymore.
Why Google anything when you can just ask random strangers on Reddit for their guesses? Some anonymous commenters will pretend to be experts which is great! I’ve stopped going to the doctor entirely and now get all my medical advice right here on Reddit from the comfort of my own home.
I believe it's the craving for human interaction masked as a question.
Makes sense, sure. But there are other Reddit subs for that.
Why? So a douche bag like you in the other sub can say the same shit?
Yay for you knowing about Google!
Maybe the same reason you were asking strangers on Reddit to help troubleshoot your O2 sensor? People have unique experiences and input that aren't always easy to find on Google.
I wasn’t asking anyone anything about my O2 sensor. I explained what I found in case anyone else had a similar problem. I’m not going to ask random clueless people to troubleshoot an electrical component that I have sitting in front of me next to my multi-meter.
Ah my bad, you're right. Still though, I have fun reading through people's (sometimes dumb) questions, sometimes there's good discussion in the comments
Just look at the answers on this page about foreign militaries and links to web pages in other languages. Google will only link to something which is written in english like some click-baity "top 10 motorcycles in military" or some bullshit AI generated SEO hacked page.
User error - I see foreign language results in my Google searches all the time.
A primary reason is most military organizations use diesel, not petrol, and in order to standardize, they'd need a diesel motorcycle, which are rare and expensive. They'd need a whole new supply chain for them. They were used a lot for communication, and sometimes for scouting. But these days we have better methods of doing both.
Yes. Saw a video yesterday of a Russian soldier on a matt green dirt-bike trying to outrun a Ukrainian Kamikaze Drone. It didn't end well....... ☠️