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Kawasaki M1030 (Motorcycle, Military, 2-Wheel, M1030)

1991 MODERN

History

The Kawasaki M1030 Military Motorcycle, a descendant of the KLR 250 series, has been a staple in the U.S. military since 1991, serving various roles such as communication, rapid attack, and reconnaissance. Derived from the civilian Kawasaki KLR 650 series, the M1030 underwent several iterations, featuring engine upgrades and increased fuel capacity. Its latest version, the M1030M1, is a diesel-powered motorcycle designed to meet stringent military standards, including the ability to traverse two-feet deep streams and a 400-mile range on a tank of fuel.

The M1030-M1, produced by Hayes Diversified Technologies, is essentially a converted Kawasaki KLR650 tailored to run on military-issue fuel. As part of NATO requirements, military vehicles must run on diesel or biodiesel in peacetime and JP8 aviation fuel or kerosene during wartime. The motorcycle, weighing 390 pounds, boasts a 30hp diesel engine that, while not high in horsepower, delivers robust pulling power and can reach speeds of up to 85 mph if necessary. It features blackout lights, a 280mm front rotor for effective braking, and is built to endure the demands of Army and Marine Corps life.

Historically, motorcycles played a pivotal role in U.S. military operations during World War I and World War II, with large orders from manufacturers such as Indian and Harley-Davidson. The military's interest in motorcycles resurged in the 1980s, leading to specialized models like the MT500 and MT350 from Harley-Davidson. In the 2000s, Hayes Diversified Technologies addressed the need for diesel-powered military motorcycles with the M1030-M1, which gained traction with the U.S. Marine Corps and NATO countries in Europe. However, the company no longer produces military motorcycles, marking the end of this chapter in their history.