I was surfing the web, checking out the motocross forums, and came across something I have never seen / heard of before. Apparently there is dirt bike that runs on diesel fuel produced by Hayes Diesel Technology. I know it sounds crazy, trust me I couldn’t believe it when I saw it either, but here is the basic rundown:

The Hayes motorcycle diesel engine is based on state-of-the-art high-speed automotive diesel engine technology, engineered into a complete power unit suitably sized and packaged for installation in a compact off-road dirt bike. The aim is to produce the best possible power and torque without the need for turbo charging. To achieve good power, an advanced, thermally robust, free-breathing four valve cylinder head is used, tailoring the fuel injection characteristics. The diesel fuel tanks in these bikes are placed underneath the chassis, rather than on top like in standard, gasoline powered dirt bikes. This indirect injection gives lower combustion pressures which enables lighter engine construction, and thus less ‘diesel knock’.

The usable engine speed range is also much greater than other diesel engines. Peak power of some 50 horse power per liter is developed at around 5800 revolutions per minute, with usable power available up to well over 6000 revolutions per minute. This is combined with excellent low speed torque in a way which is unique for a diesel engine. The motorcycle thus has outstanding drivability with less need for gear changing, which aids both on-road enjoyment and cross-country performance in the hands of expert and less experienced riders alike.

The engine is of conventional mechanical design, optimized for this particular application. Lightweight reciprocating components give minimum vibration and reliability is assured by good design, high duty materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. One of the most important aspects of this bike is that it has much higher gas mileage than your standard gasoline powered engine. Where a standard gasoline powered four strokes gets about 75 miles per gallon, an equivalent diesel powered four stroke gets around 90 miles per gallon. Allowing you ride longer, and spend much less at the gas pump.

Diesel powered dirt bikes seem to have many advantages to your standard gasoline powered engine. They run at much lower revolutions per minute, making them much more durable. Additionally, as gas prices continue to rise, these bikes may be becoming more and more popular. These diesel powered dirt bikes are definitely something to check out.