In a market dominated by fuel-powered motors, diesel motorcycles are rather uncommon. But, diesel engines have a number of advantages, including incredible dependability, strength, and low operating costs. Despite these benefits, the popularity of diesel engines has never really taken off.
Sophisticated and pricey engineering is needed to create a diesel engine that is lightweight enough to offer a decent power-to-weight ratio.
Therefore, gasoline-powered two-wheels still rule the motorbike market. Despite their scarcity, there are still a couple of diesel bikes available today that have endured the test of time.
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What Are the Best Diesel Motorcycles?
Now let’s start with the list of the best diesel motorcycles:
8. Track T-800CDI
The Track T-800CDI’s sleek appearance makes it simple to mistake for a contemporary motorcycle. It is made by the Dutch company Evaproducts and is strikingly similar to the Yamaha Super Tenere.
The bike gives up to 140 miles per gallon, making it appealing to long-distance explorers. Its 3-cylinder turbocharged engine was taken from a SmartCar, and it has the ability to produce 45 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. 110 mph is listed as the Track T-800CDI’s peak speed.
Despite the motor’s modest power, riders may expect a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds. Lengthy suspension, Brembo brakes, high ergonomics, Excel wheels, a shaft drive that is reminiscent of BMWs, and a trellis frame are some of the extra components that come standard on the motorcycle.
Nevertheless, avoid blipping the throttle at red lights as you’ll shift into gear and accelerate.
Note: Only 50 of the motorcycles have been sold since manufacturing began in 2009, making it an extremely niche model.
With an advertised engine life of 250,000 miles, you will need to ride the bike a lot to make it worthwhile.
7. Hero MotoCorp RNT
The Hero MotoCorp RNT doesn’t have a very interesting design, but it does accomplish a level of usefulness and efficiency that you won’t typically find in diesel bikes.
This is due to the fact that it is a diesel-electric hybrid with a 150cc diesel engine that produces 13.5 horsepower and 26 ft-lbs of torque in addition to a 1.3 hp electric motor. You get a plain practical diesel motorbike with more power than you might expect when you add a turbo option and lots of baggage room.
6. Neander 1400
One of the best diesel motorcycles ever made is the Neander 1400, which is produced in Germany by Neander AG.
A massive 1430cc oil/air-cooled parallel-twin turbocharged diesel engine powers the motorcycle. The engine can generate 112 bhp at 4200 rpm, making it really extra spectacular than the effectiveness of a typical car.
The motorcycle weighs 270 kg dry, of which the engine accounts for half. In just about any gear and at any rpm, you virtually instantly reach your maximum torque. Although it is challenging to stop the bike in any gear because of the enormous torque, you can anticipate top speeds of 150 mph.
The Neander 1400 is loaded with elements that let it operate at an incredibly high level. Its 108 x 78.2 mm cylinders are modeled around BMW’s cylinder head design.
Note: The 6-speed gearbox shares comparable gear ratios with the Aprilia RSV1000R, while the turbocharger is made by Garrett. The motorcycle features electronic direct fuel injection and a 16:1 compression ratio.
The motorcycle is generally very fuel-efficient, using only 4.4 liters for every 100 kilometers. It can travel at nearly little vibration while making a noise similar to any large cruiser bike.
The Neander 1400 performs admirably on the road overall, but it is extremely large and expensive.
5. HDT M1030
Given its military roots, the Hayes DT M1030 is perhaps the roughest motorcycle on the list. It was constructed at Cranfield University in the UK using the Kawasaki KLR640 as a design model.
The motorcycle’s 670cc liquid–cooled engine has a range of more than 400 miles before requiring refueling. So, it will be appropriate for places with poor refueling infrastructure. Riders may get a range of nearly 650 kilometers when traveling at a constant speed of 60 mph.
The proprietary MAC-C1 technology has improved the effectiveness of the single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Because of this, the motor is capable of operating on seven different types of fuel, such as biodiesel, truck diesel, and five different types of jet fuel.
The quality of the gasoline will determine the engine’s power output, although it is still capable of producing 33 horsepower and 7,000 revolutions per minute.
Note: The HDT M1030 is designed to be dependable in challenging circumstances. With a fording depth of 610mm, it can easily cross two feet of water. Military-grade wire-spoke alloy rims and a robust bash plate bolster the heavy-duty structure of the vehicle.
The motorcycle’s non-reflective surfaces are evidence that it is also intended to be covert. Its blackout lighting prevents nighttime detection, and infrared driving light is an option.
Due to strong military demand, the HDT M1030 has never been mass-produced, but you can speak with the producer directly.
4. Royal Enfield Taurus Diesel Motorbike
The Royal Enfield Taurus, widely regarded as the most popular diesel motorbike of all time, combines a timeless design with a durable 325cc four-stroke air-cooled diesel engine.
This middle-of-the-road diesel motorcycle was actually one of the few diesel bikes that were ever made for commercial sale.
Its production run lasted from 1993 to 2001, which happened to coincide with the peak of the (very insignificant) passion for diesel bikes.
This diesel bike, which was mostly sold in European nations, developed a decent cult following over time, in part because of a power-to-weight ratio that wasn’t unduly heavy. If you frequent enough auctions, you might still find this diesel motorcycle.
3. Star Twin Thunder Star 1200 TDI
The Thunder Star 1200 TDI from Star Twin boasts a sporty design with a black and yellow color combination. It was released to the general public in 2005 and is a creation of the Holland-based Star Twin.
The Thunder Star 1200 TDI was created to be distinct from all previous diesel motorcycles. Its 1.2-liter engine from the Volkswagen Lupo was modified to generate 100 horsepower. Even further modifications have been made to the three-cylinder turbo engine, which can now produce up to 120 horsepower at 250 ft–lbs of torque and 5500 rpm.
Star Twin redesigned automobile parts using modeling software, making them stronger and lighter. It has Grand-Prix front forks, BST carbon wheels, high-performance brakes, and suspension that meets exacting standards.
When it comes to riding capabilities, the bike does not fall short. You get about 95 mpg and can reach top speeds of 70 mph.
Note: The Thunder Star 1200 TDI accelerates quickly in all gears and was built to provide higher torque at nearly rpm. Star Twin sought a motorcycle with a diesel engine that could perform and weigh competitively with gasoline-powered models, so they created the powerful Thunder Star 1200 TDI.
2. Royal Enfield Bullet 350
The only diesel motorbike that is mass-produced in the world is the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. It was first released in 1931, and since 1948, it has been produced continuously, making it famous.
The modern Bullet comes in many colors than just the original black paint job, and it has an aged motorcycle appearance. It is available in Onyx Black, Sapphire Blue, and Bullet Silver.
The bike has 19–inch wheels, a single downtube frame, a front disc measuring 280mm, and a rear disc measuring 153mm. The gasoline tank features the recognizable teardrop shape of Royal Enfield, and the seat includes steps.
Note: Telescoping front forks and dual shock absorbers at the back of the bike provide the suspension. Considering its outstanding features, the Bullet 350 is fairly pleasant to ride.
The bike is powered by a 346cc Lombardini single–cylinder engine. Less than 7 horsepower and 160 mpg were produced by this four-stroke, air-cooled motor. About 50 mph was the top speed.
1. Sommer 462
The Sommer 462 was initially created for the German and European markets and is named after Jochen Sommer. The Royal Enfield Company first began importing models with diesel engines in the 1990s, but their efforts met with little economic success.
The type was redesigned in the 200s by the German-based Sommer Company with a 462cc engine capable of 2000 revolutions per minute.
The performance level of the contemporary Sommer 462 is respectable. It is powered by a Bavarian Hatz single-cylinder engine that produces about 11 horsepower.
Although 65 mph top speeds may not sound attractive, they are not awful for a bike that can travel more than 300 miles on a single tank of gas. Its engine can reach 4,000 revolutions per minute and uses about 2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.
The motorcycle has a belt drive and a four-speed transmission. It is housed in a Royal Enfield frame, and the Indian company also provided the other key parts.
Note: Because of the motorcycle’s compression ratio, which is roughly 20:1, you should not be very quick to start it up between cruising. Given that the Sommer 462 is handcrafted in Germany, its costs are not precisely low.
Are Diesel Motorcycles Fuel Efficient?
When compared to gasoline-powered motors, diesel-fueled vehicles have a greater requirement for the volume of fuel to produce even outputs that are comparable.
Therefore, diesel engines would “wipe out” any savings on fuel that a more compact gasoline-fueled motor may provide. Meanwhile, diesel motorcycles have been developed to deliver high miles per gallon.
Do Diesel Motorcycles Have More Power?
Diesel motorcycles are known for having slower, sluggisher engines than their petrol counterparts. Diesel motorcycles perform worse on city streets as well.
This is not to imply, though, that diesel engines cannot deliver excellent performance, as demonstrated by the Neander 1400 and HDT M1030, among other models. Diesel engines produce more torque but do so at a lower rpm than gasoline engines.
In order to get a good torque out of a bike that is driven by diesel, special technology is also required. Because diesel engines have numerous large-ratio transmission gears, they require a lot of areas to operate.
Note: To get a high-performance diesel motorcycle, you will need to spend a lot of money and deal with a gearbox that is as big as the crankcase.
Final Words
The fact that there are so few diesel motorcycles on the market contributes to their high price.
Due to the technological achievements needed to produce a diesel motorcycle competitive with a petrol motorcycle, the manufacturing expenses are equally prohibitive.