Dual Sport SHTF Motorcycles
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SHTF Motorcycle When its bug out time, roads may be clogged with traffic or strewn with debris. A bug out motorcycle may be a good choice. In this picture a Kawasaki Super Sherpa is ready for both highway and off road bugging out. |
The Urban Survivalist has a post on using Motorcycles for SHTF bugging out. While moving out an entire family on a motorcycle is certainly problematic, for the single man or woman urban apartment dweller that has a minimum of belongings that require taking along with them this makes good sense for a variety of reasons including:
- Excellent gas mileage. Even the largest motorcycles have gas mileage that is comparable to small cars. Smaller bikes get in the range of 60 mpg.
- Improved mobility. Motorcycles can negotiate terrain that cars cannot. They can maneuver through traffic jams and debris strewn streets and even go across lots and off road using railroad tracks and trails if need be. You can even rig a raft for your motorcycle to ford streams and lakes where bridges are down, clogged with traffic or non-existent try that with a car or truck!
- Increased awareness. Survival Topics has always stressed the importance of being aware of ones surroundings. From spotting potential threats to encountering unexpected opportunities for acquiring food and water supplies, riding on an open motorcycle as opposed to being esconced within a vehicle means you will be more aware of the areas you are traveling through.
- Easier Maintenance. A motorcycle is easier and less expensive to maintain and repair than a car or truck.
When the infrastructure begins to collapse many roads will likely be maintained little if at all. In a short time they will become virtually impassible to all but the most nimble of transportation. When that happens traveling on foot, by bicycle, and on motorcycle may be the only viable options.
A good choice for a motorcycle bug out vehicle would be a dual sport motorcycle since this would have no problems handling rough off-road terrain AND cruising highways. Good choices for entry level SHTF motorcycles include the Kawasaki Super Sherpa, the Yamaha TW 200 and the Suzuki DR-200. Of course, do your research and test ride as many bikes as you can to find what works best for you.
You can read the Urban Survivalist's take on SHTF Motorcycling here.
| You should always have on hand a way to start fires. I know that many of you are relying on matches and/or lighters for all your fire starting needs. While this is all fine and good right now when a simple trip to the local convenience store is all it takes should you run out of matches or fuel or your lighter breaks down, come Shit Hit the Fan you could be in deep doo doo indeed. That’s why always having a Survival Topics firesteel on hand makes sense. Firesteels put matches and lighters to shame. These firesteels will light thousands, even tens of thousands, of fires easily and assuredly. They weigh plus or minus one ounce, take up very little space, and will light fires even when wet. With this in mind Survival Topics offers the Firesteel 4-Pak, consisting of 4 firesteels in varying diameter and lengths that you can keep in your preparedness stocks, bug out bag, survival kit, and wallet or purse. You may not need to use them now (though firesteels are so much fun to use you are likely to be showing them off to your friends and family) but come SHTF you will rely upon these firesteels as a very important part of your survival supplies, without which you may be going cold and hungry. So take a look at the firesteels Survival Topics offers, buy them and help support the website! |
Florida
Great idea. One item to note tho, if the reason for bugging out is nuclear or teotwawki you may encounter the problem of EMP (electromagnetic pulse) which if strong enough will stop an electronic ignition from operating. An older bike with points would be cheaper to buy, easier to modify, and still run. But, if only older vehicles are operationsl you risk getting bike/car jacked or having whatever government survives confiscate it as they need something that works.
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Canada
I've had a KTM LC4 for 8 years now and I can vouch for it's anywhere capabilities. My recommendation for a dual sport would be to go with a Kawasaki KLR650 and upgrade the critical "pins" and lower it by 2 inches. It has a US6 gallon gas tank and will do the trick at a cost that is much less than my KTM.