Hayes-DT-4

The Military Specification 2004 Hayes-DT M1030-M1 Started Life as a Kawasaki KLR650
Dressed in desert camouflage paint, and disguised behind a military code name, “M1030-M1”, this Haynes-DT machine is actually a Kawasaki KLR650 with a diesel engine. Hayes Diversified Technologies of Hesperia, California saw the potential in the KLR for conversion to run on the multiple fuels the military uses around the world, but some modification was required.

The Kawasaki KLR650, first launched in 1984 is still going strong. It’s the default choice of small capacity, single cylinder, adventure touring bikes that can take you to the mailbox or to the end of the world, and back. It’s tough, flexible, fast enough and reliable.
And in stock trim it’s a good choice for the modern military except for the fact that it is powered by gasoline. Many armed forces around the world associated with NATO (North American Treaty Organization) have determined that all of their vehicles should be capable of running on multiple fuels, specifically diesel and biodiesel in peacetime, and JP8 aviation fuel and kerosene in time of war. The U.S. Marine Corps joined together with Cranfield University (in the United Kingdom) and Hayes Diversified Technologies of Hesperia, California to develop such an engine.

The resulting “diesel” liquid-cooled, single cylinder displaces 584 cc and uses the original Kawasaki main cases and 5-speed transmission but with a new piston and cylinder and the other components necessary for it to run very high compression required when using these multiple fuels. Producing 28 horsepower, it has a top speed of 85 mph. Changes called for by military spec also makes it capable of running in at least two feet of water, and there’s black-out lighting, even an optional infrared headlamp. Handlebars look super tough, and the oversize fuel tank is good for a bit over 400 miles.

2004 production was something over 500 units. Further development of the Hayes-DT bike has resulted in an M2 version of 670 cc which has a top speed of 95 mph. Hayes has run these engines successfully at the Bonneville Salt Flats; top speed of 121.212 was reached! Entered in the Vetter Fuel Challenges, Fred Hayes bike builder and rider, the “streamliner version” won outright with 162 miles per gallon of Diesel fuel. There has been discussion of a civilian version.

Specifications:

  • Engine: Double Overhead Cam Single, Liquid Cooled
  • Bore & Stroke: 100mm x 83mm
  • Displacement: 584cc’s
  • Carburetor: Keihin CV
  • Ignition: Electronic
  • Starter: Electric
  • Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
  • Primary: Gear Driven
  • Transmission: 5-Speed
  • Frame: Chrome-moly, Semi-Double Loop
  • Brakes: 280mm/200mm Disk
  • Wheels/Tires: 21 / 17
  • Wheelbase: 59 Inches
  • Weight: 390 Pounds
  • Top Speed: 85mph

Originally on loan from Fred Hayes of Hayes Diversified Technologies, and eventually donated by Kay Hayes, Fred’s widow. You can see this military motorcycle and many others when you visit the National Motorcycle Museum.

13 replies
  1. Bruce Boquist
    Bruce Boquist says:

    Saw these as a prototype with a possible civilian version. Nothing came of the civilian version, and I wonder if a diesel would sell.

    Reply
    • chane
      chane says:

      I would buy one I love my 2010 klr and it seems to rated about the same but millages is much better so heck yeah I would buy one maybe two but I want the military version love the look and style of it

      Reply
  2. Ken Bailey
    Ken Bailey says:

    Civvie version…please!!! I want one. I can see these crawling all over the freakin’ planet. Highway capable (when necessary), excellent range, light enough, whatever fuel you can find wherever you are,,,no-brainer.

    Reply
  3. John McClain
    John McClain says:

    Wondering exactly which military units are using this and why. I would love to have one. Wondering if you might be able to buy the parts to convert over to diesel fuel.

    Reply
    • Ls
      Ls says:

      I was in the military with a guy who was one of the marines that dropped grenades from a helicopter to break the glass palace roof that they repelled through when we invaded Iraq. He said he rode them and his unit used them for recon during convoys and patrols. I forget what unit he was in but it should be pretty easy to look THAT unit up if you want!! Lol! I’m pretty sure they were recon.

      Reply
  4. Mark
    Mark says:

    We thank those readers who have commented, and have questions about the Hayes 1030M. Fred Hayes was contacted and given your questions and offers this information which he hopes will explain, and provide answers:
    >Hayes Diversified Technologies was sold in July of 2009. The new owners closed the company in November of 2011 without building any commercial bikes. I am retired but still build personal bikes for Fuel Economy Challenges and Land Speed Racing. I currently own four FIM World and two AMA National Records for diesel motorcycles. http://www.dieselmotorcycles.com; http://craigvetter.com/pages/2013-Challenges/2013-Quail-Challenge.html; http://craigvetter.com/pages/2014-Challenges/2014-Wendover-to-Tooele-Challenge.html
    >The Marine Corps does not currently use this motorcycle. It could not be affectively up-armored for things like IEDs.
    >Compression ratio is 20 to 1.
    >The M1030M1 uses a high pressure injection system.
    >The Marine Corps has released a very few through M1030M1s their surplus system, but since the company closed, there are very few spares and no service or parts manuals. Sorry!
    Thanks for your interest.
    Fred Hayes

    Reply

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