It is believed that the first military motorcycles were created in 1898 by Frederick Sims. The machine was equipped with four wheels, a bicycle-type frame, a saddle, a power unit with a capacity of 1.5 horsepower. Motor Scout, namely the name given to the vehicle, was equipped with a Maxim machine gun as an armament, an armored shield to protect the upper body of the driver-shooter. The device was able to transport almost 0.5 tons of equipment, ammunition and other cargo. One refueling was enough for about 120 miles. The indicated version did not receive serious distribution in the army.
The development of military motorcycle industry
By the beginning of World War I, military motorcycles were firmly established in army units, operated by all progressive states. The machines were intended to replace horses, so the soldiers-couriers were the first to use the devices in question.
The first active copies appeared in the army parts of Germany. Unlike the "grandparent", they were modernized civilian counterparts, reinforced with machine guns. Such mobile points, despite the thin armor, were successfully used in various operations on the fronts of the First World War.
Post-war revitalization
In 1928, the French Mercier military motorcycle was presented. The original caterpillar wheel added originality to this creation. After 10 years, the engineer Leetr created a modernized analogue of this machine, called the Tractorcycle, fully equipped with a crawler track.
It was assumed that excellent maneuverability and light armor was to provide the model with recognition and success in the army. However, the bike had a number of significant drawbacks:
- Large mass (over 400 kg).
- Low speed parameter (up to 30 km / h).
- Poor handling.
- Instability on the road.
Despite the fact that soon the designers completed the design with side wheels, the army was not interested in this development.
Other original models
The original model of a military motorcycle was developed in Italy. Guzzi introduced a tricycle with a machine gun and an armored shield. A feature of this modification was the "dead" placement of a machine gun aimed back.
Belgian designers also tried to create something unique in this regard. In 1935, the company FN presented a simplified model of the M-86. Compared with other European counterparts of that time, the car received a number of advantages:
- The forced motor of 600 "cubes".
- Reinforced frame.
- Armored front and side sheets.
- Possibility of transporting an armored carriage with a Browning machine gun.
During the serial production, more than 100 such copies were produced, operated by the armies of Romania, Brazil, China and Venezuela.
German military motorcycles
The leader of the German automobile industry, BMW, at first did not present any particular innovations, mounting the M2-15B boxer engine on existing vehicles. The first completely new serial modification from German engineers was introduced in 1924.
Already in the early 30s, the Bavarian concern began updating the specialized military motorcycle BMW-R35. The model received a telescopic front fork, a reinforced power unit with 400 “cubes”, a cardan transmission, which is distinguished by a high reliability indicator from the chain version. Among the shortcomings note the "old" sins, expressed in the stiff rear suspension and the fragility of the frame under load. However, the car was used in motorized units, police, medical battalions. The release of the device lasted until 1940.
At the same time as the R35 version, BMW made a modification of the R12. In fact, this machine was an improved version of the R32 series. The equipment was equipped with a 745-horsepower engine, a telescope fork with hydraulic shock absorbers. In the design of the considered variation, one carburetor was removed, which reduced the power of the R-12 to 18 “horses”. The specified modification gained its popularity due to its good parameters and low price, becoming the most massive representative of its class in the German army. From 1924 to 1935, more than 36 thousand copies were produced both in a single version and with a stroller.
Of all manufacturers of German military motorcycles, the main competitor to BMW was Zundapp, which focused on government orders. Serial models: K500, K600 and K800. The latter version with a cradle was particularly popular, equipped with four cylinders. This feature, along with all the pluses, had its drawback in the form of frequent oiling of candles, since not all nodes were heated evenly.
USSR military motorcycles
After the end of the First World War in Russia, there was practically no military production of its own in the military direction. This situation lasted until the 30s of the last century. The technical equipment of the army required modernization, in connection with which the development of the first domestic motorcycle capable of withstanding all the hardships of the Russian climate with dignity began.
The first army options were modifications KhMZ-350 and L-300. The first device was almost an exact copy of the Harley Davidson, significantly inferior to the American counterpart in quality. Subsequently, it was decided to abandon it. Replaced by the version of the TIZ-AM600, issued since 1931. Own development included British and American features, but did not show any particular achievements.
In 1938, the Soviet design bureau presented several military models: the L-8, as well as two IZhs, under the indices 8 and 9. As for the first instance, it was produced at various plants in the country that made their own improvements, which led to the loss of unification of spare parts.
CZ 500 "Tourist"
This bike of Czechoslovak production first rolled off the assembly line in 1938. Serial production did not stop until 1941. The motorcycle was intended not only for military purposes, but was also operated by the civilian population. Only six hundred samples of the car were born. A modernized version of this “iron horse” was released specifically for the Pope’s guard. The technique was painted in black color, which goes well with the chrome parts of the device.
Harley-davidson wla
This army motorcycle has become one of the most common modifications around the world. It was equipped with holsters on a fork, painted in olive color. In total, more than 100 thousand copies were produced. It was this version after the war that became the most popular as alterations to choppers and cast bikes. In the USSR, the model came under Lend-Lease.
Welbike
The British Valike is more like a mini-bike with a motor. He had a folding design that allows him to transport when transporting military units by air. Later he assembled and served to accelerate the delivery of personnel to their destination, but did not receive much practical use.
World War II period
The first and only of its kind were two German military motorcycles with a sidecar: BMW R75 and Zundapp KS750. They were specially designed taking into account off-road movement. Wheel drives specially equipped for this purpose and special speed made it possible to recommend these machines exclusively on the positive side.
Due to the high price, the models in question were first delivered to the paratrooper units and the African corps, and later to the SS troops. In the 42nd, it was decided to manufacture an improved Zundapp KS-750 with a sidecar BMW 286/1 (military motorcycle with storage in a strategic reserve). He never went into the series. Production was planned for the period after the completion of the order for 40 thousand copies of the R-75 and KS-750, of which only 17,000 came out.
Kettenkrad
From 1940 to 1945 This semi-tracked modification was used to transport light type guns, acting as a tractor. The engine was powered by an Opel engine with a volume of 1.5 liters. In total, a little more than 8.7 thousand copies were made, oriented mainly to the Eastern Front.
Caterpillars coped well with domestic off-road. Among the minuses is a high percentage of turning over on sharp bends, while the landing system made it difficult for the driver to leave it quickly. In addition, on this transport it was impossible to move in elevated places in the diagonal direction.
M-72
Military motorcycles of Russia of that period began to be created on the basis of BMW. Heavy equipment with a sidecar has been used in the USSR since 1945. The car was produced in five cities of the country. Until 1960, it was this modification that became the prototype for the future analogue under the Ural brand.
Initially, the devices under consideration were focused strictly on the needs of the army. The base was equipped with a mount for mounting powerful small arms. The bike has rightfully become the most popular combat “iron horse”. His image is even on one of the postage stamps. In total, more than 8.5 thousand copies of this technique were produced. Only in the mid-50s, the Ural military motorcycle was put on free sale for the public from conservation.
Vespa150 TAP
These combat scooters were created in France for their army. Mass production of equipment of this type began in 1956, was equipped with a powerful gun of 75 mm caliber. Such weapons did not contribute to the widespread use of the bike in the ranks of the armed forces. At the same time, a motor with a modest working volume of 145 “cubes” could not provide the proper indicator of speed and mobility. The scooter developed a modest speed of up to 65 km / h. It is worth noting that the developers planned to use another similar analogue for transporting shells in pairs.
K-750
The Dnepr military motorcycle of this series became an improved version of the M-72 and was produced in Kiev since 1958. The machine was equipped with an “engine” of 750 “cubes”, as well as other analogues of this series from other manufacturers.
Features and specifications:
- Motor power - 26 l. from.
- An improved indicator of comfort and reliability.
- The chassis is made with shock absorbers with hydraulics.
- The stroller was equipped with rubber springs and a special suspension.
- The increased passability of the military motorcycle "K-750 & raquo; provided by an improved mechanism for the drive to the cradle wheel.
- With increasing engine power, fuel consumption decreased by almost one liter.
Novelty of the end of the last century
To strengthen the motorized rifle capabilities of the army, in the mid-90s, the Ural military motorcycle IMZ-8.107 series was developed with a side wheel drive of the stroller, providing increased cross-country ability. The main purpose of the machine is to operate as part of patrol, mobile reconnaissance groups for transporting communication systems and as a multi-purpose machine.
Smaller dimensions and increased maneuverability, in comparison with any army vehicle, make it the best tool for warfare in the city. The crew consists of two or three people, the mass of additional equipment is from 25 to 100 kg.
A large machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber is used as the main gun. It makes it possible to hit low-flying air targets and ground targets with light armor. In addition, armament allows you to fight with enemy manpower at a distance of up to two thousand meters. Visibility determines the possibility of firing from personal weapons of the crew, which is under the guise of individual armor protection.
Features of the Urals
High dynamics of a military motorcycle, the photo of which is given above, cross-country ability and maneuverability provides a powerful “engine”, transmission and chassis. The bike has a base shortened to 1.5 meters, large 19-inch wheels with an all-terrain tread pattern.
The design and layout of the working elements is made according to the automotive principle:
- Engine lubrication system.
- Gearbox in a separate block.
- Cardan transmission shaft.
These features guarantee a high rate of reliability and maintainability. The working life is increased by observing the use of suitable motor and gear oils of automobile type.
The Ural combat motorcycle with a trailer has an especially important parameter for performing combat missions - the ability to overcome obstacles that are not subject to most vehicles. With a raised stroller, the equipment can move along one track, maintaining balance. This allows you to bypass deep holes and obstacles up to 70 centimeters high. The weight of the motorcycle is 315 kilograms, which makes it possible to recant the unit by the crew through a fallen tree or barrage structure. Speed up to 100 km / h provides a high margin of time for maneuvering, while the operation of the bike in question is possible in various climatic zones (from - 40 to + 50 degrees).
Characteristics IMZ-8.107
Below are the main performance characteristics of the military motorcycle "Ural":
- Type of engine - atmospheric four-stroke gasoline engine.
- Power indicator - 23.5 kW.
- The wheel formula is 3 * 2.
- Gearbox - 4 modes with reverse gear.
- Frame - welded tubular type.
- Front / rear suspension - levers / pendulums with spring shock absorbers.
- The voltage in the on-board network is 2 V.
- Maximum travel speed - 105 km / h.
- The power reserve at one gas station is 240 km.
- Length / width / height - 2.56 / 1.7 / 1.1 m.
- Dry weight - 315 kg.
- The ability to use weapons - machine gun 12.7 or 7.6 mm, ATGM, AGS, RPG.
- Additional equipment - fuel tank, searchlight, set of trench tools.
Harley-davidson
In recent years, the Harley Davidson army motorcycle with the Rotax two-stroke single-cylinder engine of 350 cubic meters has also been popular. The specified modification is widespread in various countries of the world; it is operated as a vehicle for reconnaissance or escort. Among the disadvantages of this model is the use of fuel J-8, which in composition is more reminiscent of a mixture of diesel fuel and aviation kerosene. This makes it unsuitable for use on gasoline engines. There are exceptions, such as the HDT M103M1 model. The average speed of the vehicle is 55 miles per hour.
Kawasaki / Hayes M1030
Another diesel-kerosene modification of an army motorcycle. The machine belongs to one of the most utilitarian variations. For the American army, it was specially redesigned by Hayes Diversified Technologies. Up to the 650 cc version, the predecessor under the KLR-250 index was used.