Special Operations Forces employ New AWD Dirt Bike

Now this is cool because it is so practical and above all affordable in the realm of typical multi billion dollar military projects. No denying the capabilities of a bike like this.

In the last year or so it seems that Special Operations Forces are finally parting ways with the conventional military by getting away from cumbersome armored systems and moving back towards gear and equipment that emphasis light weight and maneuverability.

From Christini.com:

All Wheel Drive has been proven to substantially enhance performance of off-road motorcycles even under the most demanding conditions. You can easily conquer the gnarliest hills, ruts, mud, roots, and logs that would cause havoc on a conventional motorcycle. The Christini AWD system also dramatically improves cornering and straight-line stability on all surfaces. The AWD system makes the motorcycle noticeably easier to ride and substantially reduces rider fatigue, allowing you to ride faster for longer periods of time. The AWD system can be turned on and off with a simple flip of the engagement switch. The mechanical Christini AWD system provides distinct advantages without compromising the performance of the motorcycle. Power that would otherwise be lost due to wheel spin is transferred immediately to the front wheel. The system adds just 15 lbs additional weight and has a power loss of less than 1/10th hp.

The Christini AWD system has been extensively race tested and has a proven track record of reliability in World Enduro, GNCC, Endurocross, Red Bull Last Man Standing, and Hare scrambles. The system is easily maintained and does not require any special tools.

Although the tactical employment of these vehicles cannot be revealed at this point due to OPSEC considerations, it is known that this dirt bike has garnered high phrase in several Special Operations units. It isn’t difficult to see why, the Christini system appears robust, rugged, and easy to repair in austere environments, in other words, perfect for unconventional military units.

Read more: kitup.military.com...
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If you're not familiar with the Christini System take a look at what it can do.

thats awesome, im not sure how they would fight war in these though

Originally posted by anonforever
thats awesome, im not sure how they would fight war in these though

It's really a mobility issue although a bar mounted AR would be a cool addition to this bike. These bike are light, quick and agile and above all can get into places not normally possible in conventional vehicles. This would also allow them for a more inconspicuous drop in at a greater distance from a target. Ride into a fixed point, stash the bikes, assault target, bolt back to the bikes and get the hell out of the area.

They done a great job hiding the drive chain in the suspension. Would make it a lot easier in sand as well. I had been thinking about something similar for a while, but not like that.

Looks awesome.
Looking at their website, I have a question about what they mean in the purchasing section...

...What Bikes Are Currently Available?

Conversions are currently available for the following:

* KTM Off-road 250/300 XC and XCW
* KTM 450/530 XCRW and EXCR
* Honda CRF250X
* Honda CRF250R
* Honda CRF450X

...

What is included with the Christini AWD Frame Kit

The Christini All Wheel Drive Kit comes fully assembled in a box and includes the following parts:

* Complete All Wheel Drive System
* Modified Frame (requires exchange of stock frame)
* Custom Fork Modifications (requires exchange of stock forks)
* Custom Fuel Tank
* Talon Front Hub
* CNC Triple Clamps

Frame Exchange

The Christini AWD system requires a frame and fork assembly exchange. When you purchase a kit, you will receive a new modified frame and your modified forks.

The frame from the original bike (the bike that is being modified) will go back into the Christini production queue to be modified for a future kit. This exchange is factored into the cost of the Christini Frame Kit.

If you wish to keep your original frame and forks, you may do so, but there will be a $1,000 charge to do so.

You can't buy a complete bike from them, just conversion kits for other bikes. But you have to have that bike and send it in to them, or pay an extra $1,000 to do it yourself and not send them a bike...

Not sure what to think of that.

reply to post by jibeho


Lol you definately wouldnt want to mount any firearms on a motorcycle, let alone an AR.

reply to post by anonforever


Im guessing they are thinking of using these instead of the quads that they use at the moment for running equipment and even casulties on special stretchers to and from the front lines, although im not sure how stable these would be they certainly would have better speed and mobility.

Have you seen mad max? I very much doubt it would be effective but to see a soldier pull alongside a taliban vehicle and jump on top of it to pull the occupants out one by one through the windows would be brilliant!

reply to post by jibeho


I think they could be used for that, but the risk of injury would be too great. Imagine everyone on a bike of their own trying to flee an enemy, possibly under fire. Everyone has to be focusing on driving and if there is a crash then injury is much more likely, plus they cant carry as much kit. A 4x4 would always be favoured even if they are slower and less mobile they provide greater operational effectiveness.

It would be great for a Call of Duty game, but these will be used in very limited roles here and there, in warfare that we are engaged in today a bike would be horrendously vulnerable to attack, they will most likely be used in a supporting role in less dangerous areas or as a support vehicle for dropping of supplies quickly over ground that has been made safe already.

Originally posted by clintdelicious
reply to post by jibeho

 

Lol you definately wouldnt want to mount any firearms on a motorcycle, let alone an AR.

edit on 02/02/1987 by clintdelicious because: (no reason given)

007 Would!!

Clearly weapons deployment is not the intent of this dirt bike. It's all about increased mobility.

The had a different idea back in WWI



Or perhaps a Royal Enfield with a mounted Thompson



Motorcycles have along history in the military and I'm glad to see them make a come back.

reply to post by jibeho


Well they were thinking new concepts back then, the landies that early SAS type units used to shoot up Rommels luftwaffe on the ground were obviously what would have made that bike obsolete. Problem is with IED threats etc I dont thinl many soldiers would be up for taking one anywhere in the combat zone.

Could make a bloody good recruitment video though!

reply to post by clintdelicious


'Motorbikes' could be a new specialisation for the 21st century, they should also try regiment tattooists on barracks, think of how much £ they would make from their own soldeirs!

Originally posted by jibeho

Originally posted by anonforever
thats awesome, im not sure how they would fight war in these though

It's really a mobility issue although a bar mounted AR would be a cool addition to this bike. These bike are light, quick and agile and above all can get into places not normally possible in conventional vehicles. This would also allow them for a more inconspicuous drop in at a greater distance from a target. Ride into a fixed point, stash the bikes, assault target, bolt back to the bikes and get the hell out of the area.

Sorry Jib, but you can still hear these things from a mile away...kinda takes out the element of surprise - which is pretty dang important.

Originally posted by SirClem

Originally posted by jibeho

Originally posted by anonforever
thats awesome, im not sure how they would fight war in these though

It's really a mobility issue although a bar mounted AR would be a cool addition to this bike. These bike are light, quick and agile and above all can get into places not normally possible in conventional vehicles. This would also allow them for a more inconspicuous drop in at a greater distance from a target. Ride into a fixed point, stash the bikes, assault target, bolt back to the bikes and get the hell out of the area.

Sorry Jib, but you can still hear these things from a mile away...kinda takes out the element of surprise - which is pretty dang important.

True, there is no civilian aftermarket for really-quiet motorcycle mufflers. But if you were to pay somebody to make one....

What a recruitment pitch. "Your AWD dirtbike will have a fully nerfed muffler, sorry about that. On the upside, you do get a mount point for automatic weapons."

Vehicles like these serve well in reconnaissance roles. They can negotiate rough terrain rapidly, but aren't able to haul the firepower or armor protection needed for a fight.

Not that new really. The British Army SAS used modified dirt bikes with their long range reconnaissance and "Scud buster" patrols in Iraq/Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War.

And of course there are the legendary motorcycles mounted with rocket launchers and grenade launchers in the Chuck Norris movie "Delta Force"
www.youtube.com...
Chuck Norris is sooooo badass. I loved this movie as a kid.

That is awesome and would do well to help them out, but before anything if they plan on useing them in special ops they gotta find a way to silence them mufflers so they wont be heard from a mile away