With regard to motorcycles and EMP, modern Japanese and German bikes (I cannot speak for Harleys) have black boxes that are susceptible to EMP in the same way that car electronics are. Older bikes, of course, used points ignitions and should survive unscathed. A good rule of thumb to use would be that if a car of a particular year would survive, then a motorcycle of that same year probably would too. Might even be able to add a year or two, since bike development was always a little behind cars in the '70's. Depending on your primary anticipated needs, I would look for a mid-to-late 1970s Honda twin, like a CB500T. Slow but bulletproof. Lots of them made for many years. Some bikes from that era used 6 volt systems (the CB500T included). I know that the CB500F (four cylinder from that era) used a twelve volt system and is a much better street bike. The twin would be a better off-road bike since it is much lighter. Any off road use should involve different tires. Both Hondas had 19" rims if I remember correctly. Not sure if modern dirt bike tires would fit. Most Japanese bikes from that era should work in a SHTF scenario, with lots of parts commonality between models of the same brand. The beauty is that you could probably pick up three or four of the same older model right now dirt cheap, and have a couple of entire bikes worth of spares. The Japanese would use the same motor in several different models, (like street bikes and Enduro bikes), and just change the gearing (internal and sprockets) for different uses. If I had to think of the things that seem to wear out on these bikes it is cables and bulbs. A spare rectifier and a couple of sets of points and you should be good to go. Another thing to consider is that while the fast bikes of the time (GS1000, KZ1000, XS1100, et cetera) are still great bikes for highway use, they are all close to 600 pounds, and would be quite a handful if used off-road. Hope this helps. - The Other M.W.
Jim:
James K is right to assume that a motorcycle can make a good back-up
BOV. A dual-sport style motorcycle is fuel efficient, off-road capable
and can split lanes in a sudden G.O.O.D. situation (being from CA,
I assume that James is in a urban or suburban environment). Fortunately,
these are also the simplest of modern road bikes. Although fuel injection
is
becoming more widespread, all new DP bikes are still
carbureted (with fuel being fed by gravity). For simplicity's sake,
air-cooled is the best option here, since it is one less system to
fail. Models like the Honda XR650 and Suzuki DR650 would both offer
excellent performance and fuel economy. A bike equipped with a kick
starter would be great, although I am not sure that a decompression solenoid
would be affected by EMP. All modern bikes are vulnerable to EMP since
they use digital/transistorized ignition systems. The good news is
that these components are small and can be sealed in a homemade Faraday
cage. [JWR adds: Such as a metal can or biscuit
tin with a metal lid.] I am currently working on
building a battery
box that will
be large enough
to house
the ignition
circuitry
along with
the battery.
Spare ignition wires, and another ignition module/voltage regulator
would be wise precautions. - "Bossaboss"
Jim,
I see the question of EMP and motorcycles came up. Many of the newer bikes have
computerized ignition systems. Some even have similar fuel injection. They
are getting so hi-tech that they are in the same boat as the newer cars. The
prospective buyer just has to do a bit of homework and find
an older machine with [a traditional] points ignition. With most brands,
it has been a while since any have used points ignition, but there are many
bikes in garages with few miles on them that are hardly ridden.
Unfortunately, they almost always need: new tires, new battery, and to have their
carburetors cleaned
and re-built. Then you are ready for the road. It pays to use gas stabilizer
when storing, or shut off the fuel and run the carbs dry, thereby preventing
varnish build-up in the carbs. It is also a handy place to keep a little emergency
fuel handy for the generator or whatever while in storage for the winter. I always
shut off the fuel and run the carbs dry as winter approaches, not knowing when
the roads will be salted later in the fall. Now they have. I have had friends
tell me I will dry out the seals in my carbs that way, but it has never happened
yet, after many years of doing it this way. Thank you for keeping this going.
- Sid, Near Niagara Falls
JWR's Comment: Once again, the
SurvivalBlog readership has responded generously to a casual request
for information. I am constantly amazed by the breadth and
depth of knowledge that you folks have. Your collective knowledge is
one of the most important factors that has led to the phenomenal
success of SurvivalBlog. MANY Thanks!