DAKAR 2011 on a diesel motorcycle

[Dakar2011diesel]

Hello.
My name is Luis Belaustegui, I have been racing motorcycles for the past 25 years. About 7 years ago I discovered Cross Country Rally, and I have been actively racing this discipline ever since. Last Dakar I worked as the Dakar mechanic of Julian Villarrubia, #38. Three weeks ago we finished Desafio de la ruta 40, a 5000 kilometers rally from south to north of Argentina along the Andes, where I raced a GasGas 300 (two strokes)
Now we are preparing to race the Dakar 2011 and I thought it would be a great opportunity to make a statement and show the world that diesel motorcycles are a viable option.
I would like to ride the first DIESEL MOTORCYCLE to finish a DAKAR.
What I know of race bikes, is nothing when we talk about diesel, and I need help to contact the right people. Any help will be much appreciated.
A little info about me
I am from Argentina, I live in Kansas City where I teach at UMKC. I love motorcycles and after breaking 9 bones don't seem to be able to stop racing. I race anything that I can, here I participate in the local Hare Scrambles Championship of Kansas, Cross country and motocross in Argentina. I am the father of three boys and I am still married to my first wife. We have a team of four riders, 3 from Argentina and one form Spain.

Thank you very much
Luis

[coachgeo]

My first suggestion is to get in contact with Track motorcycles out of Denmark to see if he want's one of his bikes in the Dakar. He uses a Daimler engine similar to Diesel Mercedes Smart engine. He has worked on a 2wheel drive version too. He has said in a message before he was a true offroad/adventure rider enthusiast.. which is one reason why his bikes on the market are diesel Dual Sports.

His bike would have to be lightened a lot though for something like the Dakar?

Not sure how often he comes on this board so I emailed him a link to this thread.

NOTE---- oops.. not Denmark.. but the "Netherlands"

[Sphere]

He means Track from Holland.

Company information:
E.V.A. Products B.V.
The Netherlands Europe

English: Diesel Motorcycle producer.
NL: Dieselmotorfiets fabrikant.

Company Adres:

Bloemenlaan nr 11
2235 EM Valkenburg zh
The Netherlands Europe
Tel: ( 0031)(0)71 4014764 (use e-mail for communications)
E-Mail: informatie@dieselmotorfiets.nl
GPS co-ordinate : N 52E 10.688 E 004E 26.304

[andrewaust]

Running a diesel motorcycle in the Dakar would certainly be one for the books, economy wise it would be a benefit as well.

Are there any crazy rulings with Dakar that covers required fuel for bikes, we get hit with this kind of stuff in OZ and I'd love to see the face on scrutineers and race officials when you roll up with a diesel powered motorcycle .

All the best with it, be sure to keep us posted.




A

[Dakar2011diesel]

Thank you much for all the information and the encouragement. There are no rules to govern the type of fuel of the bikes. Diesel is not even contemplated. They talk about two and four strokes to account for displacement.
I am still looking for the best possible option and still need help with Information and contacts.
May 26 I travel to Argenitna
May 31st Dakar presentation in Buenos Aires
June 20th the second Cross Country of in Argenitna
Sometime in July the 3rd.
August 6th Dos Sertoes
August 17th back to the States.

Thank you very much

Luis

[coachgeo]

It's sounding to me you will need to build a bike. Custom frame to fit a diesel matched with all your favorite components from one or more bikes. Only way I think you will keep it light enough.

[Stuart]

I forwarded this thread onto the KLR people just incase they think it an opportunity worth taking. Good publicity I reckon

[IgorVigor]

As nice as the Smart Tiger and the Track bike is, I wouldn't personally want one for the Dakar :S

I would want a basic engine, with mechanical fuel injection...

Less to go wrong, and easier to repair if it does...

I suppose the other thing you have to weigh up though, is power vs economy and also, a big consideration is weight...
Good luck, and keep us posted on what you decide

[Karmadog]

Thou a diesel will be by necessity heavier the fuel load could be made lighter due to improved economy.
So a realistic weight could could be achieved IF you find the rite engine.
You will have to build or have built for you a bike as nobody is building any thing with the capability you would need .
Look at Neander or the guys at HDT would be my suggestion as they are the only guys who have light weight engines that mite meet your needs as far as i know.

[coachgeo]

HDT..... bwwwwwahahahahahaha. That would be an absolute miracle.... since HDT has done nothing but line pockets with US Govt money and produced NOTING.

That's a whole nother topic though. A search will find more on HDT

[Karmadog]

Yep HDT seems to be yet another parasite sucking US tax dollars down like cheep beer at a frat party.
But the technology seems sound on paper even if they are converting gas engines to run on diesel the weight doesn't seem to have grown much.
At least it dos if you believe what they are printing on there web site .

[LocomotiveBreath]

I'd like to help, I have a few ideas up my sleave.
Dave

[Byrdman]

I'd like to help, I have a few ideas up my sleave.
Dave

As would I Luis.

I have access to many diesel engines and 20+ years of building custom motorcycles. Working on converting a honda 919 into a Dual Sport as we speak.

[coachgeo]

....

that thing needs a diesel in it.