7/31/08

Reviewing SHTF Vehicles

My no# 1 Pick is the Rokon Trail Breaker. Hands down the best off road machine that it's been my privilege to ride. IMHO it'll go in country that would stop a tank. Marketed a a two wheel drive Tractor, it has many attachments available: Side car, pump, generator, Plow, Log Skidder, and much , much more. As I see it, the Kohler power plant is easily converted to multi-fuel operation, Though this is not supported by the manufacturer. It's A strange beast with it's ground clearance (15 in.) lightweight (208 lbs.) and wide tractor type tires (5.9x15).
It does take some getting used to as the front wheel drive changes the handleing characteristics some. I must point out that an optional front suspension is available, but was not present on the model i got to test.
The Specs from the web site are:

Trail-Breaker Specifications

Drive System Full time, front and rear wheel drive
Engine Kohler, single cylinder, four stroke, fan cooled
Piston Displacement 172cc
Power Output 6.6 HP at 4,000 RPM
Power Transmission Automatic torque converter into a three gear range selector
Speed Range 1st gear 0-10 MPH (16 kph)
2nd gear 0-22 MPH (35 kph)
3rd gear 0-37 MPH (61 kph)
Power Take Off 6.6 HP (est.), speed proportional to throttle setting
Fuel Tank Capacity 2.69 US (10.0 L) Hi-impact polyethylene tank.
Auxillary Fuel storage 4.5 US gallons (17 liters) per wheel.
2.5 US gallons per 12" wheel
Fuel Regular unleaded gas
Fuel Consumption 0.45 gal/hr (1.7L per hour),
Brakes Disc type, front and rear, dual handlebar hydraulic mounted controls
Starter Automatic recoil
Ignition Electronic Magneto
Electrical 12 volt with 90 watt alternator
Exhaust Muffler with US Forestry approved spark arrestor
Carburetor Fixed Main Jet Carburetor
Air Filter Dry type
Grade Capability 60 percent
Weight 208 lbs. (94 kg) dry weight
Warranty 12 month Limited Warranty

Trail-Breaker Dimensions

Wheels 15 inch Aluminum Drum(12" optional, overall
ground clearance reduced by 1")
Tires 5.9x15 or 8x12 with tube
Wheel Base 51 inches (129.5 cm)
Ground Clearance 15 inches (38 cm)
Height Over Seat 30 inches (76 cm)
Height Over Handlebar 42 inches (107 cm)
Width 31 inches (79 cm)
Length 79 inches (200 cm)
Fordable Water Depth 24 inches (61 cm)

The Model I tested commanded respect Immediately. Just by the apparent ruggedness of it.
I beat the living tar out of it and it came back for more, Way more. Hungry even.
If you ride one of these, You don't need a road. The company has three models to choose from and are priced like this.
Rokon Trail-Breaker $5,675.00
Rokon Ranger $5,550.00
Rokon Scout $5,275.00
It's now on my wish list.

The Perfect TEOTWAWKI Machine.
Dragon
P.S. There is a forum unaffiliated with the manufacturer. ROKONWORLD

3 comments:

Mayberry said...

Definitely a cool little machine.

The Scavenger said...

The coolest bike I have ever seen.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, that is a really cool machine. I imagine those tires would need a buncha foam / slime tire sealant for those of us living in thorny country, but otherwise - not bad at all as is. Specially like that front storage rack.

Might also want to review the KLR-650, an on - off road motorcycle as well. Priced around same as the Rokon. But much bigger machine - I imagine the Rokon would fit a standard truck bed with no problem.

Great review - I want one of these too!

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