We love a good story about the end of human civilisation. Whether it’s the aftermath of nuclear war, an environmental catastrophe or the ever popular zombie infestation, we’ve all wondered about how we’d survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Many people would make motorcycles a key part of their survival strategy, which is why we’ve put together this guide to the best motorcycles you can ride in an apocalyptic world.
What to look for in a post-apocalyptic bike
Looking at movies and TV shows set after society has been destroyed can give us a few clues about the way motorcycles could be used by survivors. The first thing to point out is that while motorcycles often appear in dystopian fiction, the people who use them aren’t the kind of people you would want to emulate.
So, what kind of bike would keep you going once civilisation crumbles? Something easy to repair – perhaps a model by one of the larger manufacturers since there’ll be more spare parts to scavenge, or a bike that can be patched up on the go. Modern electronics are also going to be risky as they could potentially fail, and you can forget about using GPS to navigate reliably, as without people to constantly adjust their orbits the satellites will begin to fail within weeks.
The road network will also become more dangerous to ride, not just in terms of physical condition, but by being a great place for traps and ambushes. You’ll need a bike that can handle some pretty serious off-road conditions, so you can effectively explore and escape into the wilderness.
With all this in mind, here are our top six recommendations for bikes to use in the apocalypse.
Ducati Multistrada V4
The Ducati Multistrada V4 is a sturdy and powerful off-road tourer packed with equipment like built-in navigation systems and rider-assist radar that are very useful now, but fall under the useless category post-disaster.
But there is a massive plus to the V4: it’s been optimised to maximise the time between services. That 60,000km service interval is hugely useful if you’re on long journeys, and that’s the kind of thing that could really give you the edge as you’re attempting to escape from the giant radscorpions that have been chasing you for 50 miles.
Kawasaki KLR650
The Kawasaki KLR650 is another sturdy tourer with a powerful and reliable single cylinder engine. The engine has been designed so it’s easy to repair, meaning you only need a few simple tools like screwdrivers and sockets to access the bike’s major components.
The digital instruments could cause issues further down the line, but the overall reliability of Kawasaki should keep them working correctly until the mutations mean you’ve got too many legs to ride it.
Honda CRF1000l
A well balanced all rounder, the Honda CRF1000l Africa Twin’s nearly 25-litre fuel tank will give you a lot of travel time between fill-ups, which, as anyone who’s seen a Mad Max film knows, is a major concern for bikers after things have gone south. It’s also got plenty of room for panniers and storage boxes, which will make it possible to carry all your precious cargo around with you.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid
With all its diacritic marks, the Ténéré is Yamaha’s adventure bike range, and while they’re all capable of delivering the kind of performance you’d need in pretty much any kind of wilderness, the 700 World Raid version comes with the kind of specification that’ll help give you the edge as you traverse the poisonous wastes.
The main pluses are the dual 23-litre capacity fuel tanks, which allow you a maximum range of 500km. That being said, the powerful suspension will also provide some welcome relief as you go further off-road.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
KTM are one of the big players in the offroad bike game, and the 1290 Super Adventure R is probably their most capable dual-use machine. Its powerful engine combined with advanced suspension and steering dampers mean it can handle unbeaten paths with aplomb.
Tubby Tyre Scooters
This off-road scooter from Tubby Tyre Scooter Co could be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s not going to be to everyone’s taste, but it gives you an off-road electric option, and let’s be honest: a low noise bike might just give you the edge in a post-apocalyptic world.
Insurance for your motorcycle regardless of the state of the world
No matter which motorcycle you choose to invest your cash in, you will need to provide it with the best cover possible. Bikesure can help offer bespoke motorcycle insurance for your pride and joy, whether we’re in a post-apocalyptic world or not. Call Bikesure on 0808 506 2074 for a fast quote, or book a callback at a time that suits you.
