

Electric isn’t the only alternative to traditional petrol-powered bikes.  There are a few diesel motorcycles around, and one of my favorites is the Sommer 462.  This one is owned by Lars-Hendrik Schneider, a German living near Salzburg in Austria.  Since last summer, he’s been riding a Sommer Diesel Scrambler, which he’s had customized by the factory.  And although the factory is mostly a one-man operation based in Eppstein, Germany, Jochen Sommer has put more than 200 diesel motorcycles on European roads so far. 



This particular Dieselkatze is an Enfield-India frame carrying a 462cc HATZ diesel engine; it has 11hp and 26Nm of torque, which might not sound much but is good for a top speed of around 65mph (105kph).  And as we all know, the appeal of diesel is in the power delivery.  The Sommer 462 is a four-speed—with a right-side shift—and runs a maintenance-free belt drive.  Lars-Hendrik’s bike is fitted with stainless steel rims and Heidenau K66 rubber, a mud-and-snow tire more usually found on ‘big wheel’ scooters in wintry climates. ( The rear swingarm has been modified to accommodate the larger sizing.)  The bike is finished in RAL2009 orange, as used by KTM, and must be a striking sight as it transports Lars-Hendrik around the mountains of Austria. “ It’s reliable and easy to handle,” says Lars-Hendrik, “and fast enough to make me smile the whole day.  I will never give it away, I have no need for another bike any more.”