I’ve just finished reading Neil Strauss’ book called Emergency. Not completely sure what to think about it, but the general arc is his journey into all things oriented to survival in a world where the stuff has hit the fan.
I know, I know. But it’s an entertaining read in a paranoid sort of way, and ends up in a place you might not expect.
Along the way, he lists what those in the know regard as the three best rides for bugging out.
The Rokon Trail-Breaker . . .
Trail-Breaker. The name synonymous with off road transportation for 50 years has proven its worth as an American classic. Years and years of unforgettable trips to the out back have given Rokon riders a lifetime of memories. Trail-Breakers have climbed up high peaks including the Chilean Andes, gone through mud bogs where 4-wheelers never leave, traversed slippery snow fields and even provided safe passage for explorers through the treacherous Darien Gap. Users include the US Special Forces in Desert Storm, the US Forest Service, some 25 states Fish and Game officers, countless big game hunters, and even treasure seekers. They count on Trail-Breakers because they go anywhere and do it with unparalleled ROKON reliability.
Why? Each Trail-Breaker has patented dual wheel drive, a high ground clearance (15 in.) lightweight (208 lbs.) and wide tractor type tires (5.9×15).
Versatile? You bet. Mount pumps, generators, sidecars, gun boots and 50 other accessories. You can turn your Trail-Breaker into a plow horse or mountain goat. And they even float by virtue of hollow 15-inch aluminum drum wheels. Drum like in you can store up to 4.5 gallons of fuel or water in each wheel. Narrow enough to fit down a row crop or tight tree stands. Tough enough to climb over rocks, fallen trees or other obstacles.
How? Operate for up to 9 hours on one fill up of the almost 3 gallon tank and run its classic work horse four stroke Kohler engine where ever you need to Trail-Breaker is automatic and is operated by hands only. No shifting necessary with your feet. It’s balanced enough to climb steep slopes at speeds of only 0.5 mph. It will also carry two people aboard.
Reliable? Most Trail-Breakers ever built are still running. And the ones built today are even better because they have solid state ignition, sealed gear cases, improved frame design, better comfort and get this, they are now even quiet. The Trail-Breaker uses the Kohler 6 hp Command Engine assembled by Yamaha. ROKON has learned from a rich history of riding and listening to owners. This lead us to incorporate changes that will make Trail-Breakers last even longer. Easy to repair and maintain. A simple thing like the same bearing appears 18 times on the machine. Standard American nuts, bolts and chain make repairs a cinch and easy for you to do the work. Parts are widely available and manuals easy to follow. After all, if you start simple and rugged, it should be easy to maintain.
Trail-Breaker is a trusted and long serving name in off road transportation. We remain dedicated to quality so you can count on a successful trip wherever you go. And now with the latest Kohler engine, ROKONS have incredible power and performance to go with quiet running operations.
The Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Based on the renowned DR-Z400 off-road bike, the DR-Z400SM offers outstanding acceleration in every gear. But the dirt-ready knobbies are replaced with pavement-gripping street tires mounted on 17-inch wheels. The SM delivers all the thrill of a SuperMoto competition in a road-friendly package.
Here’s a review.
And finally, the Ural. Any Ural. But just to stay with the theme, why not the Gear Up?
Want to stand out in a crowd and be able to disappear in the woods or desert? Try the Ural Gear-Up. Just like its cousin, the Patrol, with its on-demand sidecar drive, Gear-Up’s origins trace back to the military past of the Ural motorcycle family. The Gear-Up combination is as tough as a Russian AK-47!
Despite its clearly military upbringing, the Gear-Up is equally fit for more peaceful missions, such as fishing or hunting trips. If fishing or hunting is not your forte, you can still amaze your friends with the motorcycle’s ability to blaze through mud, sand and snow… Did we mention its irresistible camo paint schemes?
To which I would add, having thought about this for about twelve seconds . . .
The Kawasaki KLR 650.
Not that anyone would buy a new one for these purposes.
And the list wouldn’t be complete with out the might GS. Let’s make it the 1150 GS Adventure just to keep things slightly simpler.
Not sure what the list means, but there it is.
Tags: RokonTrail-Breaker, Suzuki DR-Z400SM, 1150 GS Adventure, Ural, KLR 650
Jeez, I nearly stopped breathing until I scrolled down far enough to see you included the GS! Now that’s a motorcycle.
Very cool tires. I bet that can do offroading. It cannot be mistaken as something else, because of the tires.
No it needs to be the 1200GS…It’s lighter so you get more range and better off road. Otherwise I like the list. I think I would have picked many of the same. Maybe a 2 stroke of some kind. They can run on crappy gas.