Does NZ Really Crave Diesel-Powered Cruiser Motorcycles? This Startup Thinks So.

June 25, 2025

autos cars engines motor bikes technology

The concept is definitely original, yet the performance stats might disappoint you.

Diesel engines dominate many segments of the automotive industry, being found in trucks, vans, buses, and certain SUVs. This prevalence can be attributed to several factors. A robust diesel motor offers impressive torque, exceptional reliability, and excellent fuel efficiency over long distances.

Over the years, I’ve had several diesel vehicles, and my present go-to car is a diesel Toyota Hilux. As expected, they have all excelled at towing, long drives on highways, and comfortably handling extensive travel with consistent power. Therefore, it’s only logical for people like us to ask:

Why aren’t there any genuine diesel motorcycles available?

Sure, there are several clear factors at play here. Diesel motors aren’t typically recognized for their ability to rev highly, something that doesn’t align well with an era where motorcycles excel through their power-to-weight ratio and peak-performance capabilities. Additionally, adding the extra mass of diesel technology contributes to the burden, along with the distinctive loud noise associated with diesels, quite different from what we expect from bikes.

deafening rumble of a V-twin

or the

the wail of a straight-four engine

And we can’t overlook the increasingly strict emission regulations, which haven’t been helpful for diesel engines recently.

However, even with everything against them, some courageous individuals still hold onto the vision. That’s where

Axiom Diesel Cycles

enters the picture.

Image courtesy of: Axiom Diesel Cycles

Started by Matthew Lach, Axiom is an American startup aimed at producing diesel-fueled motorcycles designed to resemble powerful, tough-looking cruisers. The company’s premier offerings—the Knight and the Paladin—stand out as exceptional rides. These distinctive machines are meticulously crafted using a 1.0-litre, triple-cylinder Doosan turbo-diesel motor delivering merely 24 horsepower along with 45 lb-ft of torque. To put this into perspective, such power figures would barely cause a stir in a typical 250cc scooter, much less a large-sized motorcycle.

Nevertheless, these motorcycles truly stand out in terms of personality and impact. The Knight is considered the “entry-level” option—though calling a $49,500 diesel motorcycle entry-level might be stretching it—a bit. In contrast, the Paladin serves as the flagship model, boasting an eye-watering price tag of $54,500. Each cycle boasts robust steel chassis designs and premium parts such as Brembo braking systems and customizable suspensions. They both exude a vintage sci-fi aesthetic that would fit right into a dystopian film setting.

Compared to a

Harley Softail

or

Indian Chief

The Axiom bicycles cater to a specific crowd. They aren’t your go-to for top-notch performance; rather, they’re chosen for their uniqueness, perhaps even as an act of defiance. These bikes serve as conversation starters—bold statements that defy conventional wisdom. In essence, choosing one isn’t exactly what you’d call a practical decision.

Image courtesy of: Axiom Diesel Cycles

However, let’s be realistic: 24 horsepower and 45 pound-feet? It’s roughly one-fifth of what you’d get from a standard 1,000cc petrol-powered inline-two or -three engine. Even basic cruisers such as the

Rebel 500

or the

Royal Enfield Classic 650

shatter those figures completely. So what’s up with that?

Perhaps for Axiom, it isn’t really about pursuing figures. Perhaps it’s more about defying conventional norms, championing unconventional engines, or just providing something others shy away from making. Though I wonder how many folks are ready to shell out Harley-Davidson cash for a ride as peppy as a lawnmower, one has to acknowledge—a part of me finds this concept strangely intriguing.

Would I ride a diesel cruiser such as the Axiom Knight or Paladin? Honestly, you’d have to bribe me to get behind that idea. Still, it’s neat that these bikes exist at all. Someone must be daring enough to take them for a spin.

How about you—would you commute to work on a diesel-fueled chopper?