I Bought a Diesel Dirtbike from the Marine Corps(1 of 214) 

For what it's worth, I am a mechanic in the Marine Corps. If you're able to find a USMC serial number on it, I may have some information. Also, the blackout lights display light not visible to the naked eye, they are designed to be used with night vision goggles.

I own one of these. DO NOT use ether to get it running. I learned that lesson the hard way by shearing the woodruff key on the flywheel (which coincidentally resulted in the exact same sound you're currently hearing when you crank the starter). I know the guy on ADVrider you're talking about, he's a great dude and a wealth of knowledge. Good luck getting her running! Edit to add- that motor sounds like it's spinning really fast to have full compression. Once you get the fuel and starter situation sorted out, make sure the decompression lever is fully disengaged when starting. On mine it has a tendency to stick so push it as far forward as you can on the side of the cylinder head; if it's partially open you should feel it snap into place and seat firmly. There is a very large bolded CAUTION in the operator maintenance manual saying the decompression lever is to "only be used for bleeding the injection system and for help in push starting" and "not to be used for normal, electric starting" (all bold, italic caps in the book). Good luck!

1 of 214?!?!? This is going to be a LONG series!!!

I personally knew the owner of the company that made these diesel motorcycles for the government, Fred Hayes. His company was located in Hesperia, CA. I was disappointed this endeavor didn't turn into something much bigger than it turned out. It's pretty awesome. Fred passed away about 6yrs ago, great guy, a smart entrepreneur.

This one will definitely be a cool one to get going!

The headlight is an IR light that is meant to be used while you are wearing NVG’s (night vision goggles). It’s invisible to the naked eye but when you’re wearing goggles, it makes it look like daytime. Same with the tiny little taillights. This was the same way that we flew helicopters at night when in combat.

I'm a retired Marine. These bikes were all over the place being used by Marine Corps Scout Messengers. I'd say put out a call for a Marine Corps motorcycle mechanic to get his input. Also, every single item we used had a technical manual, even for something as basic as a bayonet, for example. They have everything you need to know about maintenance, troubleshooting, principles of operation, corrective actions, materials needed, part numbers for everything, step-by-step diagrams for each maintenance and repair action, important tolerances, measurements, torque values for fasteners, alternative methods if any to get the equipment running again in a pinch, tools and materials you need before you start each job... nothing is left to chance, everything is in there. You can usually download these as a PDF and print what you need to guide you as you work. Imagine you're at war and your mechanic is killed by enemy fire, and you need to grab some grunt and make him your new field-expedient mechanic. Just toss him the manuals and give him some tools with instructions to live and love his new position. You ever heard of the M2 Stinger machine gun used in Iwo Jima? Marines are pretty clever and capable tinkerers. As for the lights, those running lights operate in the infrared spectrum, and there are such lights on all our vehicles from HMMWV's to LAV's. You use them in combination with night vision goggles. Interesting that they used MarPat woodland digital pattern on the seat. It most likely originally had a vinyl seat in a solid green or maybe tan color. Semper Fi.

The diesel KLR has an almost mythical status in the community. I'm a little jealous. My first bike was a 2011 KLR650. Did the doohickey and thermobob myself. Love it!

Those blackout lights are standard equipment on military vehicles. The reason there is 4 lights Lin the back is for proper following distance. If you were following too close to the vehicle in front of you, you would see all 4 lights. At the proper following distance, the lights on the left would appear as 1 light, and the lights on the right, the same. At too great a following distance, it would look like only 1 single light. Source: I was a motor transport driver for the USMC in the 90's.

The decompressor lever is to enable you to spin the engine freely without compression on starting. Once the engine is spinning, release the lever so that it fires up on compression. You can also stop the engine by pulling the lever in.

Honestly love this channel. I have weird hobbies, I work asphalt paving but I'm a musician that uses synths, drums, grooveboxes, MPCs, and sequencers that i often need to tinker or rebuild but I love classic motorcycles and small engines (snow blowers rollers etc etc). IDK i like putting in the little bit of extra work that actually lets you control said device. And you get a feel of the past.

I was going to say it looks like a KLR. Great video. There used to be a Dutch-built diesel adventure bike called a Track T-800 CDI. It was turbo-charged, the engine was an inline triple used in Smart cars. The company is now defunct, unfortunately. Have a look at it. What a brilliant bike.

Also, by looking at the metal shavings, that thing worked while it was broken. You don't get that much shavings if it just break and stall suddenly. A good small diesels mechanic could probably figure this thing out in a few minutes. Also i'm pretty sure the company who made that thing used commonly available parts to keep the cost low, so the fuel pump, injector and all might be random kubota, yanmar or john deere stuff. The small diesels mechanic would be able to recognize those parts.

The decompression lever is used because the starter would have to be massive to over come the compression, so you let it gain some inertia and you release the lever and it should start.

One of the best videos I’ve seen I’ve heard about these bikes but the way he took the time to teach you something not very many know of! Love the videos keep it up Craig!

The black out function is primarily used for night vision. With the phosphorus night vision optics/devices it’s way easier to see the small amount of light coming from the box. It’s comparable to the daytime light except only those who have night vision capability can see it.

Used this bike in the British forces, it's a land rover on 2 wheels, just Diesel. We had rifle racks and extra fuel tanks. Its bullet proof rode around with NVGs at night.

I was Marine Corps Motor T in the early 2000's. I went to Camp Johnson in NC for Training on the Military Motorcycle. Back then most Marine units had the gas model but a select few units had the diesel model. the school was alot of fun and we got to tare them down to the frame and then put them back together plus ride them through the trails at Camp Johnson. I treated it like a paid vacation.

Combat Motorcycle Scout Course 1989, Camp Pendleton we rode the KLR 250 4stroke. Perfect size, weight and power for scouting, I didn't think a switch to a 650 was needed. I thought they were way less maneuverable in the back country and literally off road terrain. That's was the most fun I had at any course over the years.

Probably already answered but the decompression switch is so you can run the starter and it will pressurize the fuel system to bleed the fuel without causing compression ignition. Bleeding needs to take place in stages, first the tank, then the pump, then the fuel compression pump, then the injectors. Once primed, the engage the compression switch to initiate combustion.

Diesels typically run twice the compression of gasoline engines. It's like chainsaws with decomp valves - let you spin it over easier/faster. I imagine they still have regular klr starter on there, so the decomp will let them run that instead of sourcing a stronger one. Also easier on battery.

Haven't reached the end yet, but I would ordinarily crack injector lines to bleed the system on the old Yanmar generators. Also, Decompression lever is to drop the compression get low enough to spin the engine around fast enough to get it to fire. It's pretty common on old diesel generators to allow you to pull start them.

This is awesome! I was a US Marine and ended up retired Army (Reserve). I remember seeing these in Iraq and thought they were sooooooooooooooooooo cool because they are. I had a KLR 250 wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back in the day, loved em, wanted to get KLR 650 but I am older and 53, and graduated to ...... Road Glide, thanks for all your reviews of them! This is great video so interesting about the diesel conversion, yeah JP8 universal. P.S. I wonder if the rot is due to the crazy heat in the middle east that made more brittle over time.

I read about these bikes when i was younger, i was fascinated by it, i hope yall can find parts to fix it, i have always wanted one of these, but was sure they were extremely limited military use only. I never expected to see one or even a video of one. I wish i could help you guys fix it up, this is a cool project.

Blackout lights are also for driving with night vision. Night vision still requires some light to work, so for you night vision to work while driving you need some ambient light. Awesome video!!!

Marine Veteran here. This was the bike that got me into motorcycling! My MOS school was next to where other Marines worked on these, and I was always wanting to have that opportunity. So then I found some busted bike in a barn and the rest is history!

The blackout mode is for operation with night vision. NVGs amplify it so it looks like normal functioning lights to the operator but not visible to the naked eye for the enemy.

The cliffhanger made me laugh so hard. After relentless work-filled 1.5 week, this felt good!! Thank you guys. Best luck with this (kind-of) unique motorcycle! On other note, I got my crappy 110cc scooter serviced today, so it rides a little better. Crossed 35K km, targeting 50K and then get rid of it.

Usually use the "Blackout" lights with NVG's. Pretty fun smashing around at night with NVG's on. 🤘🤘🤘

I LOVED the KLR-250! The tactical driving course at Camp LeJeune was a BLAST! Driving across Saudi Arabia with random invisible wadis that collapse into a “sand slide / sinkhole” when it’s too late? Not so much….

It's brilliant guys you do have to come out of your comfort zone eventually.....firmly delivered anticipation for part II

The HDT JP-8 kit (esp the details fuel injection system) would be _extremely_ handy to know exactly how it worked as the gen1 and gen2 KLR are carburetor. Thanks for starting down that path! Many folks want to make a conversion kit but couldn't get access to the HDT parts list. Was not expecting the FI pump to be in the oil filter area--I wouldn't guessed it to be integrated to the balancer for engine timing. Makes me wonder where the oil filter was moved to? On the fuel spiel: There is another reason why everything moved to JP-8. Gas / Petrol / Mogas (marine gas) is considered a massive flammability hazard for everyone, but especially marine vessels. Neither JP-8 nor mogas meet safety of life at sea (SOLAS) requirements, so USN uses F-76 for ships and (more expensive) JP-5 for aircraft. USMC has to be flexible to meet USN safety requirements but desiring to run on Army / USAF procured JP-8 when on land.

A wise man once said don't buy a diesel bike. Unless you got a parts house around the corner. LOL. Hope you guys can get it all figured out at some point.

Dan, repeat after me: No more cliffhangers! 😂 Joking aside, I love your videos, and I look forward to seeing this awesome bike run!

That’s awesome, Semper Fi Marines! Happy Memorial Day

That is SUCH a rad piece of modern military history. Can't wait till you guys can get it running... gonna be awesome!

I was one of the last Marines to go through course to ride one in a combat zone. What a fun bike to ride!

I'd get it all back together the way you first got it. Chances are its air locked somewhere in the fuel system. I know nothing about this bike but spent years working on diesel trucks and this is what i would do to start one of them that lost prime. Pull the suction/supply line off the injection pump then apply a small amount of shop air to the fuel tank (3-4 psi) just with a rubber tip blow gun and a wad of shop towels to seal the fill hole. That should at least get fuel up to the injection pump. Once that's done reconnect fuel line and look for a small plug (usually 6point 10mm)on the side of the fuel injection pump that is a bleeder, crack it and apply air again. If no bleeder plug is found crack the outlet line at the pump that feeds the injector and apply pressure. Work your way all the way up to the injector once you have fuel coming out the top of the injector at the fuel line threads it should be primed. Open up the decompression lever get 5-6 full rotations so a little heat can build in the cylinder than close it and hope it starts. Also almost all little diesels need a glow plug or intake heater to start so see if it has one of those and if so make sure they work.

This is great!!! In 2003 I bought a brand new KLR650 that was olive green/black. I was ok with it until I was shopping for accessories and found an eBay seller that sold the bodywork from factory KLRs. I bough the entire set of new take-off plastics from a 2004 (red/black). It took the course of a weekend to swap them over but while I was in there I did a Bog Gun exhaust, removed the sidestand switch, installed serrated footpegs, and did the subframe upgrade. All my take off stuff was perfect and I was able to turn around and sell it and make back most of my money. I have heard of the military KLR but did not know it was a diesel.

I was at Lejeune 2010-2014 and I never saw these once, nor in country. They’re so cool!

I owned a 97' klr 650 for 5 years . That bike was amazing . Not too fast , not too complicated . Just perfect. I had the smaller acerbees tank that still took the fairing pieces from the metal tank .

The last 30 seconds were the BEST. You guys Rock and thanks so much for all the hard work and FUN that goes into this Channel. I love KLR’s and cannot wait to see this one run.

Ok! 5 months we need part 2 now!!

Loved the video. Can't wait for a part 2

I’ve had experience with a diesel KLR but it was by accident when I put the all 6 gallons of unmarked diesel in my 2015 klr 650 😂😂 ran great for one whole block.

I hope you are able to get it running soon! It was awesome meeting you guys the other day! I should have told you guys about my experiences with different bikes. This one will definitely be a cool one to get going!

One of the guys I served with trained as a forward observer using these bikes. Before then, I never new the Marines had bikes. We were infantry so we rarely saw anything with a motor. Btw, the decompression switch is because the high compression can over power the smaller electric motor(compared to trucks) used to start the bike. If it won't turn over open the decompression switch to get the motor moving then close it again.

literal dream bike of mine.

Man I get legitimate enjoyment from watching your videos. They’re entertaining, educational, and to the point. Good stuff ✊🏾🔥

Love This Channel So Much!!! I’m Bed Ridden After an Injury So I Watch A lot of RU-vid & I Always Watch Your Videos From Start to Finish Which Helps Take My Mind Off The Pain Etc…. So Thank You We All Appreciate You & The Effort You Out into the Videos With the Positive Attitude & The Big Guy ⛪️🖤🇺🇸🫡🦅

Those are really good, and comfortable too!

i need to see this running guys for real

This is so great I started watching your channel 2 yrs ago and bought 6 motorcycles when I was looking at a motorcycle in South Dakota there was one of these mostly parted it. I have a brother in the marine reserves that is a gear head I sent a pic to him. Long story short he has the mostly parted bike now and has been gathering parts for the last couple yrs in hopes of resurrecting it. Looking forward to watching you continue on with this one!

I bought a KLR that was converted to diesel by a guy in Texas, and it was fun, but nothing like the Military version. It had a 418 cc Diesel Generator motor with a CV Go kart transmission. When I got it, I had to tweak it some to get it dependable and put out as much HP as possible. I could run 55 mph on it all day, but take offs were dismal. I built a real exhaust pipe for it that used a modified (gutted) KLR muffler and straightened the breather intake so it could use the KLR air filter and box. I converted the choke lever to the decompression lever and that made starting it a LOT Easier. The up side was it got me 95 MPG most of the time. But I live in the Country and I needed it to go at least 65. It was fun to ride, but never fast enough to keep up with even the 250cc gas bikes. (Think 50cc scooter performance) I sold it to a friend in Ohio and he loves it. Last I heard he was still putting around on it. I'm still riding my 06 gas KLR. 160K miles and running strong.

The decompression lever, also known as the decompression valve or decompressor, on a diesel KLR engine serves the purpose of reducing the compression inside the engine cylinder during starting. This makes it easier to turn the engine over and get it started. Diesel engines typically have higher compression ratios than gasoline engines, which makes them more efficient but also makes them more difficult to start. The decompression lever allows the operator to manually open a valve in the engine that releases some of the compression, reducing the amount of force required to turn the engine over during starting. Once the engine is running, the decompression lever is released and the valve is closed, allowing the engine to operate at full compression for optimal performance and efficiency. The decompression lever is typically located on the handlebars of the motorcycle for easy access and operation by the rider.

I'm here for the tear down and rebuild. Send all the cliff hangers. Subscribed.

Another reason why they like to keep all of the fuels the same is to prevent confusion. I was on an exercise where we had some privates on a detail to keep our camp's diesel generator running all night. They grabbed gas cans from the back of one of the HMMWVs and proceeded to prevent us from having power for the rest of the exercise. Lessons learned dictates that it is best to keep things as simple as possible when dealing with large populations with varying levels of knowledge/experience!

I rode the KLR 250’s and 650’s in the Marine Corps from 96-2001 but they were gas and there were talks about changing them over to diesel as I was leaving. Even in gas form they were way underpowered and under suspended for the terrain we used them in. They were bulletproof though.

When I was in the Army, I noticed that a lot of special use vehicles that aren't used as often only got idled or driven around the motorpool once a month, if even that, so that's probably what you're dealing with. Vehicles that get used, get used a lot. They get used for training and actual mission operations. Turning on the motorcycle once a month to idle for several minutes might not be sufficient to prevent fuel filter clogging. While it's better than not running the motorcycle at all, idling for a few minutes might not heat up the engine enough to burn off the accumulated deposits and contaminants in the fuel system fully. Even if a motorcycle has only been driven for a few hundred miles and then left to sit for an extended period without regular use, the fuel filter can still become clogged. The reason for this is that over time, fuel can degrade and form varnish, gums, and other deposits. Additionally, moisture can accumulate in the fuel tank, which can lead to the growth of algae or other contaminants. Have you ever seen algae in a fuel tank? I have, and it makes old fuel smell much worse.

Love all your videos fan from Spain 💪

The decompression lever on this bike was designed to assist with bleeding the fuel system easily and also to assist with a no power start in an emergency situation. Our bike came out of Florida and the entire fuel system was clogged. Had to replace filter, lines and replaced the peckcock.

I think the blackout mode lights are IR light for night vision but I’m not completely sure but it would make more sense to me being IR to spot the difference between enemy bikes and friendly

Hello, if you haven't managed to start KLR yet, I have some suggestions. The civilian version has two protections against starting: 1: clutch pressed, 2: folded side stand. If it still won't start, check the starter relay. However, if this does not help, check the voltage regulator on the rear wheel cover and if it is damaged, the engine ECU is probably damaged as well. Regards

When I was in the Marine Corps they were testing these across the street from where I worked for about 2 years. I got to see these things everyday I've always wanted one.

A lot of military surplus was provided to law enforcement all over the country. For instance, our local PD had a humvee with a turret. Very likely the sheriffs dept that had this bike had it given to them. I doubt they rode it much because they didn't have anyone to service it.

AT my former PD we got a few of those through the 10-33 program. We only got a couple of them running regularly and if you didn't run them every day you would get issues starting them again. When they did run - they pretty much sucked on hilly off-road terrain, no bottom end, and they had relatively slow acceleration on the street. They were a neat novelty but never practical and we eventually gave them back.

The only diesel motorcycle built in large numbers l read about these diesel bikes when the Marines first started using them and didn't see one on another you tube channel l do hope you and your assistant get the diesel motorcycle. running

We acquired two in my unit in the Army. We used them a handful of times when we were setting up long range LPOPs when we couldn't be drop off by helicopters closer. Never had any problems with them. Also had plenty of fuel when we got back. I been looking off and on for one.

Being a Motor T Mechanic going overseas to Iraq, I only seen the Diesel KLR out in Ramadi and a couple gas ones in 29 Palms, CA. Never got to work or ride it but a very interesting video nevertheless. Hope you guys get it running. Maybe another jarhead who still has access to the Motor T Mechanics page can get online and look up the Service Manuals.

In diesel engines, compression plays a crucial role in the combustion process. During normal operation, the piston compresses the air inside the cylinder to a high pressure and temperature, which helps ignite the diesel fuel when it is injected into the combustion chamber. A decompression switch, also known as a compression release or decompression valve, is a feature that is sometimes found on diesel engines, including certain diesel motorcycles. The purpose of the decompression switch is to reduce the compression pressure in the cylinder during starting. By reducing the compression pressure, it makes it easier for the engine to turn over during the starting process, especially when the engine is cold. When the decompression switch is engaged or activated, it opens a valve or mechanism that releases some of the compressed air in the cylinder, reducing the resistance the starter motor has to overcome. This can be particularly helpful for kick-starting a diesel engine, as it reduces the force required to get the engine turning. Once the engine is running, the decompression switch is typically disengaged, allowing the compression pressure to build up again for proper combustion. It is primarily a starting aid and is not meant to be used during normal operation.

Back in the day I REALLY wanted a diesel bike. Somewhere in my filing "system" there are letters (yes, it was that long ago) between myself and Stuart McGuigan (?) who was leading a university team developing a military diesel bike. Now, 40 years later, I am trundling around on an NC750X (wishing I had bought the DCT version)... Somethings never change.

Don’t worry about compression. The problem is all fuel related. That lift pump looks like it’s the same from a kubota L285. Both the injection pump and injector are based on springs.

I served USMC 2004-2009 in 2nd battalion 10th Marines. I seen about ten on them lined up while on my morning runs down Julian C Smith st. I used to joke with the boys how sick it would be to go to the field with dirtbikes.

My dad and I had one of these. They were powerful and handled everything. His had higher compression than the one I rode, and they were absolutely notorious for being -RU-vid Friendly Words- to start. Using the Decompression lever was nice if we were on a hill. You could roll the bike holding the lever with little friction then release it and the bike would roar to life. Alternatively, if you needed to kick it the Decompression lever could be used to help find TDC before slamming the kick lever down to the ground. Both of our KLR's that we had, even the ones in the late 90's were kind of known for being ankle-breakers at least around where I grew up. That bike, once running nicely could handle pretty extreme weather, and the diesel engine allows it to crawl right up steep slopes hauling about anyone or anything they are wearing. There are things that a 250KLR from 1994 could do that similar CR/CRF couldn't simply because they were a little bit softer in the suspension area. The Honda CR and XR were more powerful feeling -opinion-, but the KLR was just plain smoother. Admittedly: I have never played with a diesel version. I've heard of them as a myth and rumor that's been proved and disproved a few times over. This is awesome to see. Love your channel.

Oh man I have wanted one of those ever since I fondled one while I was a HD diesel mechanic in the Marine Corps! The blackout lights are surprising effective.

Such a cool dirt bike, I hade one of these for my GI Joes when I was a kid, easily one of my favorite toys!

try disconnecting an injector line from the injector, stuff some hose on it and provide some sort of suction as you crank motor, it should deliver fuel to the pump and actually get it moving, not just spinning the air inside of it. I bled the old czechoslovakian 2 stroke diesel (tz-4k) that way and it works till today no problem

I must have missed it, but, did you guys wait for the glow plug light that should be next to the throttle turn off? It's a red light when you turn the key to the start position. If I missed it, my bad.

I haven't seen anyone say this but if its not starting and your not getting fuel out of the injection pump the pump or injector could be stuck or sticky. You can take a little diesel electric pump and push diesel suplement throught the injection pump for a few hours and it may help get it unstuck. Possibly check if your getting fuel out of the injector line you can try and loosen the line on the actual injector and turn it over until it bleeds the air out at the injector once it does you should have fuel in the cylinder. And the little thing craig flipped is the manual primer pump. You guys may know alot of this but im a diesel mechanic in illinois work on alot of old tractors and bulldozers that sit for a very long time and thought some of this may help as we have to do it all the time around here. Good luck! Love the content! @bikesandbeards

Almost bought one of these on gov auction. But it went for like $17k and I just had bought a 2022 KLR. So wife didn’t approve, but think these are awesome (being a marine myself). Would be cool to have in a collection

These were made in my home town (Hesperia) in CA. A friend of mine made many of the parts in his fabrication shop. He would have loved to own one, but he thought it was impossible. Evidently it is possible to own one if you have enough money!

I love your vids I will be 16 next year and Im going to get my biking license because of your vids

I was an operator for this system in 1987 as a Pathfinder/Scout FT Campbell KY, Fun but at that time not practicable for scouting. A minimum 300-mile travel distance for refuel and easy to load onto UH-60 Blackhawk!

Last shot is impressive, this bike is going to bring this channel to new heights.

I have never even heard of a choco-taco until now and I feel terrible for Klondike, they are running away from the rush! Unreal, what foolish lads. Great epi thanks boys🙌🤘🙌

I had an arctic cat diesel quad that was military. 700cc if I remember. Thing was great but very heavy

Can't wait for part 2 of 214

M1030m1 that’s the military designation for this bike. I’ve had two in my time in 22 years Active Army. ( mostly because they where unit issues and I was one of the few who rode daily.) they’re slow and sluggish off the line but once warmed up they’re solid. I’d strongly suggest getting a manual from DOD. Even Army wheeled Vic mechanics used the manual for everything. FYI there was some in the first gulf war and subsequent operation enduring freedom. We did not use them in Iraq or Afghanistan ( at least on Army side, no idea about Marines. Wouldn’t be surprised if marines had them rigged up to camo painted little wagons and built turrets on top.

What I learned about those blackout tail lights is that when you see one red light you are too far away. When you see two lights you are Just Right and when you see all four, you probably hit the person in front of you already.

First video I've watched.... SUBSCRIBED. Fun channel

Enjoyed the ending more than the review. He has risen indeed....

I was in contact with Hayes back during the introduction of these. He invited myself as a rep for the company to come see them. It was not a public event, but a closed Defense Government contractor type event. If I remember right, Hayes was making them to run on any type fuel.

I remember the mt500 sitting inside a secured fence at my last base before I retired. I also remember passing by 18k klr diesel, to buy a new klr650 with some of my Afghanistan deployment money in 2004 for 5500.00 out the door. I still own it.

That has got to be the coolest thing I've ever seen

I have driven many miles under "blackout drive". The rear light is made so you can stay a specific distance from the lead vehicle: if you are too close you will see four lights, if too far behind you see just one, two lights was the goal.

The fuel line disintegrated because of the JP-8, it dries out instead of lubricate like regular diesel so they add additives to mimic #2 diesel or kerosene, but this stuff works in my units trucks well so yea lol

Saw one when I was in the Marines back in 2012. (It wasn't running either.) Moved it from one storage area to another and then it went to demo because it couldn't be fixed. Always wanted one!

Dave knows diesels. I have a lifetime owning or working on small to giant ones. The small ones are simple. You MUST bleed everything and have air free fuel spurting out of the loosened banjo union on top of at least one injector. Huge tip. Remove air filter. Take a small book and completely block off the air intake. You just created a giant compression release because the motor is getting no air to compress. As a result the motor will spin over like a top with very very little stress on your starter. This is an old school trick, very much working today in anything that needs bleeding by turning over the motor. There often is a manual fuel pump with a diaphragm and a finger lever, to get fuel to the bleed screws in the fuel injector pump. Once the injector pump is primed, you need to spin over the motor to bleed the injectors. Its always a good idea to use a tad of ether first to assure that the motor will run, and the only thing you need now is fuel. If the motor will not even run on ether, then there are much more serious issues than lack of fuel. EDIT: I went back to watching the video and see you finally figured out the important "ether test". I usually start with that on unknow motors.

Yes!! The JP8 KLR!

Aww heck yeah I've wanted one of these too since I heard about them. Concept is great..complexity not so much. I'm a klr fan