Diesel power is everywhere in the automotive world, as you'll find it in trucks, vans, buses, and even some SUVs. And for good reason. There’s something deeply satisfying about the relentless torque, rock-solid durability, and long-legged fuel economy of a good diesel engine.
I’ve owned a number of diesel-powered rigs over the years, and my current daily driver is a diesel-powered Toyota Hilux. Needless to say, they’ve all delivered in spades when it came to hauling, highway cruising, and just soaking up the miles with dependable grunt. So it’s a natural question for folks like me: why aren’t there any proper diesel motorcycles?
Well, there are a few obvious reasons. Diesel engines aren’t exactly known for their high-revving nature, which isn’t ideal in a world where motorcycles thrive on power-to-weight ratios and top-end performance. There’s also the weight penalty, not to mention the signature diesel clatter that’s a far cry from the thunderous roar of a V-twin or the banshee howl of an inline-four. And let’s not forget the ever-tightening emissions standards, which haven’t done diesel any favors lately.
But despite all that, some brave souls still believe in the dream. That’s where Axiom Diesel Cycles enters the picture.
Founded by Matthew Lach, Axiom is an American startup with a mission to build diesel-powered motorcycles that look and feel like big, badass cruisers. Their flagship models—the Knight and the Paladin—are not your average bikes. Each one is hand-built around a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder Doosan turbo-diesel engine that cranks out just 24 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque. That’s right, only 24 horsepower from a liter engine. So yeah, these are numbers that wouldn’t even raise eyebrows on a 250cc scooter, let alone a full-size cruiser.
Still, these bikes are all about character and presence. The Knight is the more “accessible” model (if you can call a $49,500 diesel bike accessible), while the Paladin is the halo bike, priced at a jaw-dropping $54,500. Both bikes ride on heavy-duty steel frames, feature top-shelf components like Brembo brakes and adjustable suspension, and come packed with retro-futuristic styling that wouldn’t look out of place in a post-apocalyptic movie.
Compared to a Harley Softail or Indian Chief, the Axiom bikes are definitely more niche. You don’t buy one of these for performance—you buy it because it’s weird, different, and maybe even a bit rebellious. It’s a statement piece, not a speed machine. It’s anything but a logical choice.
But let’s be honest here: 24 horsepower and 45 pound-feet? That’s about a fifth of what a typical 1,000cc gas-powered twin or triple puts out. Even entry-level cruisers like the Rebel 500 or the Royal Enfield Classic 650 blow those numbers out of the water. So what gives?
Maybe for Axiom, it’s not about chasing numbers. Maybe it’s about sticking it to the status quo, flying the flag for alternative powertrains, or simply offering something nobody else dares to build. And while I’m not sure how many people are lining up to drop Harley-Davidson money on a bike with the performance of a lawn tractor, I’ll admit—there’s something oddly compelling about the whole idea.
Would I rock a diesel cruiser like the Axiom Knight or Paladin? Quite frankly, you’d have to pay me to do so. But it’s still pretty cool that they exist. After all, someone has to be crazy enough to try.
What about you—would you ride to work on a diesel-powered cruiser?
Source: Axiom Diesel Cycles
