The Small Engine Shop

Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha will discontinue 37 motorcycle models by 2023 because they can't meet the more strict emissions requirements seen around the world.  See article here: Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki to Cut 37 Motorcycles by 2023

The Honda Gold Wing is mentioned as one of the models that will disappear. It's hard to believe since it's been in production since 1974 and is such a good motorcycle.

Government's are intentionally making it very difficult to manufacture fully gas powered cars or motorcycles by using more strict emissions requirements. I heard in some parts of Europe they even penalize owners of older vehicles that emit more pollution like carbon monoxide with higher fees and taxes. The objective is to eventually have only electric vehicles on the road. I heard Honda is being forced to only manufacture electric motorcycles by 2040.

I wonder what happens to the trucking industry? All the items you see in department and grocery stores got there by diesel powered trucks traveling long distances. Even trains use diesel engines to provide the electricity to power the trains. What about the marine industry? Will they require boats to be electric powered? Will Yachts that use big diesel engine's for propulsion and other energy needs be required to use electric power? Who will recharge the batteries when a boat runs out of energy in the middle of the sea or lake? What about planes? Can you even get a commercial plane off the ground using battery powered electric motors? And if all these restrictions on gas powered vehicles are in place, what happens to the fossil fuel industry and gas prices?

I have a feeling this transition to electric power isn't going to be an easy one, and big countries like Russia, China and India will tell the politicians and bureaucrats in the West to take their regulations and shove it.

I haven't used every type of camping stove on the market, so I'm not an expert. But I can say the Stryker multi fuel camping stove is the most impressive stove I have ever used. It burns or runs off those small propane or isobutane tanks and will boil 20oz of water real fast. I recently used it for making instant coffee and heating cans of soup. I can heat a large can of soup in about one minute, then eat the soup right out of the stove because it's shaped like a large 7 Eleven big gulp cup with a handle. Also, you don't need a match or lighter to light the stove because it has a built in igniter, which makes it very convenient. There are video's on YouTube showing people cooking more complex things with the Stryker stove.

The only draw back I can think of is the size of the stove and fuel tanks. It might be hard to carry if your back packing. It also might not be adequate if your cooking for more than one person.

I think it's perfect for a single person to take with them when motorcycle camping.

Click on image to view the item on Amazon. (This is a paid link)

How can a Christian believe abortion is a divine right? How can a Christian support the reality of unborn babies being killed and thrown into dumpsters?

Jesus said this about children, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these"

Three powerful politician: Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama all profess to be Christian, but are they really? Here's their twitter statements after the Supreme Court ruled abortion is not a constitutional right.

A Kawasaki KLR 650 if used to clear drive ways and roads after a bad thunder storm with high winds brings down trees.

The KLR was used to haul a gas can, bar oil, chainsaw and rider to locations with fallen trees that were blocking traffic. The trees were large enough that even 4x4 pickup trucks couldn't climb over them. Most emergency vehicles at the scene were pickup trucks, UTV and ATV vehicles.

The advantage of having a motorcycle and skilled rider is they can travel around obstacles that trap other vehicles. When you have to make your own path no other vehicle can do that like a motorcycle.

The Kawasaki KLR 650 is powered by a single cylinder, OHC, four stoke engine. Power is transferred through a 5 speed manual transmission. The KLR 650 is classified as a dual sport motorcycle, so suspension travel and ground clearance are high. The KLR 650 comes stock with dual sport tires giving it more off road traction than street bikes. The KLR 650 is equipped with a large, 6 gallon gas tank for long distance travel between fill ups.

I think anyone would be hard pressed to name a motorcycle more versatile than a Kawasaki KLR 650.


The KLR is parked in front of a building covered in tree limbs (reconstructed). It did suffer some roof damage.