PSD Marines Build Ghazvani-Based Motorcycle

A group of Marines serving in Afghanistan found an interactive way to boost their morale, having engaged in a bike building project that was based on a Ghazvani, year unknown. Several members of the Personal Security Detachment, Regimental Combat Team 8, participated in this six-week project, and the result is seen in the adjacent image.

According to DVIDS (Defense Video & Imagarery Distribution System), the eight marines worked on the Chinese-built motorcycle between patrols and escorting duty.

Corporals Jack McRae and Jared Beard took charge of rebuilding the engine and carburetor. Lance Cpl. Michael Kacmar sanded the body and completed the wiring. Petty Officer 2nd Class, Marc Petrino and Cpl. Lacy Gay replaced the tires and brake pads and Cpl. Matthew Morgan replaced the kick-start lever and changed the pipe.

The complete bike makeover included rebuilding the 125cc Honda engine and carburetor. The engine, frame, tank and rims were all sanded smooth. The rims were painted flat black with the spokes left chrome.Once all the work to break down the motorbike was finished, the test began on how to put it back together and give it a touch of Marine style.

“The idea for the motorcycle was inspired by World War II-era bikes as well as the Harley-Davidson Nightster,” said Sergeant Jeffrey McCarty, the platoon commander.

The engine was completely painted with high-temperature semi-gloss black paint, then hand sanded for a brushed silver look. The frame and fuel tank were painted olive drab. Masking tape was placed over the tank and all designs were hand drawn onto the tape and then cut with a knife. The tank was then completed with six clear coats. The handlebar grips and seat back were hand-wrapped with green 550 cord while the exhaust pipe had approximately one foot cut from it and the rest was covered in heat shield wrap.

Now McCarty and his crew have already started thinking of a new project...