russian innovation: motorcycles with bathtub sidecars in warfare
The Russians continually surprise analysts with their use of scrap metal in warfare. We've observed the mass armouring of virtually anything that moves with scrap metal, including storm cyclists, but a motorcycle with a bathtub welded to its side is truly novel. Let's explore the possible reasons behind this innovation.
The Russians are facing a shortage of armoured equipment for conducting assaults. Most of this equipment is allocated to regular brigades, leaving little for operational units tasked with so-called "meat assaults".
A few months ago, the Russians were heavily deploying assault motorcyclists. However, attempting to ride a motorcycle while shooting at the enemy is nearly impossible. This scenario necessitates motorcycles with sidecars, where a machine gunner, for example, can sit.
Below, you can see how the Russians tried to fabricate such a two-person motorcycle by welding a bathtub, possibly sourced from nearby buildings, onto the motorcycle's frame. The model is heavily soot-stained, suggesting it may have been struck by an FPV drone.
Another possibility could be the need to increase load capacity, as the bathtub can accommodate some canned ammunition or, for example, mortar shells or RPG-7 grenade launcher rounds. The Russians have been utilizing motorcycles for months, including for frontline logistics.
Advantages and disadvantages of motorcycles in war
Motorcycles, buggies, and electric bikes are practically the only means of transportation over Ukrainian backroads, which can literally transform into swamps during the spring and autumn seasons.
Their main advantage is speed, which makes it challenging for artillery to target the rider. On the downside, they provide no protection. Hitting an anti-personnel mine can be catastrophic, and FPV drones are too swift to evade. It is also worth noting that gasoline-powered motorcycles are easily visible to thermal imaging and can be heard from kilometres away.
