How many times we gotta go over this?
Surviving NYC
- Thread starter Magnus
- Start date
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
STS556
.223 Rem
I have been working in NYC for almost 25 years now. Just ignore all the liberal puppets and with the constant smell of piss and garbage, try not to breathe.
Jsmegs77
.308 Win
If motored power is your way out, forget a Grom. Too cute, too new, too small. Get an older dualsport bike with some balls and some ground clearance, and ride north. Can get around inoperable toll gates easily, ride on pedestrian walkways, stairs, etc. The downside to motored power is a water crossing suddenly becoming the only viable route out.
I wish I were a motorcyclist so I could have one of these, seems like a pretty good bug out bike.
Speaking of bugout/survival vehicles:
1998 Stewart & Stevenson M1078 LMTV 4x4 Cargo Truck
While I'm guessing a $4-5,000 late 90s vintage LMTV is likely a POS I've seen newer ones still for under 15k. Find a mechanically sound one and you'd have a very competent survival vehicle. I found them to be agile and capable both on and offroad. Ride is a bit punishing though. Lots of room in the cab though, big ol storage lockers on either side of the rearward offset center seat.
1998 Stewart & Stevenson M1078 LMTV 4x4 Cargo Truck
While I'm guessing a $4-5,000 late 90s vintage LMTV is likely a POS I've seen newer ones still for under 15k. Find a mechanically sound one and you'd have a very competent survival vehicle. I found them to be agile and capable both on and offroad. Ride is a bit punishing though. Lots of room in the cab though, big ol storage lockers on either side of the rearward offset center seat.
I never want to ride in one of those again! I’ll stay behind and die.
Jsmegs77
.308 Win
Yes, if you're bugging out to a remote area from a less-urban area than NYC. Don't get me wrong, they're awesome and I aspire to own one at some point, but for an urban escape, they've got a few downsides. They're heavy, and not particularly agile in tight quarters. Ground clearance is not as good either... I'd go for something older/lighter/simpler, like a Honda XR650 of some vintage, or a Suzuki DRZ400, or something similar.
Now, if it was pavement all the way, like you had a clear shot north on the Isle O' Manhattan north, and you had a head start on the exiting hordes, one of these would indeed be awesome.
It's fast, has legs, cargo capacity, good on pavement and capable on the trail and somewhat beyond. What else would you want for a bug out bike? Wouldn't a little dinga ding enduro be a little too small and light for any practical amount of gear and tiresome if you need to put miles on?
Why? I had no problem with them. Way better than the shit ass deuce and a halfs we had.
Jsmegs77
.308 Win
For a strictly urban escape scenario in a mass-exodus situation, I want the ability to ride up/down stairways, large curbs, and generally manhandle the bike more than what I find comfortable with a BMW GS. They're a freaking tank, no doubt, and every one of your points is spot on...but for the OP's escape from Manhattan perhaps not quite the sharpest tool in the urban environment. Mind you, everyone's got their preference. Mine is undoubtedly warped by the fact that I used to daily-drive a street legal Honda CR250 MX bike. Talk about light and fast...not practical due to being a 2-stroke with the whole fuel/oil mix thing though.
You can also carry a surprising amount on a 650-class enduro also. Check out some of the Kawasaki KLR650 touring rigs.
Edit: before someone says pics or it didn't happen. Bad scan of a film pic, sorry.
Last edited:
The above are also good points and I see what you mean. I bet with some care a GS1200 could do stairs though, but not quickly.
I have come up with a foolproof NYC survival scheme though.
Step 1: Become phenomenally wealthy
Step 2: Aquire swanky penthouse atop a skyscraper with a helipad.
Step 3: Aquire helicopter for helipad
Step 4: Aquire smallish, fast, luxurious, long range buisness jet.
Step 5: Station jet at small regional airport outside NYC but within range of helicopter.
Step 6: Aquire a condo here-http://survivalcondo.com
Step 7: At the first sign of trouble take helicopter to jet then take jet to condo.
See? Simple!
No helipads allowed on top of buildings anymore and any old ones were banned too.
Why?
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
I've seen mechanically sound LMTVs go for $6k+ or - from government auctions, and of course some go much much more. The ones I've seen for sale in the civilian market have been in the $15k range. They'll buy them cheap then triple the price. Worse than used car salesmen. Before I bought my M1008 I was looking at the LMTVs, I still want one though, just can't afford one ATM.
Jsmegs77
.308 Win
I want the tandem axle MTV, to run a plow/salt spreader in the winter as a side gig.
Why do you need the 5 ton tandem for that?
Jsmegs77
.308 Win
Bigger plow and bigger sand hopper, natch. Also I've heard they're actually easier to get ahold of since everyone wants the smaller LMTV.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
The selling prices have been lower, most people don't want a 6x6. I wouldn't turn one down. I was also looking at a couple Deuces lol.
Jsmegs77
.308 Win
Boy, we've rabbit-trailed this thread, haven't we? From Manhattan bug-out to motorbikes and now ex-military trucks, lol! 
The LMTV still has more load capacity than any pickup. It's a 2.5 ton truck that can haul more than 2.5 tons.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
But what better way to bug out of Hell, I mean NYC? If you can't push it out of the way you can drive over it. Including the masses running around in a frenzy.Boy, we've rabbit-trailed this thread, haven't we? From Manhattan bug-out to motorbikes and now ex-military trucks, lol!
Motorcycles are a good idea too, especially those that are off road capable. At least with the military vehicles you can take your whole family and supplies with you. The LMTVs also have a gunners hatch in the roof
Doc8404
.450/400 Nitro Ex
RV-like option
Expandable Van Shelter | AAR Corporate
Expandable Van Shelter | AAR Corporate
Jsmegs77
.308 Win
Now that I like. Would be a good long-haul bugout/nomad option.
nfernaays
.45 acp
Some good ideas were tossed around back on this older thread:
Get Home Bag
I always leaned toward the idea of going were everyone else wasn't going. Roads bridges etc would be backed as everyone tried to get out or north. What i would do in that situation would be to rent a small storage unit/locker somewhere near the water, within it would be basic prep supplies and an inflatable canoe (something like a sea eagle) Then hit the river and get out of the city. Even in the summer i don't think you would catch a whole lot of people making to the water in a bug out scenario. My $.02.
Get Home Bag
I always leaned toward the idea of going were everyone else wasn't going. Roads bridges etc would be backed as everyone tried to get out or north. What i would do in that situation would be to rent a small storage unit/locker somewhere near the water, within it would be basic prep supplies and an inflatable canoe (something like a sea eagle) Then hit the river and get out of the city. Even in the summer i don't think you would catch a whole lot of people making to the water in a bug out scenario. My $.02.
Magnus
6.5 Creedmoor
That's genius, a small locker would be worth it as a troll away from the burning city.
I think considering what the "cause" of leaving NYC or other large metro would be important.
Hypothetically speaking if there was some sort of biological agent released in NYC I can see the authorities quarantine the city and blockading all egress points. Roads, tunnels, airports, trains etc... What would you do then?
Hypothetically speaking if there was some sort of biological agent released in NYC I can see the authorities quarantine the city and blockading all egress points. Roads, tunnels, airports, trains etc... What would you do then?