Jackrabbit

Specifications
Use	Motorized Infantry Bike
Production Code	Various
Manufacturer	Various
Height	1.2 meters

The Jackrabbit is a typical example of the various models of combat bikes used by motorized infantry forces around the world. It was designed during the second half of the 19th century and drew much inspiration from Paxton’s well-established Random IX patrol/combatbike. The similarities, however, are mostly of a cosmetic nature, and the Jackrabbit’s performance surpasses by far that of the Random: greater speed and acceleration, superior armor and improved maneuverability. It was first designed by Republic Industries, then subcontracted to half a dozen private manufactueres for a hefty licensing fee. This allowed Republic Heavy Industries the leisure to focus onseveral improvements for the Jackrabbit, which it plans to release in the coming cycle(s?) under the new name of Jumpspider. it is expected, however, that the Jumpspider may cost over twice the Jackrabbit.

The Jackrabbit was designed with several potential attachments in mind, so hardpoints were fixed on the front, between the handles and on the rear sides of the bike. There were some attempts at equipping the Jackrabbit with some vehicular weaponry, such as light autocannons or anti-personnel grenade launchers, but this made the vehicle too heavy and unwieldy, and was quickly abandoned. It was not before the Sandstorm strikes that some light machineguns like the P12 light gatling were produced and put on the Jackrabbit. This never became a standard, however, and the vehicle seems to only perform at peak when used in its basic form.

The original transmission, considered unnecessarily heavy, was replaced in TN 1908 by a new design from RHI, shaving off ten kilograms from the bike. The Jackrabbit is light enough to be lifted (with some effort) by one person and nimble enough to go almost anywhere. Its small size and great agility combine to make the bike a very difficult target. Some models have been modified to accept a sidecar equipped with a pintle mount, increasing the firepower of the unit at the cost of some maneuverability. The sidecar also allows more cargo to be carried, although the space could be occupied (uncomfortably) by a passenger.

Usage

This original Jackrabbit model was designed during the Sand War to provide Southern infantry with much-needed mobility in its Badlands operations against the Northern invaders in the Eastern Desert. While the skirmishes were light and there were no more than a few casualties during the first season, it is widely believed that the rapid interventions of the Jackrabbit-mounted infantry were vital in containing the Northern threat.

The famous combat bike was also used as scouting vehicle to patrol the streets of Bangweuleu during the 1880 Bangweuleu Uprisings. Interestingly enough, the rebellious youths from the city took a liking to the bike, either because of its slick appearance or because of its Badlandish design, and would often steal it from careless infantrymen. It is estimated that over a hundred such bikes were reported stolen in Bangweuleu alone. It took several cycles before they re-emerged (after the authorities had stopped looking or even caring), and nowadays some of the rebels’ descendants ride them to show their support for the cause their parents fought for some forty cycles ago.

Over time, the Jackrabbits have become symbols of freedom and resistance against the Republic. Fortunately, most of the stolen Jackrabbits are falling in disrepair and their appearances are becoming less frequent.