Got into an empty game and thought I would go for a ride on my motorcycle , landed and got out of plane but could not find bike anywhere. What am I doing wrong any ideas please.

Actually landed near the entrance to the caves and thought the bike would be near by. Do I have to be shot down for the bike to appear ?

Tanks and bikes never appear when you get out of the plane at random locations. You have to be shot down. It's always been like that. Otherwise, it would be crazy in-game, you would just fly near a forest, jump out and pick a tank to destroy the enemy base. You can only do this at your base.

Thanks Zup , was alone in game and fancied a ride.

Still can’t find the goddamn bike!!!! Got up real early today so nobody else around and searched every where around both bases but no bike to found anywhere. I reckon some buggers nicked it.

Helloooooooooooo Pagan
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. Dogfight Elite has a rough neighborhood, do not let the Elite name fool you.
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 Joking aside...did you buy the bike? You must get that one in menu first. When you get shoot down or at base once you are on the ground look around and you should find the tank there you will see 2 white arrows to the side of tank, hit those to scroll for the bike or the horse and other vehicles you have purchased. Remember you must go to your Harley Davidson dealership first to buy that bike.

Yep definatley bought the bike and have used it once in a spy game. I have tried everything I can think of , getting out the plane , crashing the plane, just flying round a bit and landing again and have run around the airfield multiple times but can’t find bike , tank of even a horse any where. Or do I have to be shot down , was hoping that when I get into a game alone I could take my Harley for a bit of an explore.

Well it may depend what game mission you were in. Tank , bike horse,  I believe are not available in every mission. Also when at base ,I believe the plane must be within certain perimeters of the airfield , to access optional vehicles.