So it seems to me the way to go is reduce the drag ! less power required less fuel consumed easier life for the motor ? How do I reduce the drag ??? Have any guys out there done this ?
There's lots that can be done to improve MPG, aero-mods are just one. I was really annoyed that I would get just 4-days out of tank on my commute to S.F. on my Ninja 250 (~60mpg). I'd have to fill up on different days of each week and that threw off my schedule. First thing I did was install 16t front-sprocket from stock 14th. Then I improved my body-positioning by putting pad on tank so I can lay on it (also keep elbows in). Left an hour earlier to avoid traffic and be able to stay in top-gear. Drafted big trucks and changed lanes instead of braking. Did more coasting getting off highway. Overall, I got to where I can go entire week on 1 tank! Comes out to about 78mpg now. I found that '03 pre-gen 250 has better mpg than '08 new-gen. Strange. Then here's also lots of aero-mods that can be done. One guy participating in the Vetter Challenge gets over 100mpg!
Well for this guy, to get a little more motion, I'd definitely start with the shoes and then, for these guys, I'd definitely consider the hair, and perhaps the frocks
So... with all the formulas and other scientific mutterings in this thread, can someone tell me how much HP you have to make to push a 50cc motorcycle to 100.397mph? And, to be clear, that's on a flat surface with poor traction (and not riding it off a cliff!). https://blog.maxiscoot.com/en/speed-week-2018-bidalot-expresso-team-sets-two-new-world-records/
https://www.bikeexif.com/suzuki-rk67#:~:text=To keep the bike in,a healthy 176kph (109mph). Of course the salt will slow it down, but somewhere near close. Also check the Honda RC116.
Well, since we're hijacked this thread...145mph if you don't mind! And, here's a tribute to the 50cc speedsters over the years. There are some absolute crackers in this lot. Plus, it makes you realise what a weapon that 17.5hp RK67 Suzuki was for its time. http://www.elsberg-tuning.dk/recordbikes.html
I have been reading this thanks for the link to the Vetter challenge I am at a lost to understand why manufacturers and indeed all of us have not made commercial designs that seem to offer such rewards as low fuel consumption and increased speed for what appears to be passive improvements to drag reduction Trev
One consideration with these aero mods is that while they work great in straight line, they become a handful in crosswinds. i was at competition about 10 years ago for human-powered vehicles. New record was set for 131 kph!!! And guy that set it wasn’t even pro athlete! Anyway, one one of runs, crosswind just knocked bike over!
I was chatting with the guys that setup the R25 bikes that race alongside the Superbikes events and IIRC he said that Yamaha had made a 5% improvement between models in wind tunnel testing - I don't think that translates to a 5% improvement in speed by any stretch of the imagination, but those bike don't exude POWAH, so every little bit helps
One consideration with these aero mods is that while they work great in straight line, they become a handful in crosswinds. That's true even if you don't have any streamlining. Crosswinds are an issue for all riders.
From my point of view side wind effects can be greatly reduced Straight line racers possibly do not consider this if you had a horizontal oval shape symmetric on both ides as well as top and bottom I bet it would be quite neutral re side winds Trev
I am collecting parts to build my aerodynamic electric motorcycle. It will have the aerodynamic parts from the 1991 Gilera CX125 including wheels and mono fork. Frame will probably be FZR250 3LN and rear arm NSR250 MC28.