101.5 MPG on my 2003 Ninja 250!!!

[rebelCAFE]

this is an interesting thread. i just have an 09 honda rebel 250 myself, and it gets about 75 mpg. but then again, i ride it pretty hard sometimes. i really like the nija 250, but i dont think my back could take it for very long. i use to have a 750 katana, and that thing killed my back if i was on it for more than 15 minutes. plus, it was horrible on gas. i wonder how much it would improve my mileage if i put a ninja 250 fairing on my rebel? that might be kinda wild looking huh? it would definately be different.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by rebelCAFE

this is an interesting thread. i just have an 09 honda rebel 250 myself, and it gets about 75 mpg. but then again, i ride it pretty hard sometimes. i really like the nija 250, but i dont think my back could take it for very long. i use to have a 750 katana, and that thing killed my back if i was on it for more than 15 minutes. plus, it was horrible on gas. i wonder how much it would improve my mileage if i put a ninja 250 fairing on my rebel? that might be kinda wild looking huh? it would definately be different.

MSPaint ownz your idea.

Don't pick it apart, either. I'm already aware that parts of it don't line up, but what do you want for 5 minutes with MSP?

[rebelCAFE]

that actually looks pretty cool. if it was real. still looks cool though.

[Christ]

It would be easy enough to do.

If you're interested in getting a sport fairing, find a motorcycle junkyard and take the fairing and bracket mount, and just get a little inventive with attachment methods.

If you already have a fork-mounted headlight bracket, that would be a perfect attachment point for the fairing bracket and new headlight assembly.

[Grant-53]

Truth be known you are getting better mileage than the stock 2003 Ninja 250 (72 mpg). If you can get yourself a copy of "Motorcycle Design and Technology" by Gaetano Cocco, Chapter 10 on aerodynamics covers a great deal in a few pages. Keep in mind the cruiser has a longer wheelbase and the seat height is about 3 inches lower a sport bike. The trick will be getting the windscreen to come to shoulder height. A clear touring windscreen from National would fit easily and angled back would reduce drag. The back is even more critical. For 'cheap and easy' get a medium size plastic cooler, mount it on end just behind the rider, and rivet sheet plastic to the hinged lid to form a boat tail. You will likely want a shelf and cargo net inside to store things. Ride that for a while and then decide on gearing changes. Then you can design a full body fairing.

[rebelCAFE]

well, i already have a national cycle windshield. and i also already have a large plastic helmet trunk mounted on the luggage rack. i guess my next step would be the fairing idea. there is a motorcycle salvage yard about 75 miles from here, guess i need to go out there and walk around. thanks for the ideas.

[Christ]

I'd recommend something a little larger than the fairing from the Ninja 250. I think your cruiser puts you at a slightly wider stance (sit?) than the Ninja's tucked profile does, so the fairing might not fully cover the way you'd want it to.

The Pre-98 Katana's have nice fairings on them, as well as some of Yamaha's larger offerings. IF nothing else, you can always look for a GoldWing, which is a full-faired cruiser.

[The Atomic Ass]

Originally Posted by Christ

The newest models are touting less FE and more top-end power than the earlier models, right? They also have radically redesigned body work, and are slightly heavier...

LESS top-end, more mid-range.

[Grant-53]

The Ninja is a twin and the Rebel is a single cyl. Finding a tourer set up would give better coverage and let you keep the upright position. Unlike a bicycle which can be easily adjusted to get a comfortable crouch, a motorcycle must change parts. I've found a variety of plastic locking work boxes by Stanley and Sterling. Look for something 28x18x14 inches. Taper back from the box 8-12 degrees to form the tail. If you are riding in a crouch the box would be shorter and make some side panels to come to the shoulders.

[Grant-53]

A Stanley 028001L structural foam box is waterproof and measures 28"L x 12"W x 11"H