Project 100 (custom enclosed Honda C90 targets 100 mph vmax and 100 km/L FE)

[visionary]

Project Overview

The principle project objective is to create a vehicle that has a maximum speed in excess of 100mph, can achieve 100mpg+ at its cruising speed of 70mph, from an engine displacement of 100cc.

EDIT
So here is a concept sketch for the project. On the basis that a picture is worth a thousand words, it should make it easier for anyone to understand what I am aiming for.


I have done enough research to believe that these targets are possible, although they will be difficult to achieve. I will hamper myself further by choosing to run exposed wheels, which is a personal choice, as I don’t like the “dustbin” fairing style. I think it is important to ensure that the vehicle remains “cool” if it’s ever to be widely accepted.

Many years ago I was inspired by Amory Lovins’ Hypercar principle, then quickly realised that one of the biggest drawbacks would be congestion, which is already a major source of waste. Since then I have worked on “single person vehicles” as a part of the solution. I have already produced a full size prototype vehicle with single track and fully enclosed bodywork, which I will call an “internal motorcycle”. This initial vehicle is a pure “proof-of-concept” prototype and has no chance of being acceptable for road-testing on the public highway. Therefore I intend to use “Project 100” as a spin-off, which allows me to complete lots of road testing, without worry about registration and the fear of arrest, much as Craig Vetter does.

I have chosen to start with a Honda C90 “cub” as a donor vehicle, due to its high production numbers, horizontal engine design and low capacity. I will fabricate a new frame that allows recumbent seating and cover it with my prototype bodywork.

I would very much welcome all comments and opinions (positive and negative) as I document the project. This forum contains many wise voices and I am a firm believer in “the wisdom of the crowd”, and how that can provide a better outcome.

[jkv357]

Should be an interesting and challenging project!

Keep us up to date on your progress and post some photos as you go.

EDIT: I assume you've seen this nicely done aero project - http://ecomodder.com/blog/diy-aero-f...cycle-214-mpg/


Jay

[visionary]

Now that I have identified the objectives, let me explain how I hope to achieve them. - your thoughts are welcome!

initially I have purchased a Honda C90 cub, with a view toward using the engine/gearbox and registration particulars.
I have started fabrication of a tubular spaceframe "chassis" which allows the driver to sit low down between the wheels with the same driving posture as a sports car.
I'll post some images because there's too much to explain
But my aim is for 0.60msq frontal area, a cd of 0.17 and with 10hp I think 100mph should be possible
Here is donor vehicle shot and next post will be fabrication images

[visionary]

Yes Jay
Allert's work and the "buzz" on this forum is what convinced me to divert away from my "top-secret" prototype and make an everyday vehicle.
I only wish Allert continued his story and kept us up to date. His project was so well documented that it became an inspiration for me. I only hope I can do half as well

[visionary]

So here is my first project update. Images are of the Honda C90 motor, which I am using and the rear wheel/tyre & swing arm.
Motor first. I bought a blown motor (seized big-end) to use as a dummy for fabrication purposes. I’ll swap it for my good unit when I strip the bike apart, but I don’t want too much stuff apart at once. I’m using the electric start version as kick starting will be impossible with the motor mounted below the seat and fully enclosed by chassis and bodywork. The starter adds a bit of height to the assembly but without a purpose built unit I don’t think I can do any better. The carb needs to be remounted – eventually I will go to fuel injection but in the short term I will cut-and-shut the inlet manifold to create a lower profile. This part will sit just below the bend in my knees, so it can be a bit higher than the seat base.
The rear wheel assembly is from a Kawasaki ZR750, no idea what year, I just bought it from a motorcycle breakers because I liked the fat 160 rear tyre. Despite the difficult aims of this project I continue to make compromises because this thing has to look “cool”. I know mass and drag penalties will come with this set-up but running around on skinny tyres could kill the attractiveness of the finished article.

Craig Vetter has a point about the best vehicle being your first choice, and for me there is great appeal in a “good-looking” machine. In the few weeks that I have had the C90, my eyes have been reopened about the practicality of motorcycles. Although I have always considered myself a “biker” the truth is that I have not used a bike as regular transport since my teens. They make great toys but no way would I choose one over my car for anything but a “fun” journey.

[visionary]

Update 002
So the latest update is on the first stages of the chassis construction (two images attached) which shows the dummy engine mounted and the rear swing arm attached.

The “mini-trestles” are fabrication support and ride height (150mm) blocks, the spaceframe material is 20x20 ERW steel box section and as pictured is in “tack-up” condition prior to TIG welding. It will of course be fully triangulated when finished, what you see are the basic “planes” of the design. This is the centre or lower chassis, one of three “modules”, the other two will be the front and rear sections.
Further news concerns the C90 which I hate riding. It all works quite well and I’ve used 3 or 4 tank fulls of fuel, so I can confidently quote a current 133mpg(imp), which is some compensation for the hardship I have to endure while riding it. This mileage has all been completed without using “dual carriageway” roads, so lots more stop/start than ideal and lots of WOT trying to maintain a reasonable pace to match other traffic. Anyway, at least it already does 100+mpg (part of my project objective), now I just need to make it do 100mph.

[jkv357]

Thanks for the updates, looks like it's coming along nicely.

What was it about the C90 that made it such a pain to ride - low power?

Do you have a design set for the body?


Jay

[visionary]

Hi Jay - lack of power certainly takes the fun out of motorcycling! Other critical "hates" are poor comfort (sore backside after 45minute commute) and weather watching for journey planning. The real issue is that I prefer my BMW for speed/comfort/practicality & aircon and it makes for a more versatile experience - the only downside is 32mpg @ £6.00+ / gallon.
Next post I'll put up some full-body renderings!

[Boreas]

Very interesting. Looking forward to more.

[theycallmeebryan]

Very interesting project. It seems like you have all the necessary resources to finish the project. Good luck, I'll be following your progress. Please update as much as you can.