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Old 06-21-2011, 02:27 AM   #240 (permalink)
benfroggg
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Augusta, ME
Posts: 45
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I guess I'll have to upgrade the motor when and if this one burns out. I'm going to keep running it as for now; with the notable exception of some aluminum cooling fins and a 12v fan for the hot days/stops after a hard ride. The Etek motor seems like it's the way to go.

Have you considered a fairing for lower Cd? I saw earlier in the bike's history you had a smaller handlebar fairing. I've included a photo of my bike with front huge fairing:


(note: this fairing now goes all the way to the back of the bike not indicated in the photo)

I'll admit, it looks like a roman chairiot from the front. However, it increased my practical range from 28 miles to 33 miles on a charge. This fairing most certainly increases CdA, but obviously decreases Cd by enough that it improves the overall aerodynamics significantly. Another point is that my legs/waist down stays much warmer than previous bikes. I'll be riding to some extent in the winter this should help keep me much warmer. I want a frame mounted upper fairing to integrate with this lower fairing before it gets cold.

I know my fairing is totally ugly but I don't care about that aspect of it. Aesthetics have never been a strong point to me. A person like yourself might be able to make something that looks better and dramatically improves your aerodynamics.

I guess the other question is how much you'd need the extra range. I only use this bike for in town trips less than 20 miles round trip. However, I have to make a weekly 33 mile one-way (total 66 miles) that I could take the bike to (and recharge when I get there for 3 hours with my 18 amp charger) the destination if I could squeeze a few more miles out of it. Your needs may not require such increased range.

Another side note is that my top speed on a flat increased from 39 to 42 with this fairing. Acceleration after 30 is better too.

Great job on your build!
B
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