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Old 01-01-2012, 11:56 AM   #17 (permalink)
redyaris
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Alberta Canada
Posts: 744

redyaris - '07 Toyota Yaris
Team Toyota
90 day: 45.54 mpg (US)

Gray - '07 Suzuki GS500 F
Motorcycle
90 day: 70.4 mpg (US)

streamliner1 - '83 Honda VT500 streamliner
Motorcycle
90 day: 75.63 mpg (US)

White Whale - '12 Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van
90 day: 22.01 mpg (US)
Thanks: 81
Thanked 75 Times in 67 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by visionary View Post
This looks like a good project and a reasonable challenge, but looking at your previous work (Gray), I'm sure you will meet your objectives.
It seems to me that the "Vetter Conditions" goal is a moving target. The competitor results are improving as we each learn from one another about how best to meet the challenge. One point that I picked up from Craig's site, was his question about how much horsepower is optimum. The VT500 surely has more than ample horsepower for this task, and that will limit your ultimate FE ability.
With many others turning to smaller (250) motors, what made you choose this route?
Do you have other aims or have you seen something we may have missed?
That's not mean't to be critical, just inquisitve.

I'll follow this build thread closely, and wish you success
Regards
Pete
The reason for the VT 500, is that I already own it. The bike itself has dificulty maintaining speed when encountering hills and headwinds, riding at 90km/h and higher in 6th gear. In my view it has more than enough power as you suggest, most of the calculations suggest that 5-8 hp will be enough. It does, like most, if not all production bikes, have poor, or non-existant aerodynamics.
The aproach I am taking is the more dificult one, and will not ever become the most fuel efficient bike in the Vetter Challenge. It does have a small hope of getting to the 100mpg under Vetter conditions, and that is my challenge.
I do get some enjoyement out of solving the problems encountered while designing/building things and that is enough for me. The things I modify/build are also a constant source of entertainment for some of my good freinds... most of whom do the same type of things.
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