Quote:
Originally Posted by beatr911
This whole aerodynamic motorcycle project is just another exercise to lay the groundwork to improve motorcycles from what they are. It applies to you if you go 55 or 80 and want to reduce fuel consumption.
We already agree that good aero is what makes the capablity of 100mph airspeed possible on a low output engine. If you don't need 100mph airspeed, that's okay. My underpowered truck goes faster than the speed limit also, but it is really nice to have the ability to modestly accelerate above the limit for passing or whatnot - and it's not much of a mpg penalty. BTW it rarely exceeds the speed limit.
Craig instigated making weather protection fairings mainstream in the '70s so people could ride more due to being more comfortable. Now he is instigating the next step, aerodynamic fairings to add fuel economy and storage.
I, and probably most people, don't think truly aerodynamic fairings will ever catch on in a big way. They need some sort of catalyst to make them cool before they ever "catch on". Even then, it will still be a subset of a small splinter of the motoring public.
I love the discussion we see here and the amount of traffic it's getting.
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Ii agree with everything you say. And as i rather shamefacedly admit that i find it a bit difficult to embrace the full aero look from a styling standpoint and partially for being thought of as the neighborhood kook, i can easily embrace the driving behavior modification that goes with improved fuel efficiency. I may eventually have the resources to do some serious aero mods, but for now tightening the nut behind the wheel is simple, effective and free. The price is right. And i dont have to appear to be the nutcase my so assures me i am. :-)
