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I came across a posting in another forum referencing this site and it dawned on me that I have been signed up here for over a year... Just kind of forgot it but I'm back now because of the Vetter streamliner fairing. Which I will have the nose pieces for soon.
I'll get this project under way on a Honda Reflex scooter I have. Just a slightly larger engine (249cc) VS the Helix (244cc) and what ever increase in HP that brings. With bigger wheels on the Reflex with (12"-R, 13"-F) and the Helix with (10"-R, 12"-F), I am able to use tires larger than the standard Reflex tires. Plus a small step up in the final drive ratio with a gear set made for racing, I should be able to go at given speeds at lower RPMs. Lower RPMs = less fuel used and less engine stress. Especially when combined with streamlining to make it easier to do so.
Depending how quickly the project goes, I'm seriously thinking of starting another Vetter streamliner even before the first one is done. I already have a small handful of Reflex scooters to work with plus a Honda FSC600A Silverwing. (I really do like my Reflex scooters best though)
Like others here, I was surprised at the the original cost estimate at first but understand nothing is really cheap anymore for numerous reasons. But that is not going to hinder me. Especially now since it is just the nose which would be the hardest piece to dIY and it is at a much more affordable price. Craig has done all the ground work to make it easier for the DIYer. Got some more reading/research to do to increase my chances of success with FG though. But it should be alright.
Speaking of FG, I wonder how stiff/flexible just a couple layers of light FG with maybe a layer of thin Kevlar laid up on a big sheet of glass (door wall glass), would wrap around for the back of the fairing. I suppose stiffeners could be laid in on the inner surface to help give it rigidity once it is attached to the bulkheads. Done right I think, it could be taken off and rolled up somewhat. Using Kevlar, it might be able to withstand some abuse as well and would be relatively easy to repair if needed. After experimenting some I may try that. Got some CF too off ebay once upon a time, but that may be too rigid to flat wrap and would probably need to be put into a suitably shaped form.....Nah, more trouble than it's worth.
Think I'm going to use one of those really neat electronic gauges like ones from KOSO NorthAmerica...... I've got ideas.... but that is part of the whole point of this. Experiment, build, ride (my favorite part) and merely sip gas when riding. I'm stoked!
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