Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
Somehow I doubt that, given how much work Honda put into removing excess weight from the Insight. If the Gold Wing drivetrain was lighter, why wouldn't they have used that instead? Then there's the other FE technology, like lean burn. Bottom line is that I'll get upwards of 70 mpg in highway cruising in the Insight, which I don't think the GW can match. I've never ridden a GW (I always preferred bikes in the 600-850 cc range, if not smaller), but have never gotten the impression that they're designed with FE as the primary goal.
The Insight engine (and I mean just the IC engine, not the whole hybrid drivetrain) should be pretty much off-the-shelf tech, too.
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I am confusing the issue a bit. A Honda Goldwing after 2001 has a 1.8L flat 6 which I doubt is much lighter than any 1L ish car engine or more efficient, it does have a drivetrain with reverse which makes it appealing to some for car projects. Older Goldwings have slightly smaller engines which are probably much cheaper than an Insight engine but not lighter or more efficient.
Now can a GW engine beat 70mpg in a body with half the total drag of an Insight? Probably easily with the right gearing. I think thats the point, I'd imagine 500cc twin would be even better but may lack the torque and clutch to get something bigger moving reliably and also has no reverse. The GW engine and drivetrain are easily capable and I imagine cost far less than an Insight drivetrain even though the Insight engine is more efficient.
Ian