My 100(+)mpg feet-forward motorcycle project

[BigSherm]

If I ever intend to ride it? Well, of course I do!

You guys have me second guessing myself.

I think I will weld some steel tube through the two swingarms, or at least run some bolts through them for some insurance in case the welds don't hold.

I'll keep you updated, of course.

I think Friday may see some progress, I have it off.

El Shermo

[alvaro84]

(wow, Euromodder, your link in your sig - they have lots of f650 logs, thanks bad that I don't see any comments in the entries, especially at the top one who has a 2.84l/100km lifetime average...)

redpoint5 - yes, not a bad range for something you use for "spirited driving in the mountains" - but Teresa is a workhorse too, she's my only vehicle at the moment so I'm riding until the frosts, I commute with her, I go on holidays, I often cross the country 2-up with luggage because we have to see about things there.

OK, I admit it's not typical but it's an existing exception to the rule With this use I really appreciate longer range. Some day I'd like to see a similar light tourer with at least this range in electric (I don't like heavy whales, I'm not a big guy either. I prefer bikes under ~200kg - that's 441 lbs to be exact ). Or, if not electric, anything that doesn't run on any fossil fuel.

/off

[Maggotbreath]

Very cool project! So cool I decided to join Ecomodder so I could follow your progress. I'm also just about to start a very similar project based on a xt350 and the work of Vetter/Gurney. Anyway keep up the good work!

[JasonG]

Awesome project.
you may want to check California's laws.
many states require a 24-25" minimum seat height to keep visibility up.

[redyaris]

Originally Posted by BigSherm

If I ever intend to ride it? Well, of course I do!

You guys have me second guessing myself.

I think I will weld some steel tube through the two swingarms, or at least run some bolts through them for some insurance in case the welds don't hold.

I'll keep you updated, of course.

I think Friday may see some progress, I have it off.

El Shermo

Although the way you have done the swingarm extension is ingeniuse I share the concern that it may be inadiquit. I would suggest that you add something to the bottom of the arms that extends from close to the swing arm front pivot across the welded section to close to the rear wheel axle. The design of these could include some aero features for the rear of the bike. The issues that I see are flexing of the arm over time weakening the weld/metal and the affect of flexing on handeling. Both of these problems would be solved by some form of truss, channel, or box beam below the swing arm.

[Boreas]

I find your project very interesting and would like to try something like it myself someday. I agree with red yaris, increasing the width of your swing arm would make it much stronger. Something to look out for when wire feed welding is if you switch from a shielding gas and solid wire to flux core wire you may need to switch the polarity of your machine to get proper penetration and weld quality. I know from doing it wrong first and then reading the instructions that came with the wire after I was questioning my welding ability.

[oldenway]

Your project is right along the lines that I have considered tackling. Please keep up the good work.

old...

[grizz]

Good luck on your project. Hope this motivates others.
I have a 150cc Chinese scooter with the windshield and roof. By enclosing the right side of the scoot, my mpg went up about 15mpg and my speed is up about 10mph. The gearing is whats keeping both down right now.
Another observation is... Sidewinds can just about pick it up and blow it off the road !
Keep the bodywork to a minimum and keep it low.

[joedupont]

Visability will be an issue on all small vehicle. Being able to pop up a bicycle flag and retract it for reduced drag might be an option. but flashers, etc are a must.
modifying 4 wheel vehicles could end you up with a ticket.
I'd like to make a three wheeler out of my geo metro.
Anyway this is a great site!!

[Frank Lee]