2012 Vetter Challenger Build ( 1981 Yamaha SR185 streamliner)

[bschloop]

I checked this morning to see if my tail met the "four bags of groceries" requirement, and found out it could hold more than five, so I decided to go for a little more boattailing. I kept the same dimensions for length, height, and width at the front, and brought the back almost to a point. this will mean more compound curves, but I've decided that I am ok with that.

[sendler]

That looks more reasonable.

[bschloop]

WOW!
It's been a very busy few weeks, and the warm weather is keeping the bike out of the garage, and on the road. I had to make an unplanned road trip last week, and with the tail still open like a pickup truck bed, and no nose, I got abysmal FE. mid 60's for mpg numbers, and no way it would do more than 65-70 mph @ WOT. anyway, I set out to fix that problem this past week, and got a Styrofoam plug cut and shaped for the top and bottom of the tail. I also mocked up the nose in heavy posterboard and 1/4" plywood, so it can be covered with a single layer of fiberglass cloth. I know I said that I was going to avoid fiberglass, but I checked prices, and it will cost less, and make for a better finished product. Also, with the solar resin, and fiberglass cloth, the nose pieces I made earlier required no sanding at all, so it seems I might be able to get the benefits of fiberglass without so much fuss and discomfort.

[redyaris]

bschloop
Will you be sitting upright , or will you be bent foreward? what I am thinking is you may have to make the foam board peace taller than it is...

[bschloop]

I sit leaning forward a bit, and the tail seems to fit pretty well the way it is, but I will need to ride it a bit to find out. I want to keep it as low as possible to avoid side wind stability issues.

[bschloop]

things are starting to come together. the tail has a lid, and the nose is 90% glassed I need to decide whether to leave the styrofoam in the bottom of the tail or not. if I do, it will keep it from turning into a parachute, but will have a weight disadvantage. If I take it out, I save some weight, and can try to make it as airtight as possible.

update on cost, I have spent about $70 on fiberglass materials, and $40 on materials to make an oil cooler, so total cost is now up to $780 total. not including any of the tools purchased, as I consider them to be more an investment than a cost.

Pictures to come.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by bschloop

things are starting to come together. the tail has a lid, and the nose is 90% glassed I need to decide whether to leave the styrofoam in the bottom of the tail or not. if I do, it will keep it from turning into a parachute, but will have a weight disadvantage.

You could do something in between
- leave the styrofoam where it gives you better aero or stiffens up the construction;
- remove (or hollow out) what is dead weight (though weight is relative here).

Vibrations or flutter could be a long-term killer, keeping some of that styrofoam in will increase stiffness and reduce vibrations.

[bschloop]

Rode the bike around the block today to see how the front fairing fits. Couldn't go any further since I have no lights at the moment. rides great at low speeds, and no problem with steering clearance. Now I just need to get the lights working so I can see how it really performs.

remaining work to be done:
-fiberglass the bottom of the tail
-mount the headlight
-get/mount turn signals
-mount taillight
-fabricate cooling duct, and oil cooler.
-sand/ finish everything.

[bschloop]

I got the headlight mounted, and the cooling ducts made. took it for a ride yesterday, and she rides great. maxed out at 80mph, might be the fastest that little bike has ever gone. cruisin at 70-75 should be no problem in july.

[bschloop]

I got the bottom glassed in, and that's the last of the fiberglass, I also set up an led taillight, and found an led headlight bulb,
Euromodder, I took your suggestion about the foam, I left it in the leading edge of the fiberglass bottom, around the wheel, it seems to be working well, I also filled the tips of both the top, and bottom of the tail with expanding foam to ensure it is sealed.
Redyaris, I did have to make the lid a little taller, but not due to seating position, when I tried to put the groceries in they were squished against the top, I will probably bring it back down after the Challenge though, since I don't usually use paper grocery bags anyway, and it seems slightly more susceptible to side wind this way.I can still carry more than enough stuff, I can almost crawl right into the tail, probably could if I tried.