2012 Vetter Fuel Economy Challenges

[low&slow]

thanks !

[HHOTDI]

Picked up my donorcycle the other day. I scored a really nice 2005 Kawasaki Eliminator for my diesel retrofit! Finishing another project next week and then it is cut/stretch/weld/install and ready to ride! I'll post pics next week when I start! :{)

[beatr911]

HHOTDI, This will be an interesting build! Please start a build thread so we can follow you. I'm really interested in the engine/transmission combo you'll be using.

Gee, maybe soon it will be time to look for a Ninja250 for a donor and install a diesel with Craigs kit.

[HHOTDI]

Thanks btr, I am actually trying to have it up and running, not necessarily finished by any means and making it to this years Lacey's Energy Fair. I chose the Honda Rebel for a good donorcycle largely due to its abundant production #'s, ease of availability, good handling characteristics and a really low seat height. Then just to find out someone else had a friend that built a few of them already a few years ago. Now I understand he has moved on to Shadows. Anyway, when I was not able to score a Rebel, I settled for the clone from Kawasaki. I too have thought of using the numerous and abundant Ninja as a project. I just might build one of those next. I will be keeping a log of parts, cuts and measurements and making some youtube vids and of course a lot of posts here. I might put together a set of plans and possibly a kit for the rest of you DIY'rs. The area I live in is all 70 and 75mph freeways. I have one pass to the West of me and three of them to the east of me. So sufficient power/mpg will be a big concern. I might just have to get one of those little Turbo kits and install it as well, we'll see how it runs after I get it going before I start on the full body fairing kit. Should be a blast, looking forward to finishing my last side job next week and getting after it! :{)

[cvetter]

It was Alan's experience that his air cooled Honda CF 230 severely overheated at 70 mph, into the 30 mph headwinds, sitting upright and comfortable. Even spraying water on the head at speed could not keep the engine head temps within safe range. And that was in 65 degree ambient air!

It is too difficult to get the incoming air routed around the front wheel and fender to the engine.

I strongly suggest that you don't waste your efforts on an air cooled motor. A radiator is much easier to feed with cooling air.

Craig

[Uncle Dave]

Back in the late 60s, and first married, I was sting in a discussion of auto economics when they were talking Liters per kilometers and putting it in MPG for me. From the get-go they would keep records of consumption, and mileage, right down to the cost of the book and pen. MPG, they were getting 35, but we Americans were getting 20?

UncleDave

[sendler]

Originally Posted by Uncle Dave

Back in the late 60s, and first married, I was sting in a discussion of auto economics when they were talking Liters per kilometers and putting it in MPG for me. From the get-go they would keep records of consumption, and mileage, right down to the cost of the book and pen. MPG, they were getting 35, but we Americans were getting 20?

UncleDave

???

[TedV]

Originally Posted by cvetter

It was Alan's experience that his air cooled Honda CF 230 severely overheated at 70 mph, into the 30 mph headwinds, sitting upright and comfortable. Even spraying water on the head at speed could not keep the engine head temps within safe range. And that was in 65 degree ambient air!

It is too difficult to get the incoming air routed around the front wheel and fender to the engine.

I strongly suggest that you don't waste your efforts on an air cooled motor. A radiator is much easier to feed with cooling air.

Craig

what Craig said. I had the same problem with my CB250 air cooled motor getting too hot in the hot summer months down here in the south. My bike had NO FAIRINGS and the cylinder head temps got past 375 degrees. I noticed power dropping when it went past 350. I could not find anyone who could tell me how hot was too hot for the little CB250/rebel 250 engines. I seem to remember VW Beetle air cooled motors were toast after 385 degree F. The hotest ambient air I have been in on a bike has been about 104 degree F

Some of the industrial diesel engines used for bike conversion have fans to blow air over the cylinders, since they are designed for stationary industrial, use. Maybe use a NACA duct to feed the fan end of the motor fresh air if you have your heart set on an air cooled motor?

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Uncle Dave

MPG, they were getting 35, but we Americans were getting 20?

... and still are getting around 20 mpg.

Average EPA-rating on new vehicles is around 21-22 mpg, and apparently, that's even without the unrated trucks !

[HHOTDI]

yup, it stinks that is all that is available here in the states. Huge Praises to folks like EcoModder and Craig Vetter and others that are making it known that not everyone wants 500hp and 8mpg! My family sold all of our gas sucking rigs and bought two turbo diesels. One for errands and one for kid haulin'! Now I am trying to convert my motorcycle to a diesel as well! I saw a 1.0L VW Lupo...wow that would be fun over here in the states! A friend commented on the fact that I walk to work each day. He then asked if it was a long ways. I chuckled and said "well, it is about 120.....uh, ya about 125 feet". LOL! I live 1/2 block from my work, he finally saw the humor in that...dufus anyway! :{)