Buying a bike for MPG/Vetter Challenge, what would be your favorite?

[sendler]

The people at DeltaBike have an interesting developement which could be patentable. The seat can flip to offer a higher, motorcycle rider position for traffic and then flip down into a backrest for a much lower recumbent position.
Watch the video and right at the end you will see the rider change positions as he enters a driveway.
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Delta Bike - Electric Motorcycles
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[sendler]

Starting with a scooter gives the advantage of an open frame to build a recumbent seating position but doesn't come with large enough wheels and wheelbase for good cross wind manners at highway speed. And, gearing changes are all but impossible with a V-Matic transmission so getting a 75mph top speed is tough. They do tend to design with a longer stroke and less valve overlap for better fuel economy at lower revs. Too bad the Honda SH150i is so expensive. The PCX would do even better on gas but is just a little too small for the highway. PCX riders are breaking 105mpg on stock machines at 35mph. What is the efficiency of a V-Matic trans? How much loss is in a constant mesh trans of a motorcycle? Most cars are now getting better economy out of their modern automatic trans than they are from a manual.

[euromodder]

That'd be hard to patent given previous hardware - ecomodder member evomoto (Home) has a similar concept for his feet-forward streamlined bike.

[beatr911]

Originally Posted by sendler

I put a 1 tooth bigger sprocket on the front. Still waiting for the steel -1 and -2 tooth rear sprockets from Thailand.
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Honda CBR250R Forum : Honda CBR 250 Forums - View Single Post - Longer gearing available?
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Sendler, good info on the front sprocket. Have you tried PBI sprockets for the rear? They have steel and aluminum and can build to your spec. They could be a good source.

My aluminum rear shows no wear after 5600 miles on the chinese 200, but I'm also using a scottoiler.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by beatr911

Sendler, good info on the front sprocket. Have you tried PBI sprockets for the rear? They have steel and aluminum and can build to your spec. They could be a good source.

My aluminum rear shows no wear after 5600 miles on the chinese 200, but I'm also using a scottoiler.

DDC Thailand will sell steel 15T / 36 or 37T sprocket sets and have stated a 1 month delay in supplying them due only to the recent flood in Bangkok or I would have them already. Very good quality and very cheap. Good news on your wear of the aluminum rear but the CBR250R sprockets are so small that switching to aluminum doesn't save much rotating mass. Not like a dirt bike with a huge 48T rear.

[Grant-53]

The CBR250F has a very similar engine to the NX250. There are 125cc bikes out there but air cooled. A Kubota liquid cooled 3 cyl. 712cc engine is available if you have a cruiser frame and transmission.

[Electictracer]

Originally Posted by sendler

Starting with a scooter gives the advantage of an open frame to build a recumbent seating position but doesn't come with large enough wheels and wheelbase for good cross wind manners at highway speed. And, gearing changes are all but impossible with a V-Matic transmission so getting a 75mph top speed is tough. They do tend to design with a longer stroke and less valve overlap for better fuel economy at lower revs. Too bad the Honda SH150i is so expensive. The PCX would do even better on gas but is just a little too small for the highway. PCX riders are breaking 105mpg on stock machines at 35mph. What is the efficiency of a V-Matic trans? How much loss is in a constant mesh trans of a motorcycle? Most cars are now getting better economy out of their modern automatic trans than they are from a manual.

Nice post. I think a scooter is an often over looked option that has great potential. I really wanted a 250cc honda reflex for my build for all of the reasons you said. Much harder to find but so much more easy to streamline.

[HHOTDI]

Well I have to ask...being fairly new here I am having a thought. What is the issue with importing a CBR125R lets say. I live just 100miles south of the 49th parallel I have fairly easy access to Canadian dealers that are just a few hours north of me. Would we be able to but a used one and bring it down here..? I have purchased Canadian vehicles before and easily got them titled and registered in my state. I am wondering if there is a difference...any ideas? Thanks, Mike :{)

[HHOTDI]

Here is one just north of Seattle for anyone interested... OK, it will not allow me to post the link, so go to the Vancouver Canada craigs list and enter this # 2814797297

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rd...814797297.html -here is a CBR125R

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/2815901932.html -here is a kawasaki eliminator 125cc

:{)

[sendler]

Here is what I learned so far about importing a Canadian vehicle to the USA.
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Please follow the instructions below for importing a Canadian vehicle.



1. Contact the Manufacturer for a letter of compliance that states the vehicle complies with all U.S. Federal EPA and DOT requirements. A list of U.S. Representatives can be found at Importing Vehicles and Engines into the U.S. | Transportation & Air Quality | US EPA

2. Obtain the EPA form 3520-1 from Importing Vehicles and Engines into the U.S. | Transportation & Air Quality | US EPA

3. Contact the DOT at 202-366-5291 or Vehicle Importation and Certification Requirements for the HS-7 form and DOT import regulations.

4. Once you have the letter from the manufacturer, the EPA form and the DOT form, you will need to present all three documents to customs for a customs release form which will allow you to title and register your vehicle in the U.S.

· If the manufacturer states that the vehicle is not compliant with the U.S. Federal emission standards and there is not a retrofit available, you will need to contact an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) to have the vehicle modified, tested, and certified.

If the manufacturer does not issue a compliance letter, you may not be able to import the vehicle. A copy of the compliance letter from the manufacturer is also required by Customs and DOT.


David C. Hurlin
URS, Contractor
EPA Imports Line
Imports Group
Compliance Division
Phone: (734) 214-4100
Fax: (734) 214-4676
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105