Honda Insight Tail Extension Project

[sheepdog 44]

On some downhill sharp turns i can feel the rear wheels give and the car will pivot a sideways a little. This is with some negative G.

[Ragtag]

Weight distribution doesn't matter - unless wheel friction is overcome.

So, if all four wheels are on good road surface, then you have two axes of rotation - the front and the rear. Which wheels break first is a function of weight distribution over them, yes. Any front wheel drive car will put most weight over the front wheels because since they are also the steering wheels, that is how you get out of trouble and stay out of it.

A light boat tail should have next to zero effect on handling on any car.

[NeilBlanchard]

It weighs less than 31 pounds.

This thread about the bellypan should be linked in this...

[BikerModder]

I see by cutting on weight you are also saving on bondo and cost of the project. In theory at least from my perspective.

[arcosine]

Having ridden fully faired recumbent bicycles for thousands of miles, I would say the tail would increase stability in a cross wind, and reduce the front end pushing leeward. The added weight in the rear will cause the car to under steer less. Have you skidded out in a turn yet? I had a saturn wagon where the back would break loose before the front on dry pavement, something that should be avoided.

[Varn]

You're the man Tony. Thousands of miles in your streamlined bike. Do you realize how rare that is?

I had a Renault R5 that would get lots of oversteer on trailing throttle. Quite disconcerting if you have to let off into a turn.

Originally Posted by arcosine

Having ridden fully faired recumbent bicycles for thousands of miles, I would say the tail would increase stability in a cross wind, and reduce the front end pushing leeward. The added weight in the rear will cause the car to under steer less. Have you skidded out in a turn yet? I had a saturn wagon where the back would break loose before the front on dry pavement, something that should be avoided.

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by BikerModder

I see by cutting on weight you are also saving on bondo and cost of the project. In theory at least from my perspective.

That is true about saving weight with Bondo.

I have also found that Bondo does not stick to the fiberglass very well, so it should not be used as a filler due to it's lack of adhesion.

It goes on well, and sands easily, but that's about it.

Jim.

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by arcosine

Having ridden fully faired recumbent bicycles for thousands of miles, I would say the tail would increase stability in a cross wind, and reduce the front end pushing leeward. The added weight in the rear will cause the car to under steer less. Have you skidded out in a turn yet? I had a saturn wagon where the back would break loose before the front on dry pavement, something that should be avoided.

Not in a turn, I did however skid out on a straight section of snow covered slush at the end of last winter. The car did a 180 and fortunately, did not hit anything along the way.

The back tires are staggered inward two inches per side, and this "feature" makes the back end hunt while going through snow. Very loose feeling.

I did purchase some 1 inch spacers that will go on the rear when it gets cold.

That, and some new tires in the rear should help quite a bit.

Jim.

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by arcosine

Having ridden fully faired recumbent bicycles for thousands of miles, I would say the tail would increase stability in a cross wind, and reduce the front end pushing leeward. The added weight in the rear will cause the car to under steer less. Have you skidded out in a turn yet? I had a saturn wagon where the back would break loose before the front on dry pavement, something that should be avoided.

Tony, that's nice to hear!

Do you have any problems with side winds while in the bike?

I would like to streamline my motorcycle, and this information helps.

Jim.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by 3-Wheeler

Tony, that's nice to hear!

Do you have any problems with side winds while in the bike?

I would like to streamline my motorcycle, and this information helps.

Jim.

Jim,not to butt in,but a few years back,at the IHPV competition at Battle Mountain,some riders had ended up in the brush alongside the course (highway) after westerly gusts popped them.There's no way for them to 'lean',as they're encapsulated inside the body,so they just blow off course.
The IHPV does constant wind velocity measurement along the course and will shut things down if wind speed goes over a threshold,so they're always looking at rider safety.Winds are oblivious to good intentions.
Sam Whittingham (sp?) had been running around 81-mph,and a number of other riders were showing fast times as well.Going off course at those speeds could have been really hairy.
Turned out okay.Fun!