I need some schoolin'!

[Chromedome]

I've been reading over the Craig Vetter site and his fuel mileage challenges, and I'm wondering, why everyone here on this site aren't getting the kinds of mileage numbers those guys were getting 25 years ago?

I look at some of the streamlined 125cc motorcycles on here and they are in the 200-225 mpg range, but supposedly a guy on a 185cc bike whooped up on 400 mpg. What am I missing?

[Frank Lee]

Competition driving vs street.

[Chromedome]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Competition driving vs street.

Frank, I was under the impression that they were driving on the street at a speed of at least 45 mph, and I'm guessing that they didn't close down the highway for the run.

I could understand the results if they were on a closed track with no need to ever vary the throttle, change lanes, slow down or accelerate for traffic.

[jkv357]

You saw this page on the Vetter site, right? - 1985 Matsu talks

The local library purchased Vetter's DVD about "How they got 470 MPG" - it was just a video of Vetter speaking to a group at a convention.

Some info about the route - 1985 FER Open class

You may have seen all of this, but just in case anyone else is interested in the info.

Additional info - 470 MPG-Craig Vetter Fuel Economy contests, better mileage

One of the unusual things Matsu did was to add a neutral on the top so he could drop into neutral from top gear and coast as efficiently as possible.


Jay

[Grant-53]

If you follow the site information, the runs were done on highway and a run off was done at Laguna Seca race track. The engine rpms were reduced as much as possible and low viscosity lubricants were used. The riding positions were near prone and the best had bodies that were smooth and clean shapes like a glider fuselage.

[Chromedome]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

If you follow the site information, the runs were done on highway and a run off was done at Laguna Seca race track. The engine rpms were reduced as much as possible and low viscosity lubricants were used. The riding positions were near prone and the best had bodies that were smooth and clean shapes like a glider fuselage.

Yes, I read the entire site and the best mileage on the road part of the course was 380 mpg. The best streamliner bike on here is 225 mpg. Granted the average speed of the road trip was 45 mph, and they used thin oil, but that won't make 155 mpg difference.

[Grant-53]

Right, the big difference is in the aerodynamics. The prone position lowers the overall height of the full fairing. The modern bikes are semi-recumbent and the rider's head is exposed. Check the dimensions of the Yamaha Rifle body shell. For more detailed info you could contact Craig Vetter and Charly Perethian by e-mail. Craig has been very gracious in responding to my e-mails over the years.

[Chromedome]

Well I don't think I will go so far as to email him, as all this was just a matter of curiosity. Thanks for the replies!