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Old 12-16-2009, 12:09 PM   #11 (permalink)
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I just came across this man's project in streamlining a Honda Innova 125. I had seen this months ago, but figured i'd add it to this thread for further discussion.

De ligmotor

The thing i like about his design is that hes sitting in a recumbant position and the fairing slides forward on rails so that he can exit. He noted that side winds up to 40mph weren't much different than an unfaired bike.

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Old 12-16-2009, 01:21 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Wow!! I really like that! So many faired production bikes go for either a forward crouch RR position, or a full upright touring position, It would be great if recumbents got more recognition as viable instead of "geeky". My recumbent experience is with bicycles, and it's been nothing but positive. It's so much more comfortable, and you present so much less area to the wind. The major downside is that you have to stick flags on poles to be seen by people in SUVs. And since my head is at about bumper level on a lot of those vehicles, I do want to be seen.

Thanks for the link. That's really informative.

Last edited by thatguitarguy; 12-16-2009 at 01:45 PM..
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Old 12-16-2009, 01:30 PM   #13 (permalink)
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De ligmotor

Agreed - great link. Lots of good info there. Thanks for posting.
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Old 12-16-2009, 01:43 PM   #14 (permalink)
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That's a great link and a wealth of knowledge!
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Old 12-16-2009, 02:36 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thatguitarguy View Post
... It would be great if recumbents got more recognition as viable instead of "geeky".
Hi thatguitarguy,

I really think you are on to something here....

If one wanted to build a really aero motorcycle (I have ridden since I was too young to have a license), then starting with recumbent based on the Gurney Alligator would be my first choice.

The Alligator sits lower, so the CG is lower, there is less side area for inevitable side winds to grab hold of, and makes the frontal area less, for a better CdA.

Take the Gurney Alligator, sit as low as you can before your butt touches the rear drive chain, extend your feet forward, and then work your magic with the body panels!

I have an old Honda VF500, and would do exactly that to the bike if I were going full out with two wheels. Making the foam/fiberglass panels would just be icing on the cake!! For me, that's the fun part.

Look forward to seeing what Brian comes up with.

Jim.

Last edited by 3-Wheeler; 12-16-2009 at 10:32 PM.. Reason: added Brian's name
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Old 12-16-2009, 03:43 PM   #16 (permalink)
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This isn't my project, I'm just following along.

I had to google the Alligator, because I'd never heard of it.
Dan Gurney's Alligator motorcycle - Road Test & Review - Motorcycle Cruiser
With an MSRP of $35,000 for the Alligator, I think that little Dutch bike is more my style.
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Old 12-16-2009, 03:53 PM   #17 (permalink)
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So i showed my girlfriend pictures of my ideas and she said " (Sigh) You'll look like a complete idiot." I responded "(chuckling) Why?". She replies "You'll look like a mouse."

Just a funny tid bit . Shes now sitting next to me giving me the eye....
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Old 12-16-2009, 04:07 PM   #18 (permalink)
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That's funny. I was just looking at the Dutch bike, and thought that once he installed the mirrors, they look like Mickey Mouse ears.

Once the price of gas spikes again, I'm hoping to see a lot more mice on the road, and a lot fewer monsters. The elephants should fear we humble mice.
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Old 12-16-2009, 10:27 PM   #19 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thatguitarguy View Post
This isn't my project, I'm just following along.

I had to google the Alligator, because I'd never heard of it.
Dan Gurney's Alligator motorcycle - Road Test & Review - Motorcycle Cruiser
With an MSRP of $35,000 for the Alligator, I think that little Dutch bike is more my style.
Hi thatguitarguy,

No, I understand. You know how it goes sometimes, where your conversing about something, and someone else throws in an idea, and then first person throws in something else, and viola, you have an excellent idea floating about...

Well, that is what happened to me when I saw your post about the recumbent style seating, which allowed me to recall the Alligator, and I threw that into the pot for Theycallmebrian to consider.

And, no I did not intend for anyone to actually *purchase* the Alligator, but simply, shall we say, *utilize* some of the major design concepts.

Since Brian already has a fine set of wheels, maybe he would consider *altering* the shape of things a little...

.... All part of the design process....

Jim.
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Old 12-16-2009, 10:32 PM   #20 (permalink)
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I saw a phone book earlier today with a computer mouse on the back... it had a guy sitting in it with a aero windshield and it actually looked quite streamlined. It was odd. Maybe someone should build one?

The "Alligator" bike -

Looks like someone took a bike from OCC and added a fairing and turned the ape-hangers back a bit... I like it!

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