Project Slipster: Streamlining the Kawasaki Ninja 250 (WIP Thread)

[thatguitarguy]

Originally Posted by Cd

What do you guys think of testing using a large toy motorcycle, a strain gauge and a powerful wind machine ?

You could even give it to your kids when you're done

Show a little patience. Give it too your kids first. Then when they inevitably go back to their Wii or Guitar Hero, you can nab it back and chop it, stretch it fair it or whatever...

A strain gauge would give you some info, but I'm thinking that tuft testing with this device might be more helpful.

[Cd]

I think the kids would know that you were up to something.
Kids these days aren't impressed with a toy unless it 'does something'.
I wonder if you could actually get some use out of a large scale radio control motorcycle.
I suppose you could do a sort of small scale tuft test. I wonder how that scale effects something like that.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by Cd

I think the kids would know that you were up to something.
Kids these days aren't impressed with a toy unless it 'does something'.
I wonder if you could actually get some use out of a large scale radio control motorcycle.
I suppose you could do a sort of small scale tuft test. I wonder how that scale effects something like that.

Yup, you wait till the kids get on it, and then you start inching it along, scaring the bejeezus out of them.

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by JasonG

While the "Alligator" seems cool, in many states its illegal.
To keep people from riding barely visible streamliners on the street, many states have a 24" minimum seat height.
Now if its legal where you live. ......

I wonder what some of those same states would do with this???



I was legal in California back in 1980!!

And set the Guinness World Record of 155 mpg at 55 mph.

http://www.canosoarus.com/03CalifCommuter/CalCom01.htm

Jim.

[Christ]

JasonG -

I'm not sure I can believe the seat height thing that you mention, because 3 wheeled conveyance is registered as a motorcycle, and would then have to apply the same laws, which, obviously, they do not.

Do you have a point of reference that others may see?

[theycallmeebryan]

[Christ]

Bryan -

Can you color the front section a contrasting color, then show a rear view from the fishtail forward?

That view will show you whether you will get the same effect you saw in the Flow Illustrator video.

[theycallmeebryan]

The top probably needs to be merged in a little on the tail section.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by theycallmeebryan

[Images stolen by gremlins.]
The top probably needs to be merged in a little on the tail section.

Bingo. You'll be alot more comfortable sitting in there without the buffeting effect that will be caused by the air swirling in the open area, and it might be more stable, too.

Unfortunately, I can't say how much to taper it. The arc method is the only way I've ever known to figure out where the second shape should be positioned.

[botsapper]

I know the evolution of your project requires qualified experience with full canopy designs. The safe road stability must be paramount or else the work is strictly an aerodynamic exercise. I've been mulling your initial design criteria: rider enclosure & upright riding ergonomics. Without any qualified aerodynamic testing or validity, I've initially created this concept for blue-sky purposes. The design is a combination of plenty existing conceptual designs. BugEV's canopy to give the rider reasonably more elements protection. There maybe an awkward entry/egress & some new blind spots. The concerns about center of pressure is unknown but I could see additional lower winglets/ to counter the potential problems from the canopy shape aero pressures. The properly shaped lower fairing could provide some additional downforce for the rear wheel traction. Again it is just for additional design reference or conversation. I was about to add a sliding rear foil section behind the rider to fully enclose the design but was tempered by handling problems. Now if it is a leaning tri-wheeler...