Velomobiel: 214 mpg Recumbent Motorcycle (Honda 125cc with DIY aerodynamic fairings)

[theo22]

Allert has not altered his honda and he doesn't ride it much ( twice a year)
His latest creation is his 6 month old daughter.
He has bought an BMW 650 cc single cilinder motorbike. He has plans to turn this into a streamlined recumbent motorbike aswell, but this could take years.
Oh and yes, the windexplorer was build by Allert (and me). It is based on the body of a Duo-quest.
Our company (Velomobiel.nl) and our families are taking most of our time.
I am still working on a new version of a streamlined 125cc honda.
It won't be a full fairing like Allerts, since we learned that it is very sensitive to sidewinds.

Greetings, Theo cycling gives amazing MPG-gain ;-)

[Frank Lee]

Thanks- do you know, or could you send Allert over here, to share any insights he's gotten from the last couple years with that bike (besides the crosswind sensitivity)?

[NeilBlanchard]

Generally velomobiles are pedal powered, and some have electric assist. They fly and they protect you in bad weather and I would love to own a Quest, for sure!

[Frank Lee]

I'm wondering how it went from "stable in 40 mph crosswinds" to "not so stable". Maybe it was a typo- 4 mph crosswinds?

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by theo22

Oh and yes, the windexplorer was build by Allert (and me). It is based on the body of a Duo-quest.

So there's actually more than one Duo - even if it isn't really a Quest

I'm surprised it's not credited to Velomobiel anywhere as far as I've seen.

[godscountry]

Originally Posted by captainslug

Do It Yourself 214 MPG Motorcycle Project

EDIT (by metrompg): link to builder's site, with more photos & info

And because this is such an awesome project, I've just blogged about it for EM as well:

• 214 mpg with DIY aerodynamic fairings on Honda 125cc motorbike - EcoModder.com

.

Here's proof of what I have always thought,streamlining a motorcycle when done right,will double the mileage and or range of a electric.I'm convinced that enclosed streamlined motorcycle's will someday be a common site on the world's roads.Thanks to the DIY's,a lot of people started thinking clearly again,unlike the early days of racing,when streamlining was banned because they were going to fast.That's not how we move forward,had they not been banned,better brakes,tires,handling package's,etc would of been developed much earlier,just my 2 cents

[theo22]

Wanna see all about that mint collored 125cc streamlined Honda.
A dutch TV-show about traffic violations spotted him and stopped him.
But it's all legal as the clip shows. Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0NRW7_B2Ug

Theo

[MetroMPG]

theo22 - thanks for posting that!

(I added your post to the existing discussion - hope you don't mind.)

[godscountry]

Originally Posted by luvit

that is beautiful
i would probably lay it down

better some fiberglass than your skin,trust me on that one.you could have chromemolly crash bars,front foot bar could stick past the body a inch on both sides with a reflector or ? and one in back,allowing the bars to help protect both you and the body a little better in case of falling over.The use of carbon and Kevlar helps in body construction.A enclosed motorcycle can be built to protect the rider,far better than anyone could imagine.

[Grant-53]

Agreed. The use of materials such as nylon mouldings as skid pads to protect the body and internal crush zones are quite feasable. A bit more down force and a rounder cross section will help with the cross wind issue.