Vetter streamliner body kit

[sendler]

It will be great to have another ambassador on the road. Let's see if you can get up to a fast 100 mpgUS on a cvt step through. Big scooters really are a joy to ride with the super low cg making them feel like the weigh nothing. And the complete freedom from having to shift. And don't require a hurdler's stretch to get onto with a tail trunk.

[Grant-53]

Sendler, if we are going to build electric bikes in NYS we will have to pester the state Senate to pass new e-bike legislation. Class C (0-20 mph) should be considered the same as a bicycle. Class B (20-30 mph) should allow for home build gas or electric bike conversions if the vehicle can stop from 30 mph in 30 ft. A speedometer, horn, and lights should be required. Most mordern bikes have the brakes and material strength to handle the load and speed. A clean fairing should allow a bike to cruise at 30 mph using less than 1 hp.
For those of us who are not as adept at throwing a leg over a 31" seat as we used to be, the scooter is looking better. The big test is the hills between the Finger Lakes.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

Sendler, if we are going to build electric bikes in NYS we will have to pester the state Senate to pass new e-bike legislation. Class C (0-20 mph) should be considered the same as a bicycle. Class B (20-30 mph) s

That is the frustrating thing. I regularly ride my road bike at speeds greater than 30 mph and it is legal to do so on all roads except limited access. Ebikes are limited to 20 and some states the lawmakers are talking about making mopeds illegal on any road with a speed limit greater than 35. That rules out all back country roads. Insanity. I hope that never really comes to pass and that they don't get the same idea about bikes and Ebikes.

[bschloop]

Stiletto2,
Where in MI are you? Maybe we could collaborate. I am near Cadillac, so PM me if you are interested. I think FG layed up flat then wrapped would be strong and flexible enough, but you would need to figure how to stiffen it. I am working on a fairing for my SR 185, and would like to compare notes. I am using wet lay-up over foam plugs to get my shape, and 1.5oz CSM reinforcement with polyester resin. I did a few tests with 6 oz cloth, but it was too flexible for what I wanted. it might work over a good frame though, although thin sheet aluminum would be lighter. for similar strength.

[low&slow]

As the proud owner of Vetter fiberglass nose #3 I'm pleased to report that my nose has now been installed on my Ninja 250 streamliner. I've only done one FE test on it so far ( 100mpg on Alan Smith's and my 100mile test loop )
but it feels quieter through the air and I can maintain top gear longer at smaller throttle openings. Craig has posted information on the build-up on this website on chapter 62 . Here is the link
2013 Vetter Streamliner-Chap 62

[Grant-53]

The idea of flat FG has been on my mind for some time. Consider using hex mesh wire, fiberglass, and a skin of plastic film. I have used mesh between plastic films supported by loops of stiff nylon tubing.

[Varn]

Your bike reminded me of some of the streamliners I used to race against. A plastic nose with a coroplast and fabric in back.It is a good start. 100 mpg is nothing to sneeze at. Kudos.

For a more substantial rear portion. You can use aircraft type of construction. Steel framework or other framework then covered with dacron (polyester) fabric. A heat gun will shrink it tight as a drum then it can be doped.

You won't trash your lungs with grinding composite.

The nice part about using steel is that it can be welded together with a cheap welder making it virtually one piece.

BTW wear a face mask around that stuff.

[GreenHornet]

I find this thread really interesting in deed. Mr Vetter is spot on with the 20 horsepower theory along with the aerodynamics.

I myself am not a 2 wheel fan but if I was I would think this would be a descent idea and something to consider.

My project that I am currently building is a 3 wheeled reverse trike diesel electric hybrid. I utilize a 19hp 2 cylinder diesel with a 20kw peak BLDC motor in a parallel configuration. I use a simple low weight CVT transmission for the gearing. I am currently working out the aero at the moment and hopefully the goal is to get to .13 cd. This is what I have figured would give me the best results with the small displacement diesel and electric motor. It would also allow me to get the 38 miles the Chevy Volt gets if not more out of a 2.4kw battery pack vs 16kw battery pack driving at a 55mph pace LOL!

I went 3 wheels because it gave me the best chance to reduce weight which is super important as well as creating the best aerodynamics. The tear drop shape is well known and a 3 wheeled reverse trike lends itself quite nicely to this shape. It is also considered a motorcycle so am I aloud to enter it into the Vetter challenge just kidding on that :-) I like the enclosed shell of the trike for all year and all climate usage. I also like the added safety it can afford over conventional motorcycle platforms. Cargo can also be increased which is a plus over 2 wheeled motorcycle designs.

Anyways to get back on subject sorry for getting a little off task!

Mr. Vetter I am sorry to say but the reality is people want cheap. They want to spend as little as absolutely possible in order to achieve there desires and goals. Ecomodders are a frugal bunch by there very way of thinking. So when you pencil it out many will say it does not make sense. They will say $2,000 is to high which we have all ready seen. Two wheel aero is a tough sale but it could be worse you could be like me and trying to do a 3 wheeled aero option :-)))

My advice is do what makes you happy and do it the best you can. If people see all the true benefits of increased mileage and they will when gas in the US reaches Euro levels they will come around. Keep refining and keep promoting what you truly care about. When the time comes when you can make a living at your dream you will.

Patients is a virtue my friend

Take care,

GreenHornet

[Grant-53]

It is ironic that the perception that a fairing is too expensive since the whole package of a new 250cc motorcycle and fairing kit is under $8000 USD. The overall cost of operation is 30% less than an economy car. Compared to buying an older Ninja 250 for $1500 the fairing seems pricey, The engine on the motorcycle is good for 100k miles and a car lasts 200k miles these days, even so the bike is cheaper to run. The bikes take up less space on the highway especially since most people don't car pool. I have had to take the same kind of resistance to bicycle fairings so I deliberately design for very low cost-$10 for materials per unit.
A Ridley Tri Magnum with a body based on the Morelli/Aptera shape would be my choice. The Kubota 722cc 3cyl has the right power and low vibration. An electric motor first and reverse gear with ultracapacitor regen is ideal for urban cycles.

[renault_megane_dci]

I believe the aero package needs to be sold as a package AKA a vehicle.
I believe this vehicle can not be compared to a car because it must be a dedicated vehicle (2 seater) and not everybody can afford a dedicated vehicle.

The whole world is playing a game of gaining money, if you want product to sell, make it make money for the buyer.