by "bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
Published 03/17/2017 at 06:43
by "bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
Published 03/17/2017 at 06:43
Tags: Two Wheels Good
; craig vetter
; honda
; scooter
; motorcycle
STARS: 2
Heavily modified Honda Helix - custom streamlined bodywork, tweaks to the riding position, taller gearing to enable lower engine RPM at high speeds. Craig Vetter claims 80-90 mpg at 70 mph (and that might be into a 30 mph headwind), with better results from Kawasaki Ninja 250s with similar fairings.
His goal is 100 mpg at 70 mph and into a 30 mph headwind, while being comfortable, carrying a useful load (4 paper bags of groceries), and being the first choice vehicle in the garage. Depending on weather... yeah, I’d ride that (although I’d want an electrified version with removable batteries - and he has streamlined a couple Zeros with similar fairings, too). The caveat would be parking, but his concept allows for folding the tail beside the vehicle while parked (I don’t think this one has that feature, though).
"Clemsie McKenzie" (thestirringcolumn)
03/17/2017 at 07:01, STARS: 0
I mean, if you don’t mind looking a bit weird (and who on Oppo does), this thing’s pretty cool!
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
03/17/2017 at 08:09, STARS: 0
i’d like to see it in person.
"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
03/17/2017 at 08:34, STARS: 0
I don’t believe it exists any more - he had a deer strike on it in 2015, and I believe is still recovering from his injuries.
"Fl1ngstam" (Fl1ngstam)
03/17/2017 at 08:37, STARS: 1
It’s interesting that he mentioned headwinds, but not crosswinds. I would hazard a guess that they are less fun to travel with on a motorbike shaped like a sail...
"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
03/17/2017 at 08:41, STARS: 1
He does consider them, though - the open area for the rider allows crosswinds to pass through the vehicle near the front (as well as improving ingress and egress, and making it easier to put feet down at a stop), and the long tail steers the vehicle into crosswinds (improving stability), rather than away from them.
"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
03/17/2017 at 10:47, STARS: 0
I’m waiting for his Windjammer to become retro and be in style again....
