Britten's Aero Bikes

"Goggles Pizzano" (gogglespizzano)
08/03/2015 at 16:49 • Filed to: Britten, Aero, Twowheelsgood

In 1985 with the help of two friends and engine builder/partner Mike Brosman, John Britten sculpted the first plug for the fairing out of single block of polystyrene and body filler. Two AERO-D-Zeros (as they would later be known) were built. One for John and the other for Mike.

More than the just the front fairing winglets, the aero package included indentations for the rider’s legs and a tapered rear which gave the bike an ideal water drop shape. The initial bodywork included lights and indicators but it was never registered for the street.

The Ducati 900 ran on pump gas, with standard crank and rods, but Imola cams, larger valves, and Lectron flat side carbs.

Mike would take his bike to the 1987 BEARS Speed Trials, where it posted a speed of 145.41 mph. He won in ‘88 and ‘90 with speeds of 150.82 mph and 153.98 mph.

In 1986 it was decided to build a similar bike but with a new monocoque chassis constructed in unidirectional carbon fiber, kevlar cloth and high density closed cell foam. Called the AERO-D-One, it would receive a new methanol powered 999cc engine from Denco Engineering. Problems with the engines ability to rev were corrected with a head redesign early on.

In 1987, international rider Gary Goodfellow took it to the BEARS Speed Trials where it would appear alongside the AERO-D-Zero. It took top spot with a speed of 148.21 mph. At the 1988 Dunedin Street Races, Gary won the first two races but failed to finish the third with gearbox problems.

The removal of 6 bolts is all that was needed to disasemble the bike to two pieces. Unfortunately this would need to be done to access the engine...

“The design of the fairing is such that the position of the rider behind the inner aerofoil breaks up the flow over it, destroying the larger sideways force and stopping the machine from sliding away in the corner.”

A problem with the aerodynamics was discovered at the ‘87 trials. At high speed the winglets would cause the bike to lean one way or the other, and run anything but upright. They were removed.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Engine Capacity 999cc. initially 87x84mm, finally 94x72mm

Claimed 120bhp at 9000rpm

Carburation: modified 40mm Amal Mk2 smoothbore

Clutch wet multi plate

Gearbox 5-speed XJ 650 gearbox, removable

Ignition Phelan chainsaw magneto ignition

Chassis: Kevlar/carbon composite monocoque with semi stressed engine. 18” Marvic front and rear wheels.

Steering 25.5 deg head angle, adjustable trail

Suspension front: White Power upside-down 54mm forks

Suspension rear: White Power monoshock mounted under engine

Brakes front: 315mm rotor with Lockheed four piston caliper