Vetter streamliner body kit

[larryboy]

When does the build start? You have posted in the build area and I demand progress and pictures!!

[bandito2]

Originally Posted by larryboy

When does the build start? You have posted in the build area and I demand progress and pictures!!

I just got a response today from an email I sent to Craig Vetter about the "Last Vetter Fairing"

Well, he hasn't made the full mold for the front nose yet, but still could do the front part of it (the white part on front) if he
decides to not do the full mold. Then I would have to fab from that to the handle bars. Pretty much like the rear part needs
to be done which is basically flat wrap aluminum supported by bulkheads. Pretty simple in theory but we'll see how it goes
in practice. Around Christmas time Craig will let me know what he is going to do and then I'll be able to form a plan of action.

If he decides on doing the full mold, then I'll have to wait until he gets done making it over the winter and then more waiting
while the fairing gets laid up in fiberglass. When that time gets nearer, I'll remove the plastic from the 2007 Reflex and start
moving some parts that sit on the outside part of the frame and remove some protruding tabs and such to help make it
narrower. There are also some other things that will need to get done in preparation, but again I am going to wait until I know
that the fairing parts will be forthcoming before I commit to taking things apart on the scooter.

Of course there will be photos and updates once the process begins. (we'll just have to be patient)

[larryboy]

Originally Posted by bandito2

Of course there will be photos and updates once the process begins. (we'll just have to be patient)

I was mostly needling sendler since he started a build thread in the build forum I figured he'd be building one.

[bandito2]

Originally Posted by sendler

All of the current design work was done on a Ninja250 because used bikes are so plentiful and cheap. Only afterwards did Vetter fit these final parts onto his scooter. Read all about at the link. He has basically written a book, documenting the entire process at craigvetter.com.

Just so we'll have the proper chronology on the "Last Vetter Fairing" , start reading about it here:
http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/470...20Fairing.html

Actually, of the 61 chapters so far, (as of December 1, 2012) Alan Smith (owner of the Ninja) wasn't even mentioned until
chapter 39. And at that time he was using a Honda CRF230. The Ninja project, designated as "Streamlining a Ninja" which
is the application of "Kit #1" doesn't begin until chapter 44. So the bulk of the design work was done first around the Honda
Helix then was later applied to the Ninja, not the other way around. And for the last few chapters, the "design" work was
being done on both the Helix and the Ninja concurrently.

Just curious, but does anybody else have it seriously mind to do this to their bike? (scooter or motorcycle)
Myself, I can't wait.

[sendler]

I'm going all out streamlined but keeping the super sport, lay on a tank bag, head forward position on the CBR250R. I bought a new bicycle for an electric hub motor conversion though. I will be going feet forward on that one.
.
.

.
.

.
.
.
.

[bandito2]

Well, as I kind of suspected, what Vetter will be selling is not really a complete kit. What we have available so far is the two halves of the nose. I sent off money for the set. I do wish he had something of the steering turret to sell though. That will be the trickiest part to fabricate on my own but will be doable with diligence. It would be nice if that part is ready for sale when I need it. The nose would have been tedious to do on my own, so I'm glad I won't have to go through that. Bunches of stuff to do on my Honda Reflex in preparation of mounting a fairing. But I pretty much have an idea of what I want to do there, so that should go rather quickly.

I do have a completion goal. I intend to do like I did when building an ultralight aircraft and had the goal of having it done in time for an airshow. I made that goal in part by doing at least a little something to it every day that I could. (It was a mad rush near the end though) It seems a lot of little steps WILL get you where you want to go. And I want to go to the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio this coming July 19, 20, 21 riding a streamlined Reflex.

Even after getting parts and supplies for the project, I figure it will still take several months to "get r' done" and I have a couple friends that will keep me motivated and moving on the project. (maybe I should remind them again to keep after me ) But I will document the process even if it just comes in dribs and drabs. So get the popcorn ready.... the show is about to begin!

[sendler]

interesting that Vetter just posted this today on ecomodders.
.
Vetter on the right shape

---

Consider the following:
Streamlining is only one shape: Round at the front, pointed at the rear
The smallest frontal area that does the job will determine the overall streamlined shape
Streamlining allows the least energy to push a person down the road

The Vetter goal:
Design for a person sitting upright and comfortable.
Design for being able to travel 70mph in 30 mph winds
Design to carry a useful load
End up with a vehicle that is “not more trouble than it is worth”
End up with a vehicle that is your “first choice”

The “Last Vetter Fairing”
When I began this project in 2009 I was aware that if I did my job well, this would be the last fairing I would ever need to design.

Anybody trying to solve the same problem will arrive at the same shape that I have.

This means that we will all look the same.

What is the point to each person re-inventing parts to end up with the same shape?

[sendler]

Originally Posted by bandito2

And I want to go to the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio this coming July 19, 20, 21 riding a streamlined Reflex.

Mid Ohio is a BLAST!

[bikeridermark]

I've got an extra Reflex I may experiment with. Right now, I'm thinking lower the seat, slant back the windshield, maybe narrow the handlebars.
Next would be a tapered tail section. Side fairings would be more complicated, maybe something that hinges out to some degree to allow feet to get down, then the wind blows them closed once underway.
I would see how much difference this makes before making gearing changes. Probably car tire and heavy rolloers first.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by bikeridermark

I've got an extra Reflex I may experiment with. Right now, I'm thinking lower the seat, slant back the windshield, maybe narrow the handlebars.
Next would be a tapered tail section.

Build a truncated tail for sure. MPG will improve and you will have a lockable trunk that can carry all your groceries or camping gear.

[bikeridermark]

Yea, I started streamlining there, also! Gained 2mph average. Maybe complete bodysock next.

[Ricklesss]

Cool thread, glad I found it.
I've always fantasized (half seriously) about building a streamliner with similar goals for one of my CT110's or CT90's of which we own several. Even with knobbies and lowish gearing, they get fairly astounding gas milage, albietly "slowly", but still, I like the machine quite a lot.
With even a half assed attempt at streamlining one, it would have to get near 200mpg, I should think.
Great thread..hope it keeps on keepin' on...
RicklesssssS in Oregon

[JerryH]

I rode a Tour Easy before my knees finally gave out. But that Vetter thing looks downright dangerous. It would be awkward and clumsy around town, and who knows what kind of effect wind gusts or a passing 18 wheeler would have on it out on the road. Looks very top heavy and unstable.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by JerryH

who knows what kind of effect wind gusts or a passing 18 wheeler would have on it out on the road.

Vetter knows.He has ridden 1000's of miles on his. I rode behind Alan's streamliner at Ohio last year and it is uncanny how quiet and calm it is in truck wakes. Invisible to wind. The tail weighs 22 lbs. It's not top heavy.
.
It is too long for my garage though I would recommend truncating the tail to a Kamm a foot behind the rear wheel. Craig has had the rear section of his tail on and off and on again. He likes the ride better with it on.