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The Search for Fuel Economy
Pages from a Designers' Notebook
Chap. 1: Streamlining Saves Fuel
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Americans have developed such a thirst for fuel that we cannot generate enough from our own resources. Today, we import two of every three gallons from other countries. Some of these countries hate us and want to destroy us. Guess where their money comes from.
We need do something about this. Our 7 mpg trucks need to get three times that mileage, or 21 mpg. Our 25 mpg cars need to get 75 mpg. Our 40 mpg motorcycles need to get 120 mpg. If we did this, we would not have to import anybody else’s fuel.
As motorcyclists, we can do our part to burn less fuel.
This is my passion
The goal is to make a cycle we will want to ride across country that gets at least 120 miles per gallon. We must begin with the right horsepower and then streamline it. Here you may follow along in my design process.
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2 of every 3 gallons is imported
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Designing for Fuel Economy
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Pick a machine with the right horsepower |
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| Step one is to photograph the key views and size them in PhotoShop |
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| Streamline it: Streamlining is round at the front... pointed at the rear. |
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| Step two is to do a quick sketch of a streamlined shape.
More is to be gained by adding a tail that can be gained at the front
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| I already have the famous 470mpg Streamliner body parts which are perfect for "bent over" riding. But, I want to sit up. So, lets see how close the fit will be.
Step three is to put my existing Streamliner fairing over the Helix and see how close they fit. PhotoShop makes it easy
As I expected, they are much too small and will need to be "stretched"
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| Leaving the ends together but widening the center will make them fit |
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| Step four is to cut and reposition the Streamliner parts to see how close they can come to my sketch
Actually, am surprised at how little needs to be done to make the original Streamlined body fit.
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Cut it, pull it apart and tip the rear section up. Add a head fairing to help smooth the air behind my helmet. |
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This page updated April 18, 2008
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