Introduction to Fuel Economy

"Doing More with Less Energy"

I have always been attracted to one person vehicles. Scooters, cycles, airplanes. They are all the same to me. I love them all.
I have been riding since I was 14. That was 1956.
I have been designing for motorcycles since 1964. I had not yet graduated from college.
Buckminster Fuller said that we needed to do "More with Less"
I designed and sold my first motorcycle faring in 1966
Motorcycles got 40 mpg.... three times the mileage cars got Motorcycles did "More with Less." I would design and build things for motorcycles and rode all over America. No form of transportation was so economical to drive... or so much fun. I was proud of motorcycles.
I designed the Triumph Hurricane in 1969
A classic in design.
The Windjammer Fairing of the 1970s
Another classic. The Windjammer pioneered the formula for all fairings made today. In 1977, I married the prettiest girl at the factory. Carol and I sold the fairing company a year later.

Motorcycles were becoming bigger and faster. "Doing more with more" I had no interest in doing "More with more". But I was interested in knowing how much power we really needed to push a person down the road at posted highway speeds - 55 mph.

I hosted the Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Contests of the 1980s

Popular culture was off in a horsepower race. Carol and I took time out to raise our two boys

We learned that it took only 3 hp , if streamlined. Remember this.
Today, some cars can get 40 mpg while most motorcycles people want get less than 40 mpg. I am ashamed.
How can Popular Culture be worried about fuel cost and availability... and at the same time want guzzler motorcycles?
Brenda Wilvert. Racing for the right reasons
A summary of the Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Contests:
The first contest was held at the Vetter Rally in Colorado Springs. It moved to the West Coast and eventually became a part of the Laguna Seca Raceway.
1980

More

1983

More

Ms. Lammy Johnstone 1000cc HD 98 mpg

Charly Perethian Yam 185 372 mpg

1984

More

1981

More

Mike Hishiki Honda XL80 189 mpg

Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 377 mpg

1985

More

1982

More

Charly Perethian Yam 185 282 mpg

Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 470 mpg


How did they do it?
San Francisco, Oct 20, 2007. I made this presentation to the ICSID/ IDSA World Congress "Connecting '07"

Two HDTF cameras recorded the event. Professionally mastered.

This may be the most important resource on my website.

48 minutes long. Over 200 never before published high quality images including video.

Interviews with the winners tell us what worked and what did not work

Everything I know about these machines and their designer-builders is on this DVD.

Your better mileage project begins on this DVD
This video requires QuickTime to play. You can download it free from Apple's site here
"Popular Culture believes one thing...

The Truth may be something else."

470 mpg DVD $25 includes shipping 470 mpg DVD $30 includes shipping
Comments about the DVD:
"I recently received the 470mpg dvd and have since enjoyed many hours planning on eventually creating a one-person high mileage commuting vehicle. You are now way ahead with the new fairing design, no surprise there. I’ve been quite inspired by the DVD and I hope you complete this new fairing. I’ll look forward to shopping for a used Helix."  Jerry

“Just had a chance to view the DVD. I shall heartily recommend it to all and sundry.” Paul

“Thank you ever so much for sending me your DVD. I just ran it 3 times and enjoyed every second of it. To me the real upshot is the FIM story” Arnold

"Very nice description of our inverted post-modern design model and the objective importance of aerodynamics in fuel efficiency.  I also liked your priority statement." Jeff
We watched your DVD last night and found it fascinating.  Your subject material was gripping and kept our interest all the way through. Allen
I love your video.  I never understood the screwed up super bike fairings now in use. Wiltz

Streamlining and Fuel Economy Today
The original 470 mpg Streamlined fairing is still available
Watch the development of a streamlined body for a Helix
30 Minute Radio Interview on Fuel Economy

Where I explain the things I have learned on AM 1240 KNRY, Cannery Row, Monterey California, April 19, 2008

Updated April 28, 2008
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