Comments on the Last Vetter Fairing May 11 thru June 8, 2008 Page 4

This is where I post the more interesting comments and questions. My comments in blue.

Posted newest to oldest. Before you write, please take the time to read what has always been written:

I don't know how much horse power it puts out exactly. I needs some work to be running at it's best. It needs to be tuned such as having the valves adjusted and the timing set. I bought it on consignment from my cousin's shop a year ago because I was living away at college. It cost me a lot going up and down that hill the campus was on, and walking it took a ton of time out of my day. I was told that the Helix wouldn't work.

Bad advice. the Helix will do just about anything you want

I initially wanted one. Maybe I'll buy one sooner or later. Does the fishy effect allow for more power going up and down grades?

Streamlining does nothing until, say, 50 mph and or headwinds.

I went I found a ton of cardboard to make my own. I thought I would just try it. My motorcycle won't go much faster than 70 miles an hour on the freeway, but trucks, semi tractors and their trailers, and minivans blow a lot of turbulance around. Your faring sounds like it may fix that. If not, ease with bodily stresses of the turbulance. I initially came across your sight months ago looking for a faring. The one that came (unattached) was covered in junk and is broken up. I need to find someone who know how to paint and fix fiberglass.

The old fashioned fairings - the ones I pioneered in the 60s, will do little to increase mileage. Streamlining is something very different... round at the front, pointed at the rear... smooth, continuous sides.

The bike overall just needs work. Being older, it has little things here and there that need to be done to bring it up to pristine condition. Tom

May 21, 2008, Claude wrote: Mr. Vetter: I'm a little confused about the mounting bulkheads. It appears that you're mounting the rear bulkhead to the rear of the Helix trunk box. I would assume that you'll be removing the trunk box to save the weight and mounting the bulkhead to the rear subframe. Am I missing something?
As for increasing the gearing on the drive train, I only know of two ways. Heavier roller weights would shift to higher gears faster, decreasing rpm at a particular speed. Some after market variators use heavy rollers to increase top speed at the expense of low end acceleration, of which the Helix has plenty anyway.
The other method would be to change the gears in the transmission unit in the rear of the swing arm, between the clutch and the rear axle. You might be able to swap those out for a set of standard gears that offer a better gear ratio in the final drive.
Gearing is also lowered by the strain on the drive belt, about 200 rpm difference between the engine speed uphill versus downhill. The fairing could lower wind resistance enough by itself to lower rpm by 100-200 rpm at cruising speed.

May 24, Vetter answered: Claude: I am home and at work on the bulkheads. will have a new report soon. Thanks for your interest. Craig

May 23, 2008. James wrote: Vetter believes that management stonewalls any attempt to create fuel efficient motorcycles

May 23,2008: Craig responded: Not a good summary of what I said, James: More like this is true:

"Nobody makes money in Fuel Economy. Nobody will be as interested in your ideas than you. If you want to help, you will have to do it yourself. You don't need to work for anybody else. You don't need "management" and their stockholders who care about making money . You can make a difference by yourself.

On May 19, 2008 George wrote: Craig, I'm just looking into higher mileage cycles and was wondering about the gearing. In the past, I road a RL250cc Suzuki Trials bike. The five speed gearing was very far apart. First through third was relitively low for dirt, and from fourth tofifth gear it was not uncommon reach speeds nearing 70 mph. From what I understand that was so the event riders could quickly go to the next section. It was wonderful in trials events and after legalizing it, was wonderful around town and on the road. While reading about you having connections with a gear maker, I wondered why the transmission from a trials bike couldn't be used for people who couldn't afford to have specialized gearing made for their project. Have you ever played around with a small engine trials bike? George

May 19, 2008 Morning George: We are looking into higher ratio gears for the Helix only and it will be expensive. My personal choice for motorcycles is the Yamaha 225. It has 6 speeds - all perfectly spaced - and I suggest that you check it out. you won't need to cut gears for it.

But I have chosen the scooter because I can streamline it. I do not know how to streamline the Yamaha - or any motorcycle, for that matter. The most effective streamlining is at the rear, not the front. How do we throw our leg over the streamlining? Scooters are the answer.

On May 19, 2008, at 6:26 AM, Hayes wrote and Vetter replied:

Very Inspirational website Mr. Vetter, Thank-you! I’ve been into bikes since I could make engine noises… having finished 10yrs of being an engineer and consultant in electronics manufacturing, I’ve decided to get involved in something I’m interested in… motive power. Couple of things I’ve been reading a lot on include

1) Velomobiles…. Hopefully with gas or electric power assist ..basically a lightened three wheel motorcycle with fullenclosure
2) Getting involved in creating a reasonably priced Velomobile with power/convenience for the ‘masses’Nothing out there is like this... everything is geared towards big business and oil companies… as all the regulations that seem to prohibit cheap transport indicate…. I’m wondering if your streamlined body is a good starting point in this type of venture? I’m a fan of tadpole designs… two wheels up front and one in the rear…

The law sees these as motorcycles and are a good way to skirt regulations. I doubt that the Rifle streamlined body would do much for you as your riding position and 3 wheels don't relate much to it. The new work I am doing around my Helix would be more suitable. I am developing a radically different way to streamline. As I proceed, you may be able to adapt the concepts to streamline your dreams, too.

I’m sure you’re more than familiar with what’s out there now…. Nothing with a nice 10 hp engine it however and that’s really what I think would be the ‘next great thing’. My goal is never to own a ‘car’ again…and I think there are many who would subscribe.
I agree.
I really think a basic vehicle with limited power but say 55mph speed would be tremendous. … easy enough to go faster… but having had my speed thrills I realize that 0-60 means not so much compared to the environmental costs associated with speedmachines…or any machine we use now in general.
It is encouraging to hear you think this way, too. (Have you seen my DVD on the subject?) :

Thankfully my misspent youth included 6months at a fiberglass company doing small production lots using molds etc…and I’m certainly not afraid of the technology. I’m rather keen in some ways to do mockup and then make molds etc…

It may be easier than you think. Where are you physically?

Well. That’s my rambling for today. Any feedback on your kit and thoughts on converting to 3wheel design appreciated.
Best Regards,Hayes

On May 14, 2008, at 11:12 AM, Smetanka, Joel wrote:

Joel asked: Craig: This may be a dumb question, and if so, feel free to delete it. I've been following your Helix fairing project for about a month and was wondering if incorporating dimples into the surface design of the fairing would offer any aerodynamic benefit. In looking at info on the web, it sounds like it's been toyed with in a lot of areas, including Formula 1 racing, so I wondered if it might be one more way to incrementally increase the efficiency of the fairing.

On May 14, 2008 Craig answered: I don't know, Joel. Right now, I am trying to get the BIG parts right. This means real streamlining and the right horsepower - which has never been done properly - ever - on a sit up cross country 2 wheeler.

If I have time after I get the big pieces right, we can try dimpling.

Thanks for caring, Joel. (there are more of you out there than I had expected)

Apr 22, 2008, between Stephen and Craig:

Craig, I saw your webpage update....looks real fishy...hehehe. Getting serious, what do you think the drag coefficient might be for the fairing??

I want to be as streamlined as possible. I have no idea what my CD will be. I don't care, either. It will be the best possible, considering the goals.

What do you think the gain in mpg may be at highway speeds?

I believe 100 mpg is possible. After all, I got 107 mpg 20 years ago. But I rode carefully.

Now I want to ride normally.

Streamlining will let the engine work less hard, meaning it it needs to put out less power.

Less power burns less fuel. Less power means the engine can be geared up to run slower, making less power. The only problem may be that the Helix CVT may not adjust as far as itshould. It is not easy like putting a bigger sprocket on the front. It probably will go faster but 70 is fast enough. so, if it did, I would not.

Page 1 readers comments April 8

Page 2 readers comments April 18

This page updated May 11, 2008