Efficiency enthusiast Allert Jacobs converted his brand new Honda motorbike into a streamliner capable of reaching 214 mpg.
Jacobs was already getting 114 mpg with his Honda Innova, but knew some aerodynamic mods could get him so much more. Aerodynamics hugely impact fuel consumption. In fact, a typical car burns 50-percent of its fuel just overcoming the air resistance of going 40 mph! For a typical motorbike, this is just 20 mph.
The Innova weighs 231 lbs and has a fuel injected, four stroke 125cc single that produces 9 hp. But Jacobs lowered the riding position to reduce exposure to oncoming air. His commercially produced Quest velomobile (a pedal powered trike) prepared him for this task.
Reducing the frontal area showed immediate results. In fact, the bike’s top speed increased from 56 mph to 69 mph. And the bike was using less energy than the stock version did.
He then optimized the gear ratio, the new sprockets pushed the fuel economy up to 152 mpg! But side winds were greatly affecting stability.
“It turned out to be very scary to ride even with as little as 3 Beaufort (about 10mph) side wind. I did not dare to go over 35mph,” said Jacobs.
So along came a full body shell. The front half slides forward allowing the rider to easily get in and out of the bike. He admits that he didn’t use the lightest materials when constructing the shell. The mods weigh in at 88 lbs which increased the overall weight by 43-percent.
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Source: EcoModder
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About Jerry James Stone
This is very cool. Better mileage, better looks and probably quite a bit safer. I’ve always wondered why no manufacturer ever made something like that.
This is very cool. Better mileage, better looks and probably quite a bit safer. I’ve always wondered why no manufacturer ever made something like that.
This is very cool. Better mileage, better looks and probably quite a bit safer. I’ve always wondered why no manufacturer ever made something like that.
Have to agree with Tim on this, even just a simple do it yourself kit would sell quite a few units. Make the thing electric and have solar fairings and your set!
Have to agree with Tim on this, even just a simple do it yourself kit would sell quite a few units. Make the thing electric and have solar fairings and your set!
Have to agree with Tim on this, even just a simple do it yourself kit would sell quite a few units. Make the thing electric and have solar fairings and your set!
It might work in the Winter, but NOT in the summer, unless it’s air conditioned.
It might work in the Winter, but NOT in the summer, unless it’s air conditioned.
It might work in the Winter, but NOT in the summer, unless it’s air conditioned.
Now make me a kit for my SV1000S so I can double my gas milage and break 200 mph!
Now make me a kit for my SV1000S so I can double my gas milage and break 200 mph!
Now make me a kit for my SV1000S so I can double my gas milage and break 200 mph!
He would have lost maneuverability with the mod. A good achievement none the less.
He would have lost maneuverability with the mod. A good achievement none the less.
I think its a great mod but personally I still prefer to drive a car,especially when it rains. However, for motorbike enthusiasts, this would be quite something…cool and awesome, running at 214 MPG.Way to go!!!
I think its a great mod but personally I still prefer to drive a car,especially when it rains. However, for motorbike enthusiasts, this would be quite something…cool and awesome, running at 214 MPG.Way to go!!!
I think its a great mod but personally I still prefer to drive a car,especially when it rains. However, for motorbike enthusiasts, this would be quite something…cool and awesome, running at 214 MPG.Way to go!!!
I think its a great mod but personally I still prefer to drive a car,especially when it rains. However, for motorbike enthusiasts, this would be quite something…cool and awesome, running at 214 MPG.Way to go!!!
I’m thinking he has to have someone run alongside him and put the panel on once he’s hit 5 miles an hour. And for God’s sake, don’t stop or you’ll fall over sideways!
I’m thinking he has to have someone run alongside him and put the panel on once he’s hit 5 miles an hour. And for God’s sake, don’t stop or you’ll fall over sideways!
This is very cool. Better mileage, better looks and probably quite a bit safer. I’ve always wondered why no manufacturer ever made something like that.
Looks like the worlds fastest Indian! (not racist, it’s a movie/story. Google it)
You really make it appear so easy with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually something which I think I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very broad for me. I’m taking a look ahead on your next submit, I’ll attempt to get the dangle of it!