Guy Mods Honda Motorbike to Get 214 MPG

Written by Jerry James Stone
Published on January 26th, 2010
7 Comments
Posted in Motorcycles

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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7 Responses to “Guy Mods Honda Motorbike to Get 214 MPG”

  1. Tim Cleland Says:
    January 26th, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    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.

  2. Benjamin @ EV Says:
    January 26th, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    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!

  3. ChuckL Says:
    January 26th, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    It might work in the Winter, but NOT in the summer, unless it’s air conditioned.

  4. nam3 Says:
    January 27th, 2010 at 6:47 am

    Now make me a kit for my SV1000S so I can double my gas milage and break 200 mph!

  5. Tech Says:
    January 27th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    He would have lost maneuverability with the mod. A good achievement none the less.

  6. April Says:
    January 28th, 2010 at 4:08 am

    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!!!

  7. Idontknow Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 12:44 am

    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!