Helix Streamlining, 1 Year Progress Update

This is a 7 minute overview of the progress and insights Craig Vetter has learned during the first year of his work on creating a 100MPG scooter. Craig covers his work from the end of 2007 to the beginning of 2009 and shares the design truths that he has uncovered while he tested, modified and refined his "Freedom Machine" scooter

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• craig
• vetter
• streamline
• helix
• high
• mileage
• freedom
• machine
• progress
• fuel
• economy

[craigvetter]

Well, this video is pretty old. I have found a Belgian gear cutter, Jan Vos, who has successfully made new gears for me. Mileage has gotten better and better as the streamlining improves and the engine is slowed.

I suspect that you are right about the tires, too. Time to begin again. The Ninja 250 is looking pretty good. Now... to turn a Ninja into a scooter so we can get on and off easily.

[craigvetter]

It has been a year since this video was posted. Since then, the machine has gotten easier to use while consuming less fuel. In 2011 I am hosting the Vetter Fuel Challenges at the Quail Ride in Carmel, California and AMA's Vintage Days in Ohio. I invite all people interested in living better on less energy.

[craigvetter]

I think a Honda 125 may offer a very good platform. The Rifle Streamlining is the same they used in the 1980s, getting over 400 mpg. They all used 125 Hondas, if you recall. I would think you could gear your 125 up to easily go 75 mph. I expect you to still get 100-125 mpg. There is no European dist. You gotta get these bodies directly from us.

[craigvetter]

Some of this is still a great mystery. I will tell you one truth that will sound absurd: "If you want 100 mpg, begin with a bike that gets 100 mpg" I told you it would sound absurd. But, such a bike will likely be a 125 which won't go 70 into headwinds. Streamlined, it will.

Is it reasonable to expect a 64 mpg drivetrain, like a Helix to get better if streamlined? Mine stayed at 64... but did not get better.

It is a clue.

[sk8carver]

the scary thing for 2 wheel faired motorcycle is side wind...

i would like to see a faired vehicle based on the piaggio mp3..

[craigvetter]

My experience in sidewinds is that you simply "hike" over. Not a big deal. The only problem I am aware of is a strange and scarey 100 foot section of road in Big Sur, California known as Hurricane Point where a 40 mph wind may come suddenly from the right (or the left) and just as suddenly, reverse directions. It moves cars, RVs, trucks and it moves me on motorcycles. I just slow down.

I encourage you to streamline an MP3. Bring it to California and we'll ride to Big Sur and I'll buy lunch

[dcatoffm]

@craigvetter

Hmm, and I'm looking to cut the cc in half (just working with what I got). Anyway, if you want to go 250, why not the Reflex? It has the 12/13 tires and you're already familiar with the Honda frame, plus the CN250 engine is pretty popular still so it should be relatively easy to find parts for (though gears are still a problem). Or are you after the manual transmission? I just don't see how you're going to cut a chunk off the front and lower the seat on a Ninja. Challenge for sure.

[dcatoffm]

I don't know specifically about the Helix but I know with the Chinese clone engines you can indeed gear up the final transmission so that you can have a bike that can go faster. Coupled with heavier weights in the CVT (the combination of which will be a blow to acceleration and hill climbs) will lower the engine RPM and with the aero-mod you will probably start seeing better mpg numbers. Note though: most 10" tires are not safe over 60 mph (J rating), the next bike should have 12-16" rims.

[inagod]

I really want to do this,buy a helix,put a aero package on it and see America on 4cent's a gallon.My concern is keeping the entry and exit simple,which is one of the great things about scooters,maybe a simple door way,or sliding the side back like a draw.I'm sure Craig will get it right.

[inagod]

@craigvetter there a guy who just built a streamlined Honda 125,he had a website devoted to the build,if I find it again I will post it,the funny thing,is it looks like one of your early bikes

[inagod]

I always liked the idea of a enclosed mc,ecomobile,monotracer.But with its high price and bad ergonomics,I too thought about a enclosed or partially enclosed scooter,with its ease of entry and low cost.I would love to build something and or buy a body I could attach.I would love to tour America at 70 mph getting 100mpg with a large group

[RVAepiphanyseeker]

@craigvetter I believe the problem is "pumping losses". The faster a piston moves, the greater the proportion of energy is sucked up by the action of pumping the air in and out . So the next step is to adjust the engine characteristics to move the torque curve lower (or if like a diesel, it already has a really low curve, just reduce final gear ratio.) I changed a Mercedes 300D to 15" wheels and increased from 24 to 28mpg w no other changes! And that was WITH a fuel leak in the injector!

[RVAepiphanyseeker]

@craigvetter I certailny applaud you for the Freedom Project!

I had a 1970 Honda 100 that got 140mpg ... and would be easy to regear! I could hit highway speeds if I laid myself down on the tank. And I did for two years! Till I blew the camchain. Since I only paid $20 for the bike and the chain shattered the cylinder head casing, I trashed it. But that would be an excellent bike for the next level!

[DGoncz]

The Aprilia SR50 Ditech scooter might provide a platform for research into the aerodynamic scooter, since two first final drive options and two second final drive options are available, for a total of five drive ratios including the OEM. The scooter shown in the film reminds me of Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion car. Craig mentions that scooter's can't be geared up to take advantage of the reduction in drag, but the SR50 is one exception. No engine modifications are required yet many exist.