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The best and most proven shape ever created for high mileage
You want to experiment? This is the best way to begin.
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The slippery body is exactly the same as Charly Perethian famous Rifle Fairing and was used on all the highest mileage machines.
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Important information: I do not mean to make this look too easy. Not everybody got 477 mpg. In 1983, Charly Perethian in the Rifle got 372 mpg. using this fairing. In 1984, Matsu Matsu got 377 mpg. and then 477 mpg in 1985, which was the last year I put on this contest.
Any improvement over the typical 43 mpg bikes get would be welcomed
The contestants have always been a little reluctant to reveal their secrets. You or I might not be able to get 400 mpg. But, we ought to be able to get better than 43. The above chart presents a good, basic beginning. What secrets did they have? I have interviewed each winner and will offer this info in a book. The world needs this information
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Kit includes right and left side.
Construction: Base white gel coat; one layer of 2 oz. mat, one layer aircraft cloth, polyester laminating resin. My supplier makes his living making airplane components.
Total weight: 32 pounds (weight includes the extra flashing left on for convenient shipping)
Cost: $1312.00 FOB Salinas, California
This is a kit. Like a big model airplane. You should have experience with fibreglass or have a friend who is experienced. Sale is final. No returns. It would be better for us both to exchange e-mails first regarding the suitability of purchasing this. This is why there is no "Click here to buy" button.
If a streamlined body like this had been available, I would never have made it. You could not make your own for what you can buy this for.
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Step-by-step fitting a Helix
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Streamliner high mileage fairing shell superimposed over a Honda Helix
To take full advantage of the small frontal area, the rider would have to crouch. You can ride it this way but it will not be very comfortable for any length of time. The contestants in the Craig Vetter Fuel Economy conrests crouched to get every last bit of efficiency. You don't have to do this. You might want to sit up.
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Sectioned streamliner high mileage fairing shell to sit upright
If you want to sit upright for comfort, you will sacrifice mileage. You will have to add in sections at the widest part of the shell. Just be sure to keep the sides rounded when you are finished. Rounded sides seem to be essential to defeating the effects of side winds. You will probably want to further trim away the sides in order to get on or off.
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This is a good beginning for dramatically improved fuel mileage. If there is demand, I will have windshields made. A Helix is a good beginning because the rider sits low and the engine is not bigger than is needed. Much more needs to be done to complete the job: To really streamline this machine, the sides need to be filled in. This probably means a sliding canopy - airplane style. Few people have taken it this far. Because it is now streamlined, the over-all gearing needs to be raised to slow the engine down. The engine can run slower and burn less fuel because it is doing less work.
All these changes are proven to work together to generate a high mileage vehicle.
It all begins with the Vetter High Mileage Streamlined Fairing
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Shipping:
You probably have already figured out that getting this from California to you will be your first hurtle.
You are encouraged to make an appointment and pick up your Streamliner kit in Salinas. It is made with a flat section along the bottom so it stands up like a motorcycle in a pickup or on a motorcycle trailer.
You may pay extra to have it crated and shipped. There are craters in Salinas.
I sometimes travel cross country... usually on I-40 from Carmel to Grand Junction, Colorado. I would be happy to put it on my trailer and meet you along the way.
Several customers work together
The most economical way to get these shipped would be for several customers to band together and have a number of kits nested together and shipped to one common location. I will do my best to coordinate this for you.
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Is this is your future?
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| It is commonly believed that Americans no longer want to make anything themselves... that they are happy to have somebody else do it for us.
I have never believed this. The US is full of brilliant designers and dreamers. I encourage you to be a part of the solution. You can do this.
Craig Vetter
Designer
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Updated May 24, 2006
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