Low & Slow's Ninja 250 project

[low&slow]

After doing some more business travel, I got the chance recently to resume work on my bike. During testing I found that the fairing around the front wheel was too flexible so I added more stiffening elements to framework. I refueled yesterday for my first full tank with the dustbin styled front end and got 104 mpg. I've also found that the bike moves through the air with noticely less throttle and that I can use top gear more with much less downshifting. I still need to ensure that I have sufficient cooling air flow and to enclose the opening around the headlight. I also need more roadtesting to ensure that the dustbin front end is durable enough for the long trip to Ohio.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Looking good, L&S!!

[low&slow]

Thanks Sean!
I'm pleased with the results of the new front end and hope to close the gap between my Ninja and Alan Smith's "vetterized" Ninja. We'll be riding together to the Ohio Vetter Challenge in a couple of weeks so I'll be able to compare FE on the ride there.
The 2012 Vetter Challenge will have the largest field yet with many more electric bikes and streamlined bikes competing. The current rules ( the 4 grocery bag capacity requirement) will make the competition closer than before and I hope to be among the top competitors. We'll see.

[low&slow]

Alan Smith and I leave for the Ohio Vetter challenge on Friday, 7/13/2012. I've got the front faring stiff enough and it should survive the ~5000 trip to Ohio and back. I'm still struggling with high coolant temps with the full aero package. I'll probably end up running with the headlighlight area uncovered to increase radiator airflow on the trip and reinstall the headlight cover while running the Challenge. Lots of desert to traverse in CA, NV, UT and WY. I still have to change my coolant, oil &filter and change the fork oil. My tires should last the trip.
We'll be meeting up with Red Yaris in Cheyenne WY, it will be cool riding this far with 3 streamlined bikes.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Best of luck to you!!

[alvaro84]

Originally Posted by low&slow

~5000 trip to Ohio and back.

So we'll see a couple of tanks from you. Good luck!

[phoebeisis]

WOW DOUBLE WOW!
It has been a few months since I stopped by-
You were in the high 70's back then-104mpg now!!!
And the 250 has a really exotic look.
If you had all the $$ in the world maybe you could construct a carbon fiber laid on shell
have a high tech CF look!!
Maybe once you get the basic shape "right" you could use your fairings as a mold for some fancy CF!!
See how easily I spend other folk's $$$.

Don't suppose there is any way to close in the top-make it a flip top fully enclosed no problem with rain type "bike"
The windscreen looks a bit scary-pointed at your throat like that?? No easy way to sit back semi recumbent-have it completely enclose you?

In any case-great work-104 mpg from a bike that will probably still do 0-60 in 5 seconds-120 mph!!
Charlie

[low&slow]

Thanks Charlie, Things are definitely looking up. My best current tankfill is up to 136 mpg. I completed my final preparations for my trip to Ohio and my last tankfill was 108.9 mpg. I hope to do well in the Ohio Vetter Challenge and it will be great making the trip there with 2 other streamlined motorcycles. It should be an interesting trip.
all the best, L&S

[low&slow]

I just got home from the trip to Ohio for the Vetter Challenge. The trip was around 5200 miles. It was by far the longest motorcycle trip I had ever taken and on the smallest bike I'd ever taken on an overnight trip. I encountered cooling problems right off the back due to a lack of testing time with the new dustbin styled front end. We kept making changes on the road and finally with blocking around the radiator and more airscoops we got it under control. The weather was hot virtually everyday with some intense rainstorms. My temperature gauge malfunctioned and read pegged out for the last 3 days on the way to Ohio.
At the Challenge I had a great ride and 119mpg. It was good for second overall and the best performance of all the gasoline- powered bikes. An incredible day.
After working 7/22 to 7/24 in Georgetown KY , I began the long solo ride home. We took Hwy 80 for the most part on the way out so I decided to take Hwy 70 on the way back. I rode Hwy 50 from Utah to Fallon NV. This trip was a great experience that I will never forget. I'll write about it in more detail now that I'm home.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Wow! What a result!

Congratulations -- I know you've worked long and hard to get to this point.