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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Richard230 on September 29, 2015, 08:45:15 PM
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Here is something to ponder: The November issue of Rider magazine tests the new BMW R1200R and R1200RS. Both bikes are virtually identical other than the RS has a half fairing and the R is "naked". Ridden together, the R got an average of 38.4 mpg, while the RS achieved 44.1 mpg, or something like a 15% improvement by the installation of a half-fairing. I'll bet a fairing is cheaper than 15% more batteries. ;)
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I've toyed with the idea of retrofitting a ninja 250 fairing to see the results, problem is that I can't find a decent donor for a reasonable price
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I think we have seen people post about how their windshield helped their range so I imagine a small 3/4 faring would help a bit.
The issue of course is directing wind to motor / battery to keep it cool.
Prof. Geoff got 50% increase in range from just throwing on the vetter front if I recall correctly. Granted the last vetter fairing front cost a bit more than a standard $350-$700 aftermarket fiberglass faring.
Given the issue of not being purpose fit it might be easier to get some pink insulation foam, strap it on to the bike, carve it up, then cover in aluminum duct tape and take it for a spin. If it is good just fiberglass over it and build mounting brackets. If I had some time on my hands I would do this ... but given winter is coming up I need to get my vetter cowl on asap lol
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I have seen mention of someone on here having this setup, but, have not been able to find any photos.
Check C/L in your area. Also eBay has them pretty cheaply. Race bodywork is usually much less than
factory. Since you would be making your own mounting setup, might be a good way to go.
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I would like to see a fairing like Terry Hershner's Vetter Zero, but toned down, shrunk and improved cosmetics.
(http://craigvetter.com/images/2013-streamliner-images/2013-Chap-65-cross-country/Streamliner-on-white-196-we.jpg)
Shrinking the front fairing to the point where it drafts the shoulders, but lets the helmet stick out would be a good compromise on size and aerodynamics.
A tail that went as high as a race tail (above the butt) and a little lower than a traditional race tail. The white foam thing has got to go too.
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Vetter's post on SR streamlining possibility: (Chopped down from "sill" about 6-8" and Kamm tail)
http://craigvetter.com/pages/2015-Streamliner-pages/2015-Streamlining-a-Zero%20SR-p84.html (http://craigvetter.com/pages/2015-Streamliner-pages/2015-Streamlining-a-Zero%20SR-p84.html)
Streamlining a Brammo: (likely closer to what you are looking for look near bottom)
http://craigvetter.com/pages/2014-streamliners/2014-Kowitz-streamlines-a-Brammo-p76.html (http://craigvetter.com/pages/2014-streamliners/2014-Kowitz-streamlines-a-Brammo-p76.html)
It would probably be easier to achieve a sporty look with fairings off another bike and simply make mounting brackets. People who go Vetter do so for range purposes and comfort. I have a full Vetter Fairing setup here, including the rear seat back, I plan on putting on the bike shortly. The front is fiber glassed together and I need to cut it down to make it look like the mockups of the SR above (this per request of other riders)
Later I might put the top section back on and lower seating but at least we will get a bench mark with the proposed design. As far as the seat back being even smaller ... it would likely have no effect at all and at minimal I need 45L of luggage space behind me to commute comfortably so IDK the final size of this yet till I get foam on the bike and start mocking stuff up ...
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Burton, actually the tail of a streamliner is very important. The reason most streamliners have such long, gently tapered tails is because that's the only way to keep the flow laminar all the way to the back of the vehicle. It's a major pain in terms of making the bike longer, more difficult to maneuver and such, and some would say it's not very aesthetically pleasing too, but it does yield a lot of efficiency gains.
Mike Corbin has a very interesting approach on his new Swallow II (I think that's what he calls it). He's chopped the end of the vehicle off flat, making for a much more compact and conventional look, but he's added dimples maybe 3" in diameter on the back half, hoping to improve on tail-end aerodynamics the same way dimples do on a golf ball. I think it has a lot of potential -- even the Mythbusters tested it and found that it works, on a regular (not very efficient) car. I'm eager to see how it works out.
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Mike Corbin has a very interesting approach on his new Swallow II (I think that's what he calls it). He's chopped the end of the vehicle off flat, making for a much more compact and conventional look, but he's added dimples maybe 3" in diameter on the back half, hoping to improve on tail-end aerodynamics the same way dimples do on a golf ball. I think it has a lot of potential -- even the Mythbusters tested it and found that it works, on a regular (not very efficient) car. I'm eager to see how it works out.
How do you learn about this project? Basically, where can I sign up for the newsletter? :)
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How do you learn about this project? Basically, where can I sign up for the newsletter? :)
Lol...I don't know of any newsletter or much press. You can find some info by Googling, but not many details. I got a pretty good look at it and asked Mike a few questions when I was at the Vetter Challenge on July 4th of this year. Mike led out the ride for the first couple of miles.
It's a pretty cool ride, only a one-seater with fairly limited range, but could be very promising for commuters who don't ride bikes.
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Found a picture, I'm pretty sure this is the original Sparrow that went bankrupt around 1999. Apparently Mike was dimpling even back then.
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Vetter's post on SR streamlining possibility: (Chopped down from "sill" about 6-8" and Kamm tail)
http://craigvetter.com/pages/2015-Streamliner-pages/2015-Streamlining-a-Zero%20SR-p84.html (http://craigvetter.com/pages/2015-Streamliner-pages/2015-Streamlining-a-Zero%20SR-p84.html)
Streamlining a Brammo: (likely closer to what you are looking for look near bottom)
http://craigvetter.com/pages/2014-streamliners/2014-Kowitz-streamlines-a-Brammo-p76.html (http://craigvetter.com/pages/2014-streamliners/2014-Kowitz-streamlines-a-Brammo-p76.html)
It would probably be easier to achieve a sporty look with fairings off another bike and simply make mounting brackets. People who go Vetter do so for range purposes and comfort. I have a full Vetter Fairing setup here, including the rear seat back, I plan on putting on the bike shortly. The front is fiber glassed together and I need to cut it down to make it look like the mockups of the SR above (this per request of other riders)
Later I might put the top section back on and lower seating but at least we will get a bench mark with the proposed design. As far as the seat back being even smaller ... it would likely have no effect at all and at minimal I need 45L of luggage space behind me to commute comfortably so IDK the final size of this yet till I get foam on the bike and start mocking stuff up ...
I was thinking of Vetter Light. Not as big as a Vetter tail, but more practical for out of tuck riding and better in a cross wind.
This tail is a OK size, but the tail is too rounded. It needs a gentle taper and a sharp cut off of a Kamm Back, that Vetter uses on his shorter tails.
(http://motorivista.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Mondial-DOHC-Grand-Prix-Dustbin1-700x466.jpg)
I attached a marked up profile of the Vetter and how I would design it to be Vetter Light. I would not make the windshield as tall also.
In Vetter's opinion, he does not want to do a watered down Vetter, but Vetter Light would be on more bikes and do a greater good overall.
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He's chopped the end of the vehicle off flat, making for a much more compact and conventional look, but he's added dimples maybe 3" in diameter on the back half, hoping to improve on tail-end aerodynamics the same way dimples do on a golf ball. I think it has a lot of potential -- even the Mythbusters tested it and found that it works, on a regular (not very efficient) car. I'm eager to see how it works out.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/19/100c9e2331380c6812d33a3228e51b79.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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How do you learn about this project? Basically, where can I sign up for the newsletter? :)
Lol...I don't know of any newsletter or much press. You can find some info by Googling, but not many details. I got a pretty good look at it and asked Mike a few questions when I was at the Vetter Challenge on July 4th of this year. Mike led out the ride for the first couple of miles.
It's a pretty cool ride, only a one-seater with fairly limited range, but could be very promising for commuters who don't ride bikes.
Ah, it's one of those urban pod projects. The first EV I ever saw in person was very similar. Well, the technique seems plausible. Thanks!
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The Myers Motors NmG (formerly the Corbin Sparrow) has been around since 1999. I thought that this 3 wheel configuration, which is technically a motorcycle, but I think low gas prices and low fuel taxes never economically encouraged efficient, alternative fuel vehicles.
Here is a dustbin that has a good sized wind screen that allows the use of the stock headlight and turn signals:
(http://eglivincent.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/07-7495115984_ca795cce5b_o.jpg?w=1024&h=768)
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Burton, actually the tail of a streamliner is very important.
I am actually very aware of the gains from a proper tail being on CV's email list serv ;) I simply didn't explain what I meant well in my response.
The tail on the proposed design, if smaller, would likely not have too great effect on the range since it is already too small ;) If anything the tail needs to be wider than the front to better reattach the air after the gap >__< But that will come in the future when I make my own version of the tail ;)
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Here is a dustbin that has a good sized wind screen that allows the use of the stock headlight and turn signals:
I wonder what the difference between a stock bike, the dustbin bike, and the dustbin bike with someone laying on the tank would be with that design.
I ride year round in all weather ... being able to easily hide half my visor behind the lip of the front wind shield is crucial when it is snowing / raining / sleeting etc ...
My goal is to get close to what vetter proposed for the SR to see how it works out so we have a base line. From there I will likely make my own tail design as well as a vetter tail design and I might even chop off the rear "horns" on my frame to lower the seating 6" ... We will see ;)
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There are many companies that will sell after market fairings for popular bikes. I am thinking of buying a front fairing for another bike and modding it to fit my Zero. Any ideas of bikes that might work best to fit the Zero's dimensions? I have seen pictures of someone who has done this. I'm not sure if the fairings were from a Honda but I think the tank said Honda. I have even thought about contacting one of these companies to see how much it would cost to have a custom mold made for the Zero by making some minor changes to the fairings from a different bike.
To make it work I would need to figure out what to do with the tank. I don't want a metal tank on my bike (especially after I install my super charger from DigiNow ;) but I might use an existing tank to make a mold for a Zero tank. I would also want to keep the factory tail and seat...at least for now.
Here are a couple sites where fairings for many popular bikes can be bought. There many others.
http://www.motorcycle-fairing.com/ (http://www.motorcycle-fairing.com/)
http://www.oppracing.com/pages/motorcycle_fairings/ (http://www.oppracing.com/pages/motorcycle_fairings/)
I know I could get better range with a Vetter fairing but I would rather settle with 10-15% improvement combined with a super charger than go for Vetter fairing and sacrifice handling and aesthetics.
However I do want to go with something a little more sport touring as opposed to sport....I'm not planning to ride around for long distance in a tuck.
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The real question is ...
How many people would be willing to buy a fairing custom made for the S / DS bikes?
At what cost?
With what expected range increase?
Finished or Un-finished ?
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mrwilsn, I think I know the bike you mean and it's an RSV fairing.
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthread.php/zero-sr-race-mods-124073.html (http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthread.php/zero-sr-race-mods-124073.html)
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That is evtricity's bike
Cust tank / mounts, custom fairing mounts, ducting for motor, duct fan, duct fan mounts, ventilated motor, "foot brake" clutch lever etc etc etc ...
He might be able to speak to how much more or less efficient the bike is with the fairing he installed to give people and idea of what to expect. Note to he doesn't need a headlight ;)
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You have loads of aftermarket fairing for most brands. It doesn't have to be custom made for a Zero if you can adapt an existing fairing with the right mounting kit.
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You have loads of aftermarket fairing for most brands. It doesn't have to be custom made for a Zero if you can adapt an existing fairing with the right mounting kit.
So then the trick would be as a group decide which fairing everyone is interested (given it will fit the width / length of the bike with little modification if any) then have one brave individual figure out all the mounting specifics and sell that solution. Be it a bracket set, plans, CNC files etc ...
Given how easy it is to make brackets I am surprised most people posting here wanting a sportier solution haven't done this already :/
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For my money, I wouldn't be willing to settle for anything less than a full-coverage front/rear set, although I'd be willing to discuss a truncated tail if properly done -- the long, thin, tapered tail of a true streamliner is just too bulky and problematic for daily usage. That's why I was so excited to see Craig Vetter's proposal.
Short of that, I think I'll just stick with my Streamliner windshield and save my money.
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For my money, I wouldn't be willing to settle for anything less than a full-coverage front/rear set, although I'd be willing to discuss a truncated tail if properly done -- the long, thin, tapered tail of a true streamliner is just too bulky and problematic for daily usage. That's why I was so excited to see Craig Vetter's proposal.
Short of that, I think I'll just stick with my Streamliner windshield and save my money.
So you're looking for fairing more or less like the average BMW RT?
You have loads of aftermarket fairing for most brands. It doesn't have to be custom made for a Zero if you can adapt an existing fairing with the right mounting kit.
So then the trick would be as a group decide which fairing everyone is interested (given it will fit the width / length of the bike with little modification if any) then have one brave individual figure out all the mounting specifics and sell that solution. Be it a bracket set, plans, CNC files etc ...
Given how easy it is to make brackets I am surprised most people posting here wanting a sportier solution haven't done this already :/
You can have more than one fairing. I guess some people want a sporty fairing while others want to use the motorway in a comfy position with their helmet ouf of the wind. Once you find a suitable candidate you can source fairing from replacement shops or crashed bikes.
Correct me if i'm wrong but the frame hasn't changed since 2013?
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Correct me if i'm wrong but the frame hasn't changed since 2013?
I recall the 2014+ frame has a higher load rating (to accommodate the power tank) and different machined bolt mounts for the plastics from the 2013.
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I recall the 2014+ frame has a higher load rating (to accommodate the power tank) and different machined bolt mounts for the plastics from the 2013.
I'm also told that the 2015 Showa shock won't mount up to my 2014, so there must be some difference in the shock towers.
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Correct me if i'm wrong but the frame hasn't changed since 2013?
I recall the 2014+ frame has a higher load rating (to accommodate the power tank) and different machined bolt mounts for the plastics from the 2013.
There is also a tray between the two main tubes above the battery which isn't present on the 2013 ...
Doug did you have ideas for a tail design mocked up anywhere?
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Someone said that the Vetter tail is actually wider than the front fairing for better hook up of the airflow from the front to the tail. Does anyone have a top view picture. How much wider is it?
Wider sacrifices the cross sectional area for a lower coefficient of drag. That is a interesting trade off.
I wonder what improvement a race-style fairing would do. The accessory windscreen has said to be a 10% improvement. I think a Vetter style fairing is not only more unique and classic, but it is way more optimal than a regular race style. I would much rather build a slightly smaller Vetter fairing then buy a wannabe race set.
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Doug did you have ideas for a tail design mocked up anywhere?
Nope. I've made a couple half-hearted attempts at rendering one, but my 3D modeling skills just aren't up to it. I've thought about getting a set of one of Craig Vetter's latest generic full-coverage fairings and seeing what I could do, but then I think about the lights....and clearing the kickstand....and integrating some storage into it so I don't have to give up my trunk....and tiedowns in case I want/need to trailer it sometime....and trying to get Mike Corbin's dimples right so they work....and a dozen other things, and it just seems like a better idea to let Craig do it when he's healthy again and has time to do it. I'd get finished with a really crappy version just about the same time he finishes, with a far more professional result, and probably cheaper too.
The upshot: I'm an EE, not an ME, and DigiNow still beat me and outdid me badly on a powerful on-board charger. These guys do it for a living, and can invest far more time into it than I can, and they just know what they're doing far better than I, even in a field pretty close related to my own.
I know, not much of a "can-do" attitude coming from an Engineer, huh? I think it's pretty realistic, though.
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Doug even a simple pencil drawing helps ... no need for 3d just yet.
Also I have a BFA in graphic design and am a self taught programmer ... guess which I do for a living? lol I also like challenges and creating stuff ;)
Killroy the Last vetter fairing on 99.9% of the bikes which have them have the tail the same or less width than the front. Only Alan Smith's bike has a wider tail than the front ;)
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Burton, you last post was 666 :o
Did Vetter stop selling his kits?
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Burton, you last post was 666 :o
Did Vetter stop selling his kits?
How can you tell it was 666 ? Seems like a low number for total forum posts lol
Vetter went down ... and from the recent update I have seen he is on drugs which are helping him sleep but making him mental at the same time.
He bought an FX so he could make a new scooter which is electric based and builds off the work I am doing and Kraig has done. I don't think he has any kits in stock last time I heard from him BUT upon request he can get them however you want to contact Carol at this point. She does all the finances anyway.
If you wanted something thinner up front you might want the "bullet" faring instead.
Message me if you have more questions ;)
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Burton, I'm even worse with a pen and paper than I am with a 3D rendering package, so I did model up at least a rough representation of what I had in mind. It's obviously not to scale or anything, just a general shape. I didn't draw any dimples on the back and side surfaces; that would be pretty labor intensive. I'm thinking I'd go with about a 1" diameter dimple, not too deep because I think it's the edges of the dimple that add the necessary energy to the boundary layer. I also have no reason to believe the "spine" on the back below the trunk area would be of any help, but it seems like it would help the air marry back together from the two sides with less turbulence.
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Burton, you last post was 666 :o
Did Vetter stop selling his kits?
How can you tell it was 666 ? Seems like a low number for total forum posts lol
Vetter went down ... and from the recent update I have seen he is on drugs which are helping him sleep but making him mental at the same time.
He bought an FX so he could make a new scooter which is electric based and builds off the work I am doing and Kraig has done. I don't think he has any kits in stock last time I heard from him BUT upon request he can get them however you want to contact Carol at this point. She does all the finances anyway.
If you wanted something thinner up front you might want the "bullet" faring instead.
Message me if you have more questions ;)
I actually like the Vetter Kit, I just don't want the seat back and its $2000.
(http://craigvetter.com/images/Online%20Store/Streamliner-Superstore-images/2015-streamliner-Kit-parts.jpg)
I would consider this Airtech for $560. See how happy the rider is. ;)
Looks like you can use the stock lights and custom make the wind screen to increase coverage a little. Still needs a tail, which I would consider making myself with fiberglass or carbon fiber eventually.
(http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/images/cafebagger1.jpg)
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I came across this old post from autoblog about crossing the continent on an electric motorcycle and found this fairing rather nice.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/moto-electra-bridge-628-1371464644.jpg)
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I came across this old post from autoblog about crossing the continent on an electric motorcycle and found this fairing rather nice.
The problem is the loss from not covering a little more than the upper half of the front wheel :/ There is a reason fix wheeled aircraft do this.
Could you contact the author to see if they have run tests with and without the front cowl and what efficiency they gain with it on?
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I can send them an email this weekend, it is actually an electric race bike based on an old Norton frame: http://motoelectra.com/ (http://motoelectra.com/)
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Fixed your image since I think you killed their site lol
(https://web.archive.org/web/20150610033522/http://airtech-streamlining.com/images/cafebagger1.jpg)
$600 for that dustbin fairing is a great deal ... it would look good with my bucket light as well ;) But it wouldn't serve my winter needs :/
This is where I wish I had money to throw around at ideas like this, document it, and find some way to monetize it ;)
Doug, would the dimples be on the massive rounded rectangle thing you got going on there?
Is there any reason for this shape? would the helmet be above the "box" area? etc etc ...
My designs are focusing on incorporating a seat into the front of a teardrop shape so the sides bulge out enough to catch the wind off the front fairing then Kamm tail that so I have room for license plate / lights etc. I have also seen hope in trying to do a "cut in" after the kamm to better form the break away point as seen on most vehicles which are considered "efficient"
But being as I don't even have the front on yet I haven't started any foam mockups lol
Erasmo, that would be so awesome if they have good data!
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Doug, would the dimples be on the massive rounded rectangle thing you got going on there?
Is there any reason for this shape? would the helmet be above the "box" area? etc etc ...
I've been spoiled having the trunk on my bike and I don't want to give it up. The box on top is an integrated trunk for storage. It would also make a convenient place to mount lights and the license plate.
Yeah, I'd put dimples on the backside of the whole thing, including the top box and the spine area. Anything that doesn't include the long, thin taper of the rear end of a full streamliner would benefit, I think. I believe Mike Corbin is right that anything less than that sort of tail wouldn't keep the flow laminar, and could benefit from dimpling.
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Ahhhh. I love me some dimpling!!!! Strength, lightness, lots of benefits
Lots of work to mount fenders, I had a couple sets, ended up not going with the fairing idea on the fx, you would need a xu or super low suspension, and the obvious, clip-ons
The S just seems to be a so much more loan-able shape to hold a sport bike fairing.... Slightly jealous!
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Fixed your image since I think you killed their site lol
Oh, do you have mod powers. I did a preview to see if the linked image would stick and everything looked good. Do you think all the traffic from ElectricMotorcycleForum.com crashed the site? 8)
Do you have any links to your designs, lights and project bike you can share?
Why is the bucket light not good for the winter? Snow scooper?
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Seems even my link doesn't work now :/ lol
No mod powers just went to archive.com with the link.
I said " it would look good with my bucket light as well" ...nothing wrong with the bucket light during winter outside the fact it houses a LED light and it can be a snow scooper but anything really is.
Don't have any of the "newer" concepts in 3D or pictures of them yet but some of the older ones are (like originals before I started to talk to Craig more)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/71805301@N05/with/14254736725/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/71805301@N05/with/14254736725/) (scroll down near bottom)
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Is Terry Hershner on EMF?
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Is Terry Hershner on EMF?
Since 2012 yes http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?action=profile;u=1639 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?action=profile;u=1639)
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Is Terry Hershner on EMF?
Since 2012 yes http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?action=profile;u=1639 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?action=profile;u=1639)
Thanks to the links in this thread, I have been reading up and have become quite a fan of Vetter and Terry.
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Even though the racing Vetter fairings from the eMoto Racing series are designed more for a tuck, I like the overall size of the tail. The lack of turret makes it a little easier too. I would make one a touch higher.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/24/88/ce/2488ce0dfc4c3338a1dbf1601db82e6c.jpg)
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Thanks to the links in this thread, I have been reading up and have become quite a fan of Vetter and Terry.
That's a big fan club you're joining there.
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I found this photo of a BMW streamliner that was built in the 1930's. It does a good job of illustrating the design. But it sure doesn't look very comfortable. ;)
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I found this photo of a BMW streamliner that was built in the 1930's. It does a good job of illustrating the design. But it sure doesn't look very comfortable. ;)
Haha...Nice! Looks like a fish swimming through the air 8)
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...
Here is a dustbin that has a good sized wind screen that allows the use of the stock headlight and turn signals:
(http://eglivincent.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/07-7495115984_ca795cce5b_o.jpg?w=1024&h=768)
where is that dustbin available?
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http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/vintagefairingsdustbin.htm (http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/vintagefairingsdustbin.htm)
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I was thinking about the back part today and it's role in the earodynamics. If you had a top case that didn't enlarge your cross section would that be better for the mpg?
Of course it's far from a kammback but maybe it is better than nothing?
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I was thinking about the back part today and it's role in the earodynamics. If you had a top case that didn't enlarge your cross section would that be better for the mpg?
Of course it's far from a kammback but maybe it is better than nothing?
When I went on my 140-mile ride on a single charge last year, I had my 30L Givi top box installed. I did it for just that reason. It seemed to me like the small top box would improve the aerodynamics of my Zero and I think it did. :)
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I have a givi v46 monokey topcase on my bike and I don't think my range has increased by having it on beyond what is advertised.
Now I have a new phone I can properly test this be crouching at 75mph with and without the top case to see what the watt/miles are on the same section of road. But I likely wont get a chance to do this in the next couple of weeks :/
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Doesn't matter if it takes a bit longer, the fact that you want to test out my brainfart is awesome already.
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Aero Story!
So I have been commuting on my Zero for 5 days and I have noticed something about the aerodynamics of a stock SR.
My commute is from Campbell to Scotts Valley, CA, the home of Zero, but I dont work there. Its about 21 miles over the SAnta Cruz Mountains and its about a 1600 ft climb. On the way down I notice that I cant really just cost down, I have to power down at ~60 MPH. I dont have any bags dragging in the wind and I am small and in a crouch/ minor-tuck and I can't coast.
When I'm in my year 2000 Insight Hybrid, not only am I coasting, I'm in a low level regeneration mode 60-80% of the way down at the same speed.
So when I am on my Zero, I'm wasting energy going down a steep mountain. When I am in my car, I'm charging a battery down. That is how bad the aero is on a stock motorcycle.
It should be noted that the original Honda Insight is a freak of car and it has kooky wheel skirts and it has one of the best coefficient of drag of all mass production cars. Note that Tesla Model S is very close, looks really good and does not have weird mobile wheel skirts.
The point is that aero on stock motos is a a large burden on the drivetrain.
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Killroy are you sure you don't have your throttle regen >0 or maybe your brakes are rubbing but going down a mountain you shouldn't need to power at all unless you just really want to fly down it.
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The point is that aero on stock motos is a a large burden on the drivetrain.
True but don't under estimate momentum. A motorcycle doesn't weigh nearly as much as a car and as a result will slow down much quicker....especially with regen trying to slow you down. While better aero will result in less resistance moving through the air, in the down hill test you outlined I think you would see results much closer to a EV car by just packing on a bunch of weight (if you can do it without also significantly increasing drag coefficient).
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So a insight with driver is about 2000 lb, a Zero with rider is ~600 lb. So, yes a Insight has ~3 times the mass, but the Zero's its frontal cross sectional area is a fraction of the Insight. If the aerodynamic drag was proportional on both vehicles, then the Zero should be regeneration on the down hill, but the Zero has poor coefficient of drag, and the frontal area is probably not proportionally low, so it takes a hit there too. The biggest variable is coefficient of drag, not weight.