fairings

[3tyretrackterry]

Just thought i would run a suggestion past the wealth of knowledge available- Taking into consideration the high cost of recumbent bike/trike fairings has anyone got any thoughts on using a motorbike windscreen as a recumbent fairing. I appreciate that the mounting brackets would have to be made seperatly but is there any mileage in this train of thought
few figures to use motorbike windshield approx cost £40 on ebay may be cheaper from scrap yard classifieds etc
recumbent fairing without mounting kit approx $200
main questions to consider is a Mbike fairing large enough, is it too heavy and could the mounting bracket be made from non specialist equipment ie no welding

another thought would be vac form my own fairing cost of PETG sheet approx £15 cost of vac forming £?? at present

any advice would be appreciated
PS i know there is a fairing on ebay at present am keeping an eye on it to see what it goes for

 

[mickle]

It kind of depends on what coverage and shape your after. And of course weight might play a part too. And can it be physically adapted to fit? Probably - its all just nuts and bolts.

There's a lot to be said for the idea aside from the economic argument, there are some very swish looking mcycle fairings around, recumbent builders could learn a lot from the styling in other areas of vehicular design. Even some of the world finest velomobiles have a bit of 'knocked together in a shed' about them.

 

[trickletreat]

Hi Ian, how is it going? I made a screen with the same sheeting and some ally strip...see here

http://www.cyclechat..._1#entry1303135

The only problem has been the ally strip failing at bolt points, so when they get too short to re-drill then I will use something else. It's not to heavy and keeps the wind /rain off my daughter. I think you could easily diy one for your trike, there is a weight penalty, and at low speeds in strong winds, it either helps or hinders, depending on wind direction. The other thing is to use large washers without rubber grommets, or the screen 'stars' at bolt points. I used ..Barkston, The Plastic People www.theplasticpeople.co.uk Nigel

 

[3tyretrackterry]

thanks for the replies
Mickle in answer to your question thesort of coverage im looking for is either Windwrap GX , XT or HPV Streamer size at best probably 3ft x2ft or 900mm x600mm depending on your vintage
Trickletreat long time no see I am doing well and am riding as much as possible i had seen your cover which is what got the brain juices flowing a while ago then i saw the fairing on ebay which started me off again I like to tinker and was thinking of plastic conduit for the mounting as it can be bent with a spring and does hold its shape
keep the replies coming

 

[markg0vbr]

http://www.cb1.com/~john/Exercise/recumbent.html
might be worth a look at this.

 

[3tyretrackterry]

Hello Mark
Hows the hip today
Interesting read from that link but i think it is a bit bigger than i'm looking for.
Am looking for something about streamer size maybe a tad bigger.
What fairing have you got Just reread the hip thread and you have a streamer where did you get it from
Are you still going to be ok for the Notts ride as i am looking at participating in that and would be good to trike with you again
Get Well soon

 

[ufkacbln]

Have a look at the WISIL projects pages:



Lots of info and advice especially thir support frames for fairings using PVC pipes!

Also on forming your own fairings....

 

[ufkacbln]

The " BMW K 1200 / 1300 GT High Windscreen" on Ebay is probably similar in size to the Windwrap XT and with the WISIL mounts would make it a practicable and cheap solution

 

[3tyretrackterry]

Thanks for the links interesting reading keeps the ideas flowing

 

[markg0vbr]

Hello Mark
Hows the hip today
Interesting read from that link but i think it is a bit bigger than i'm looking for.
Am looking for something about streamer size maybe a tad bigger.
What fairing have you got Just reread the hip thread and you have a streamer where did you get it from
Are you still going to be ok for the Notts ride as i am looking at participating in that and would be good to trike with you again
Get Well soon

i was thinking you could just use the bottom bit like a streamer and the pvc pipe bracket. the streamer i got from bike fx i think, it is on the trike and got the lads to winch me on to see how it looked, i am going to upgrade the clamps as i am not a fan of the hose clip ones it came with.
i am hoping to start a bit of light peddling 90% with the good leg after the 17th touch wood.

the streamer and whindwrap are quite flexible this stops the wobble board defect, and motobike screens are stiff and heavy but i cant see why they should not work, being stiff you could use nylon bolts and make the screen part of the structure. streamer and whindwrap need support frames to hold there shape.

 

[markg0vbr]

The " BMW K 1200 / 1300 GT High Windscreen" on Ebay is probably similar in size to the Windwrap XT and with the WISIL mounts would make it a practicable and cheap solution

page 13
http://www.sheffieldiambike.com/WheeltoWheel Dec 10 Jan 11.pdf
a bit added on at the bottom to make it rap around the feet a bit?

 

[3tyretrackterry]

thanks for that mark will look into it

 

[markg0vbr]

thanks for that mark will look into it

http://shop.scootech.co.uk/piaggio-x8-large-windscreen-622308-281-p.asp

don't know how big i would ask for dimensions
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PIAGGIO-FREE-...75?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3a63256073

 

[3tyretrackterry]

Mark
just have done im hoping for a reply soon also have spoken to a mate who knows a little about vac forming he says making a mould shouldnt be too difficult just gotta find a machine big enuff to vac form it now fingers crossed

 

[markg0vbr]

Mark
just have done im hoping for a reply soon also have spoken to a mate who knows a little about vac forming he says making a mould shouldnt be too difficult just gotta find a machine big enuff to vac form it now fingers crossed

i can see the orders flooding in.