> > Careful now, Chris. Wonder how many points on the D.L. for 170, eh?
> > But as to top speed, even more important than frontal area is drag
> > coefficient, where cars are much better than bikes. If your Kawasaki
> > had the same Cd as your car, with its smaller frontal area you'd be in
> > streamliner territory! Or maybe a low-earth orbit. :-)
> > Steve B.
> I didn't say I'd actually *GONE* 170mph. :) My personal best is an
> indicated 165mph on a deserted two mile stretch of 4-lane hiway before
> I ran out of room. The way bike speedometers fudge, I'd say I
> realistically hit 155-160. The bike may be able to hit 170, but with my
> 6'2" self on it there's *WAY* more frontal area than desirable. Stupid
> knees and elbows! :)
> -----------------------------
> -Chris- | Two wheels are better |
> |Proud owner of a 1998 ZX-9R|
> -----------------------------
Hi Chris & Steve,
I wanted to get in on this thread too! I have gone 170 mph on my bike,
a '92 Yamaha FZR1000. Although the specs say it's only good for 167 so I
must have had a little tailwind. I'm only 5'10" and can tuck totally
behind the fairing. My experience is that staying out of the airstream
is good for 500-750 rpm extra. I didn't have the guts to find out how
my body effected the Cd at 170 mph.
BTW the engineer in me has to comment that the Cd is a function of the
frontal area (and 100 other variables). So both values are closely
related. Not GPL related, but I love to talk about bikes ;)
Glenn White
