150mph with 16bhp in 1956
With all the discussion that is currently going on, both here and elsewhere, about aerodynamics I think it's important to remind ourselves what Gustav Baumm, H.P. Müller and the NSU team achieved over 60 years ago: 150mph from a single-cylinder, 125cc 4-stroke putting out just 16 horsepower, in 1956. Respect! PNB
Are we missing something?
I hadn't noticed the discussion about aerodynamics going on here (quite the opposite in fact).
Obviously aerodynamics is a live topic in variuous technologies, but if there is any public discussion concerning PTW's that anyone is aware of it will clearly make sense to air it on this site - where it might actually be applied to PTW's.
I doubt if anyone who has, or is, studying PTW aerodynamics will be unaware* of the important demonstrations of it's potential given by NSU in 1955/6. Such people will also be aware that since 1956 very major advances in understanding of the subject, including as it applies specifically to road vehicles, has been made. Sadly these advances have not been applied to PTW's except in two places. In LSR attempts where the FF layout is essential to success and speeds are now so high (367mph) that the aerodynamics are irelevent to road application. And on this site where video can be found of a real race developement FF achieving less than half the drag of a racing motorcycle (CDa.21 versus CDa.5 MIRA wind tunnel)
"Those that forget the lessons of the past are condemmed to repeat them" but the lessons of today, and tomorrow, are yet more relevent! Anyone studying the past, who speaks German, will find the book "NSU Renn Geshickt" ("NSU Race History") completely informative on the subject of the Hammocks. Students of recent work may find "Road vehicle aerodynamic design" (in English, ISBN 0954073401)more directly useful.
*Two things;-
1. Unaware of the 'Hammocks' but studying PTW aerodynamics? Get a grip!
2. The NSU shape, as above, achieves take-off lift at around 240mph. Don't try this at Bonneville!