Craig Vetter, left and Fred Hayes, the man behind the diesel conversion of the KLR 650 single for the US military. It is hoped that the Diesel KLR will be EU certified in 2011. The Silver ALCAN Fairing in the photo is the No. 10 prototype mounted on Carol Vetter's BMW. Let's hope there'll be a diesel-powered Vetter economy machine in the not too distant future! PNB

There's been a lot of discussion today (April 1st, 2009) about the relative merits of the Buell motor compared with the SV1000; the main concern with the Buell is the width of the primary and possibly cooling problems when it's faired.
The SV1000's only real problem is its length, though I am not too concerned about wheelbase; I'm sure it will still be shorter than a Quasar and by all accounts they go round corners very well.

So I thought I would post a few pics from back when I was designing the R1-based machine.

Been thinking about the Buell 1200 as a sutible engine for my FF, what it has going for it,
Very narrow,45deg V so short to, side exit exhaust so no problems with a hot crotch (eg a sv1000) enough horse power 95-104bhp, but much more importantly low reving low down torque, IMHO this is esential for real world riding ie power availble instantly.
It also has very respectable economy ive seen 55mpg quoted.

A close-up of the interesting hub centre steering system on Mick Broom's F650-based FF. Pic: Paul Blez

Blez tries Mick Broom's wacky BMW F650-powered FF for size at the Hesketh open day in 2008. I rode it too, which was a strange experience with the 'push me pull you' steering and a foot throttle where the rear brake would usually be! I managed not to drop it though. Apparently many riders don't get more than a few yards! PNB

A Helix in the process of being modified for a custom fit around a "less than tall" rider. It's fitted with a second trunk, full backrest, and a lower seat to better fit the rider into the bodywork. The windscreen is less vertical for improved aero yet still blocks the air from buffeting the riders helmet. The instrument cluster is relocated slightly for best visibility with the riders expected head location. To keep the weight down, urethane foam core composite was used instead of other materials. No gel coat was used. More at: http://home.earthlink.net/~miatav9/

Arthur Middleton's VF500 Interceptor based FF

Arthur Middleton's VF500 Interceptor based FF

Another view (front right)

This is my 3rd recumbent that I have done over the last 25 years. It is a '99 SV650 with a '96R1100R
telelever front end. It loves canyons. With 5 gallons under the seat plus the stock tank, it will get about 500 miles on a fill.
It is a pleasure to ride!

Stuart J. Herschleb

I don't know anything abut this? Just found the picture. Any ideas? IK
Must be very closely related to the black Stuart Herschleb machine, if not the same one repainted! PNB

This sketch by designer John Keogh is reminiscent of the original BMW C1 TTW (Tilting Three Wheeler). It also uses the same leaning front wheel, upright pair of rears as the lightweight Honda Canopy 50 and the 600kg Carver.
(Pic courtesy Paul Blezard Archive)

Three V 12 Jag engines, Australian of course!

More pictures here and here.

This bike started life in the mid 1980s as the 'FFelocette' with a Velocette 500 single engine but Graham slotted a Honda VF500 four engine into it in the 1990s. (PNB)