This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
The Performance and Handling of a Top Fuel Drag Motorcycle
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The design and development of a top fuel drag motorcycle are reviewed from the standpoints of performance, stability and handling, and rider safety. The paper begins with a summary of design requirements related to longitudinal performance, lateral/directional stability and control, structural properties, rider factors, organizational rules, and the fact that drag racing is a spectator sport. A contemporary top fuel dragster design is used as an example case study. Analytical results illustrate the effects of aerodynamics, and varying other design parameters, on performance and stability. A principal result is that adequate down load must be maintained on the front tire. The results suggest that safety and good handling need not compromise ultimate performance, and that the required tradeoffs can be guided by analysis at the design stage.
Recommended Content
Citation
Weir, D. and Zellner, J., "The Performance and Handling of a Top Fuel Drag Motorcycle," SAE Technical Paper 830157, 1983, https://doi.org/10.4271/830157.Also In
References
- Pershing B. “Dragster Aerodynamics - Streamlinging vs. Weight.” Proceedings of the AIAA Symposium on the Aerodynamics of Sports and Competition Automobiles Los Angeles 20 April 1968
- Shart R.S. “The Stability and Control of Motorcycles,” Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 13 5 Aug 1971 316 329
- Weir D.H. Motorcycle Handling Dynamics and Rider Control and the Effect of Design Configuration on Response and Performance UCLA, Ph.D. Thesis June 1972
- Sharp R.S. “Dynamics of Single Track Vehicles,” Vehicle System Dynamics, 5 1-2 August 1975 67 77
- Weir D.H. Zellner J.W. “Lateral-Directional Motorcycle Dynamics and Rider Control,” SAE Paper 780304 , Also SAE Transactions 1979
- Motorcycle Dynamics and Rider Control SAE SP-428 Detroit February 1978
- Cooper K.R. “The Effect of Aerodynamics on the Performance and Stability of High Speed Motorcycles,” Second AIAA Symposium on Aerodynamics of Sports and Competition Automobiles Los Angeles May 1974