The Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge is a motorcycle

fuel efficiency Fuel efficiency is a form of thermal efficiency, meaning the ratio of effort to result of a process that converts chemical potential energy contained in a carrier (fuel) into kinetic energy or work. Overall fuel efficiency may vary per device ...

contest created in 1980 by

motorcycle fairing A motorcycle fairing is a shell placed over the frame of a motorcycle, especially racing motorcycles and sport bikes, to deflect wind and reduce air drag. The secondary functions are the protection of the rider from airborne hazards and wind-induc ...

inventor

Craig Vetter Craig Vetter (born July 28, 1942 in Selma, Alabama) is an American entrepreneur and motorcycle designer. His work was acknowledged when in 1999 he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. His Vetter Fairing Company created aftermarke ...

. The contest was cited in Vetter's

Motorcycle Hall of Fame The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is an offshoot of the American Motorcyclist Association, recognizing individuals who have contributed to motorcycle sport, motorcycle construction Motorcycle components and systems for a motorcycle are en ...

induction. The contest initially ran from 1980 to 1985, with the inaugural run from

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. After a 25-year break, the contest resumed from 2011 with revised Vetter Fuel Challenge rules allowing for

alternative fuel Alternative fuel, known as non-conventional and advanced fuels, are any materials or substances that can be used as fuels, other than conventional fuels like; ''fossil fuels'' (petroleum (oil), coal, and natural gas), as well as nuclear materi ...

categories and requiring street usability including goods-carrying capability. This is considered a particularly important future need for

electric motorcycles Electric motorcycles and scooters are plug-in electric vehicles with two or three wheels. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery which drives one or more electric motors. Electric scooters are distinguished from motorcycles by having a s ...

like the

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, where battery constraints limit usable range, and the need for lengthy recharging cycles at public electrical points punctuates journeys and necessitates careful trip planning. A streamlined motorcycle designed by Charly Perethian with a 185 cc Yamaha motor achieved at the 1983 challenge, and is now displayed in the

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Results

Winners by year are tabulated below. Data as published by Craig Vetter at the contest website. All vehicles are full faired streamliners unless noted. Results from the 2010s can not be directly compared as there was a major rule change that required a minimum cargo capacity and minimum top speed. Additionally, winners were declared by cost spent on pump gas (or electricity), not strictly mileage, significant as there is a mix of motor types. Craig Vetter hit a deer while riding his stream-lined Honda Helix on August 14, 2015. To help him stay focused on his recovery, volunteers helped coordinate and document the 2015 and 2016 Vetter Challenge Rides in Ohio. VetterChallengeJuly2015

Pictures of Winning Vehicles:

References

External links

*{{Official website Motorcycle rallies in the United States Fuel economy challenge 1980 establishments in the United States Energy conservation in the United States Motorsport competitions in the United States