My current plan is to focus 100% on the naked bike without streamlining. The streamlining, even though it’s only partial, brings bike stability risks and adds a lot of activities that can take our focus off the main deal which is: get the bike built, tested and get the team to Bonneville!
If our speed is as good as the simulations indicate at this early stage, it may be possible to break the partial streamlining record too by adding a mini fairing and going for broke.
My racing and work experience has taught me the value of focus. First we have to get on the score board with something, that will be a major feat in itself. Once we have that in the bag, we can start thinking of adding a bonus.
Having spoken to Speed Trials veterans, it’s difficult enough to get more than one run in per day and if we are not focused on a single minded outcome, we might miss the plot completely!
My current thinking is that we can return the year after with a load more experience, a glint in our eyes and streamlining to make your mouth water, all in good time!
Just to help you understand the difference between Partial streamlining and a so-called Naked bike, these pictures show a competitor riding with partial streamlining and without it. That’s quite a fairing that will involve a lot of engineering, labour and bike stability risk. We’ll keep our options open, never say never!