aerodynamics over tires

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Checking out Italy's new CBR had me thinking what effect a fender has on a tire. I know it is there to prevent road debris from slinging everywhere, but do they help direct airflow over the tires to help 'plant' them into the pavement.

Sort of like added suspension.

http://bikerholic.com/2010/11/03/2011-honda-cbr600f-abs-the-popular-midrange-all-rounder-returns/


http://www.google.com/images?q=2011+cbr600f&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:eek:fficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=756

http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2010/11/2011-honda-cbr600f-first-official-pics.html
 
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I don't think so. Like you said, the fender is there to keep water spray and road debris off of the rider but this is just my opinion and others may chime in with more specific info.

My BMW R1200GS has a front fender and a "beak" which I found rather odd until I realized that the main function of the beak was to funnel fresh air to the oil cooler which you can see here just under the headlight.

294228925_7qGt8-L.jpg
 
Mounting a front fender on inverted forks was always tricky, the CBR cleverly integrates the mounting with the fender "assembly" instead of trying to hide it. I'm sure it's been tested in the wind tunnel to verify it's not robbing airflow to the radiators. Other than that doubt it creates any down force on the tire, be a good marketing blurb though!
 
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I didn't see anything new or clever about the CBR600 fender.
That is typical sportbike design since inverted forks were first used...
The Suzuki Hayabusa has a larger one than most, for lower drag coefficient at high speed. The 'Busa is all about top speed, little else.
2010 Hayabusa
 
Originally Posted By: ilikeguns
I didn't see anything new or clever about the CBR600 fender.
That is typical sportbike design since inverted forks were first used...
The Suzuki Hayabusa has a larger one than most, for lower drag coefficient at high speed. The 'Busa is all about top speed, little else.
2010 Hayabusa



The new CBR600F does not come with a rear fender. It is available as an accessory. The bike is made in Italy and is not available here (yet).

And also, I thought back to a few years ago when I had my sportbike and removed the front fender and rode it like that for a few miles. In my head, it just didnt feel as planted, but then again it was in streetfighter mode since I had removed the fairings for maintenance/repairs.
 
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