Rex, I'll go back to your question about the video system in lieu of a windshield. We talked about this idea something like a month or two ago -- and got nowhere. First of all -- bike 'liners have a stated requirement of 120 degrees of adequate horizontal vision forward (7.H.7). I suppose there's some number requirement for cars -- didn't find it in a quick glance through the book.
So go ahead and design up a video system -- wide angle lens on the camera, a screen -- maybe two -- that gives a decent representation of that view to the rider that'ls flat on his back or facing bass-ackwards or on his tummy or whatever. It shouldn't be too technologically challenging to come up with a system that not only meets the intent of the rule -- but also makes it possible for the rider to operate the 'liner without becoming disoriented. While you're at it, be in touch with the technical folks and tell 'em what you're doing. Tell them that you're working on the concept and that you'll present it to them for their inspection and for you to prove the concept once it's working.
Once you've got it all thunk up, build one -- I'd expect a thousand bucks would be a decent working budgetary estimate of what it'll take -- video stuff is pretty inexpensive these days.
Practice using the system. Practice 'til you're good at it -- practice in the shop 'til you can read the label on a can being passed in front of the bike by a helper. Then practice in the parking lot 'til you can control the vehicle better than you expected. Then it's time to ask the committee to see it. Have them look at your plans, have them inspect the system in a static display.
Then hop in the bike and give a demonstration at low speed. It wouldn't hurt to have a recording system hooked in, too, so they can see what you saw while you were riding.
Oh, yeah -- think about a fail-safe backup system -- 'cause whatever can break, will -- and you'd be blind if the video system failed. Glen likes his timing lights -- you'd best be able to see where you're going.
I wouldn't be surprised if someone says that you can do this without electronics -- maybe using fiber optics, or mirrors, or some other magic means of getting the picture to the rider's eyes. Don't let those nay-sayers worry yu just now -- go out and show that your proposed vision system will work under race conditions. Maybe even design that backup system into the first iteration -- so you can make a real run with the electronics in operation, thus proving your concept.
We've got a bike streamliner in our long-term dreams, and a video system isn't out of the question for us -- so go ahead and do the inventing and save us the hassle, hey? Thanks.
