Improving Motorcycle Aerodynamics: Find a Fairing with Low Aerodynamic Drag

Fairings are an essential component of many motorcycles and designed to improve aerodynamics and stability of a bike. For a student diploma project on the aerodynamics of a motorcycle fairing, the project team, consisting of KTM employees Martin Herzog, Alexander Hladik, and Christian Fernsebner, worked closely with Altair, specifically Altair’s Student Ambassador at the TU Munich, Matthias Leister. The task was to compare motorcycle fairing concepts to improve drag and aerodynamic balance. This document will describe how the design team used Altair solutions, including Altair Virtual Wind Tunnel and Altair ultraFluidX, to achieve the best fairing concept, ensuring low aerodynamic drag as well as improved rider safety and handling.