The contest initially ran from 1980 to 1985, with the inaugural run from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek, Colorado.[4] After a 25-year break, the contest resumed from 2011 with revised Vetter Fuel Challenge rules allowing for alternative fuel categories and requiring street usability including goods-carrying capability.[5][6][7] This is considered a particularly important future need for electric motorcycles like the Zero,[8][9] where battery constraints limit usable range, and the need for lengthy recharging cycles at public electrical points punctuates journeys and necessitates careful trip planning.[10]
A streamlined motorcycle designed by Charly Perethian with a 185 cc Yamaha motor achieved 372 miles per US gallon (0.632 L/100 km; 447 mpg‑imp) at the 1983 challenge, and is now displayed in the Smithsonian Institution.[6][11][12]
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.
Record 557 mpg‑US (0.422 L/100 km; 669 mpg‑imp) achieved by Dan Hannebrink on first stage
1985
Carmel–Big Sur–Laguna Seca
Masakazu Matsuzawa
470 mpg‑US (0.50 L/100 km; 560 mpg‑imp)
1980 Honda XL 80
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.[14][15]
Zero Motorcycles electric customized with 20 kW-Hr of batteries, and Vetter Fairing
80 mph speed limits. 171 mile ride
This was the first time an electric motorcycle was able to complete a Vetter Challenge with the liquid fuel bikes. At all other events, the electric motorcycles lacked range to complete the course with the group and were disqualified from winning the overall lowest fuel cost per mile.
Zero Motorcycles Electric (with Vetter fairing and custom tail built by Virginia Tech student team)
$.0134 / mile
Winning Vehicle (Silver Streamliner) for July 2015 Vetter Challenge in Lexington, Ohio. 2005 Ninja 250 with Vetter Fairing, 161 mpg Bike built by and ridden by Alan Smith. Picture taken by Kraig Schultz at AMA Motorcycle Museum. White bike to right is Vic Valdes (2nd place, 152mpg) and Maroon Bike to rear is Scott Endler (3rd place 117mpg)Winning Vehicles for July 2016 Vetter Challenge in Lexington, Ohio. Bike to Left is 1999 Ninja 250 with Vetter Fairing, 187 mpg Bike built by and ridden by Vic Valdes. Bike to Right is 2011 Custom Electric with 1980’s Rifle/Vetter Fairing Built and Ridden by Kraig Schultz 92 Wh/Mile.Winning Gas Vehicle for July 2017 Vetter Challenge in Lexington, Ohio. 1999 Ninja 250 with Vetter Fairing, 236 mpg Bike built and ridden by Vic Valdes. 2017-07-08Winning Electric Vehicle for July 2017 Vetter Challenge in Lexington, Ohio. 2014 Zero S with Vetter Fairing, 101.9 Wh/mile built by Virginia Tech Students and ridden by Jacob Dennis. 2017-07-08Winning Overall and Diesel Vehicle Categories for 2011, 2012 and 2013 Vetter Challenges in Ohio and California/Nevada. Hayes Diesel Engine with Airtech Fairing, 109-164 mpg bio fuel. Bike built and ridden by Fred Hayes. This Picture was taken by Kraig Schultz in July 2011. In 2012, external saddle bags were added to rear of bike.
Pictures of Winning Vehicles:
Winning Vehicle for July 2011 Vetter Challenge in Lexington, Ohio. 1989 Honda NX250 with Parabellum Fairing, 157mpg Bike built by Charly Perethian; ridden by Max Perethian. Morgan Vetter is Standing Next to Bike.