Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 24 of 31

Thread: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

  1. #1
    Senior Member JustSomeDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Five Points, yo!
    Posts
    1,697

    (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Rossi will be on it this weekend!!!

    Valentino Rossi will debut a radical new Ducati Desmosedici with an aluminum chassis at this weekend's Aragon Grand Prix.

    http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...uminum-ducati/
    Looks like Ducati is giving Dorna the middle finger with their restrictive allotment of test days... and making the remainder of the 2011 season their own public testing session.

    I, for one, am PSYCHED for 2012 MotoGP to see what Ducati whips up!

  2. #2
    Senior Member UglyDogRacing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Bailey
    Posts
    2,669

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Doesnt look like the chassis is all aluminum. It has an aluminum inset in the head and some bracing and the rest is still carbon fiber.



    Motorcycle Roadracing Association #29
    President

    MSF
    Rider Coach

  3. #3
    Senior Member vort3xr6's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Lakewood
    Posts
    2,211

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    I wannnnnaaaa ride it.

  4. #4
    Business in the front, party in the back! CYCLE_MONKEY's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    The white section of Aurora (Tallyn's Reach)
    Posts
    9,331

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Since you can't effectively thread into C/F or distribute the load, these attachment points are ALWAYS some sort of metal (Al, Ti, etc.). Nothing really unusual here, move along.......
    --------------------------------------------------
    "...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

    -Theodore Roosevelt 1907
    --------------------------------------------------
    Blu/Wht '01 Gixxer 1K, '91 KX500
    --------------------------------------------------
    Tokin' SortaTalian
    (Pronounced: Kind-A-Dago)

  5. #5
    Senior Member The Black Knight's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    4,727

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Wouldn't it be great if this is exactly what Rossi was looking for and he comes out this next race and is competative?? Heck maybe even win?? Not saying that he will but if this bike is like the one(GP12) he tested that got him to within seven tenths of Stoner's time on the new 2012 Honda, this race does look promising. Because if he's gotten his front end feel issues sorted out, now he can focus on fine tuning the setup. Whereas before, he's just been trying to get a feel for the damn bike. Now he can dial it in like the rest on the grid.

    I'm looking very forward to the next race.
    ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    "So live your life so the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their views, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
    "

    "Finish today what others won't, so you can achieve tomorrow what others can't."




  6. #6
    Senior Member Ted's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    596

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    When asked about this at the press conference earlier today, [Rossi] said it wasn't the frame, but simply cf components on the front where replaced with Aluminum ...
    __________________
    W L F

  7. #7
    Member Titus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    West Arvada, CO
    Posts
    432

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    They still need to redesign the engine with a more acute angle between cylinders...

    I'm hopin for great results tho!!!
    2006 Lexus GX470
    2010 Ducati Streetfighter
    2007 Ducati M695
    1994 Yamaha TZ250 (track smoker)

  8. #8
    Jenny's Pet Monkey Ghost's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Frank's wettest dreams
    Posts
    5,113

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by Titus View Post
    They still need to redesign the engine with a more acute angle between cylinders...

    I'm hopin for great results tho!!!
    That's a sacred cow they probably won't give up on, despite the fact that it's not an L-twin motor anyway, so a narrow V might as well be used...
    Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.
    ~Hunter S. Thompson



  9. #9
    Business in the front, party in the back! CYCLE_MONKEY's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    The white section of Aurora (Tallyn's Reach)
    Posts
    9,331

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by Titus View Post
    They still need to redesign the engine with a more acute angle between cylinders...

    I'm hopin for great results tho!!!
    Quit being "obtuse".....
    --------------------------------------------------
    "...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

    -Theodore Roosevelt 1907
    --------------------------------------------------
    Blu/Wht '01 Gixxer 1K, '91 KX500
    --------------------------------------------------
    Tokin' SortaTalian
    (Pronounced: Kind-A-Dago)

  10. #10
    Senior Member brennahm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    City Park
    Posts
    2,178

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Those images aren't what I remember the CF head looking like. The polished/raw Al insert looks familiar but I don't see why they wouldn't keep that for head angle adjustability.

    Also, isn't that raw Al piece just under the fuel tank & behind the fairing new?

  11. #11
    aka - The Devil Lifetime Supporter
    Site Admin
    rybo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Stansbury Park
    Posts
    6,583

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by brennahm View Post
    Those images aren't what I remember the CF head looking like. The polished/raw Al insert looks familiar but I don't see why they wouldn't keep that for head angle adjustability.

    Also, isn't that raw Al piece just under the fuel tank & behind the fairing new?
    Yes, that's new and that's the extent of what Ducati is using as a frame. That piece used to be CF. The engine is a stressed member of the chassis and takes frame duty from there to the swingarm, which is also connected directly to the engine cases.

    On the photo of the front I would also suggest that if you look down low near where the fairing comes in you'll see a weld. That part of the frame appears to be painted or coated black.

    I'm interested to see what they come up with.

  12. #12
    Princess of Prius Sean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    West
    Posts
    6,926

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    I want to get my hopes up, but it's going to be the first time it's used in a race. If they got it right the very first time, I'd be super impressed. I can only assume that it will take a little trial and error. Going to have to keep an eye on the practice times this weekend to see if it made an immediate difference.

    Predictions for the race considering the new frame:
    1. Colin
    2. Casey
    3. Valentino
    4. Jorge

  13. #13
    Senior Member brennahm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    City Park
    Posts
    2,178

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by rybo View Post
    Yes, that's new and that's the extent of what Ducati is using as a frame. That piece used to be CF. The engine is a stressed member of the chassis and takes frame duty from there to the swingarm, which is also connected directly to the engine cases.

    On the photo of the front I would also suggest that if you look down low near where the fairing comes in you'll see a weld. That part of the frame appears to be painted or coated black.

    I'm interested to see what they come up with.
    Yeah, that was more a response to UglyDog saying it looked the same. Looks to me like an Al frame.

  14. #14
    Senior Member UglyDogRacing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Bailey
    Posts
    2,669

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by brennahm View Post
    Yeah, that was more a response to UglyDog saying it looked the same. Looks to me like an Al frame.
    I didn't say it looked the same. Read again.
    Motorcycle Roadracing Association #29
    President

    MSF
    Rider Coach

  15. #15
    Senior Member brennahm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    City Park
    Posts
    2,178

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by UglyDogRacing View Post
    the rest is still carbon fiber.
    Whoa there, easy guy. Wasn't trying to be a dick, just commenting that I don't see where you see a CF frame.

  16. #16
    Senior Member UglyDogRacing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Bailey
    Posts
    2,669

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by brennahm View Post
    Whoa there, easy guy. Wasn't trying to be a dick, just commenting that I don't see where you see a CF frame.

    don't take everything i post too seriously.
    Motorcycle Roadracing Association #29
    President

    MSF
    Rider Coach

  17. #17
    aka - The Devil Lifetime Supporter
    Site Admin
    rybo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Stansbury Park
    Posts
    6,583

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by UglyDogRacing View Post
    don't take everything i post too seriously.
    Looks like bamboo(zle) to me

  18. #18
    Senior Member brennahm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    City Park
    Posts
    2,178

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    No worries, most people around here seem to get their panties in a bunch, didn't know if it was your turn or not

  19. #19
    Senior Member JustSomeDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Five Points, yo!
    Posts
    1,697

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    I'm curious to know who made the frame, and just exactly what kind of engineering/labor went in to getting this thing whipped together with proper mounting points, balance, ridability, etc., in such an insanely short period of time.

    Hopefully Ducati will release some kind of documentary in the years to come detailing the work they did to transition from CF to Al in such a short time frame. I know they are extremely secretive about their R&D, so I won't hold my breath.

    But I can dream, can't I? Heck, I'd pay $29.95 for that DVD. :P

  20. #20
    Senior Member UglyDogRacing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Bailey
    Posts
    2,669

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by JustSomeDude View Post
    I'm curious to know who made the frame, and just exactly what kind of engineering/labor went in to getting this thing whipped together with proper mounting points, balance, ridability, etc., in such an insanely short period of time.
    http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/raci...minum-chassis/
    Motorcycle Roadracing Association #29
    President

    MSF
    Rider Coach

  21. #21
    Member ian22's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Firestone, CO
    Posts
    338

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by rybo View Post
    I'm interested to see what they come up with.
    Whatever it is....we all know its not gonna be enough to beat Honda next year. Everyone knows Honda is gonna win the gp championship next year...its only a matter of time, Rybo.

    "Insert clever/inspirational quote here."

    I have a couple of bikes, they are fun.

  22. #22
    Jenny's Pet Monkey Ghost's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Frank's wettest dreams
    Posts
    5,113

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by ian22 View Post
    Whatever it is....we all know its not gonna be enough to beat Honda next year. Everyone knows Honda is gonna win the gp championship next year...its only a matter of time, Rybo.

    Honda's got a long history of GP championships, but I think Rossi has proven he can win on an "inferior" bike before...

    And, fwiw, Honda needs to put more love and more "trickle down" tech in its sport bikes...
    Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.
    ~Hunter S. Thompson



  23. #23
    Member ian22's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Firestone, CO
    Posts
    338

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Without doubt, Rossi is a legend....I just think that Ducati/Rossi/Burgess won't get it figured out by next year.

    Rossi and Burgess definitely "fixed" Yamaha's GP racing program.
    Last edited by ian22; Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 12:30 PM.
    "Insert clever/inspirational quote here."

    I have a couple of bikes, they are fun.

  24. #24
    Senior Member JustSomeDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Five Points, yo!
    Posts
    1,697

    Re: (IT'S OFFICIAL) Ducati Goes to Aluminum Frame!

    Quote Originally Posted by ian22 View Post
    Without doubt, Rossi is a legend....I just think that Ducati/Rossi/Burgess won't get it figured out by next year.
    Agreed. Especially after Sunday's performance - it's clear Ducati is in the weeds. And now with the news that they're trying a full deltabox frame this week, it's obvious that they have yet to solve the front end issues.

    http://www.bikesportnews.com/news-de...ek&newsid=5678

    I'd hate to see 2012 become another "development season" for Rossi and Ducati, but now they are running extremely short on time. Qatar is less than 7 months away.

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 16
    Last Post: Tue Sep 13th, 2011, 01:13 PM
  2. Stoner on the Ducati GP11
    By ian22 in forum The Pros
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: Tue Aug 30th, 2011, 04:20 PM
  3. Frame Slider Q&A
    By Vellos in forum Bike Tech
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: Tue May 31st, 2011, 10:39 AM
  4. 1991 GSXR frame - steel or aluminum?
    By Filo in forum Non-Bike Discussion
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: Thu Oct 9th, 2008, 05:04 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •