exertus said:
Does anyone else here think that the frame of the monster could be improved upon by adding a bar between the two engine mounts? I've seen a couple of engines with broken engine mounts and I think they break there because the frame flexes on impact in an accident.
Actually, the frame is too strong already, that's why it can transmit enough load to the cases to break 'em.
The trick is to make it weaker without losing stiffness, but not so weak that it cracks in normal service.
Superleggera said:
I think the whole frame itself can be improved in terms of a few additional crosstubes, tube sizing, better material (chromoly) and quality TIG welding. Then again I'm incredibly biased -- I build my own Ducati frames. (I use the old frames for shelves or artwork purposes only then)
You can make the frame lighter with chrome-moly, because it's stronger and thus you can use thinner walls.
But then you have to add crosstubes to get the stiffness back to where it was before, because you've got thinner walls.
Or you can use larger diameter tubing to get the stiffness back.
But the thinner walls make it harder to weld, and the larger tubes make it more difficult to get the joints accurate enough to weld.
Just drives the cost up....
Make no mistake, I do wish my frame was as pretty as what I've seen on a Brutale.
I probably would have paid the cost difference.
Other folks wouldn't...