Ducati GP12 with aluminum twin-spar frame...

[scottieducati]

Testing at Valencia.







Interesting to see how this pans out, and how they'll market the Panigale 1199 with the frame-less design in light of (potentially) ditching the idea in GP.

I wonder why they didn't return to the trellis, it's just so weird seeing an Alloy frame on a Ducati...

Looks like Rossi digs it tho...

[Paul_E_D]

If you can't beat em, join em.

[Eddie]

Smart move in my opinion. Ditch the frameless design if it ain't working.

[Pigman]

trellis = 1980 alloy= Y2k friendly.......

[Paul_E_D]

Actually, the aluminum designs they use now date back the Yamaha's delta box. They tried fancy designs, and went right back to straight extruded beams for the frame sections. My 1995 RS125 frame looks almost identical to the frames I see in motogp... Nothing all that new in these frames.

[scottieducati]

Meh, I just think it's disappointing they're ditching the frame that's basically the company's identity. Especially while keeping the V-angle 90 degrees and not shortening it up to get a longer swing arm length whilst the riders are constantly talking of lacking rear end grip. Seems the 90 degree engine layout is closer to their hearts than the trellis frame.

I'd wager the engine being so long, moving the COG away from the front wheel is as big, or a bigger cause of their issues this season than the frame-less design. But what do I know? The frame-less design was innovation. The 90 degree engine layout serves zero technical advantage and is purely due to heritage. If they're willing to give their unique frame the axe, then all should be on the table.

[Expat]

I am also guessing it is easier and cheaper to re-design and manufacture the frame than it is the motor....

[Kenn157]

Where's the front disc?

[Expat]

Where's the front disc?

Doesnt need one, Rossi is riding it on one wheel!!

[brady]

doesn't the 90 degree twin have better natural balance?

[CBR929RE]

rear grip wasn't the biggest problem. front end feel was. they had made much greater improvement at the rear than at the front this year. but this new frame makes it much easier to change the swingarm pivot which will help with rear grip. basically from what I've read the aluminum frame just makes things so much easier to change because now they don't have to come up with a new engine and use 1 of the allotment to try a change.

[butcher bergs]

Meh, I just think it's disappointing they're ditching the frame that's basically the company's identity.

How much R&D, as well as time and $$$, do you think BMW spent on a boxer engined/ telelever suspended superbike before admitting defeat during the creation of the S1000RR?

There are certain designs that just work.

[Slowpoke387]

Where's the front disc?

If I'm not mistaken they replace the front carbon discs almost every time they go out, in order to bed/marry them to the pads. Maybe that's what I need to do, either that or put a 5 brake marker up, lol.

[Tricklidz]

May be the main reason for the perimeter frame.

Quote from MotoGp video:
"This chassis allows moving the position of the engine and swingarm without changing the engine."

from the horse's mouth.....

[a13x]

I wonder why they didn't return to the trellis, it's just so weird seeing an Alloy frame on a Ducati...

VR wants aluminum, VR gets aluminum.

Amazing that the aluminum conventional frame was unveiled the same day the 'frameless' 1199 debuted at EICMA. lol.