Ducati's newest motorcycle borrows elements from car design to create a revolutionary new design. Instead of a traditional frame, the motorcycle uses a monocoque design like most modern cars. Instead of being supported by the frame, the engine becomes a stressed member that contributes to the structure.
From Ducati: "Using the Superquadro engine as a stressed member of the chassis, the short and strong aluminium monocoque is made in die-cast aluminium and is responsible for 5kg (11lb) of the overall weight saving of the new design.
The monocoque attaches to the cylinder heads of the new specially designed engine, protruding forward to house the steering head bearings and forming the airbox along the way, which is capped-off and sealed when the 1.9kg (4.2lb) lighter aluminium fuel tank is attached, again using one component to the fulfil the roles of two.
posted by Paul Tucker
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