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Ohlins Carbon Fibre Fork Tubes on Ducati's MotoGP bikes
The 2017 MotoGP season has seen Ducati using Ohlins carbon fibre fork tubes on their motorcycles.
Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso' Ducatis are using carbon fibre fork tubes to help with steering as per Asphalt & Rubber. The carbon fibre fork tubes have been used from the season opener at Qatar. Visually it is difficult to differentiate, but the CF tubes have a matt finish with gold ends.
A&R states though the exact weight reduction is not known, it feels substantially lighter to hold. Though weight saving is probably not the main goal. Since in any case there is a minimum weight requirement for MotoGP bikes. The Ducati has had a fundamental problem of getting the bike to turn mid-corner. This complaint has been made by Stoner when he used to race for the team and still after all these years the problem persists. This is probably the Italian manufacturers attempt to rid themselves of that problem.
One of the biggest advantages of CF is that the amount of flex can be controlled to a high level of precision. Something which isn't easy on metal. And that could be the benefit that Ducati would hope to exploit by using Ohlins CF fork tubes. Giving the exact stability and flexibility mid-corner for the rider to get the best feedback. Something which every racer requires to go fast.
This could be one of the reasons why Ducati has been competitive in the hands of Andrea Dovizioso this season. Though Lorenzo has struggled so far, in theory this should help him with his riding style. This interesting and innovative approach that Ducati are using would be good to follow over the entire season. We wait to hear one of the Ducati riders give feedback about this.
Ducati were also the manufacturer to try using a CF frame, which they later dumped in favour of the twin spar aluminium frame currently employed.
Ducatiwere also the manufacturer to try using a CF frame, which they later dumped in favour of the twin spar aluminium frame currently employed.
Source: Asphalt & Rubber Photos: Ducati
Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso' Ducatis are using carbon fibre fork tubes to help with steering as per Asphalt & Rubber. The carbon fibre fork tubes have been used from the season opener at Qatar. Visually it is difficult to differentiate, but the CF tubes have a matt finish with gold ends.
A&R states though the exact weight reduction is not known, it feels substantially lighter to hold. Though weight saving is probably not the main goal. Since in any case there is a minimum weight requirement for MotoGP bikes. The Ducati has had a fundamental problem of getting the bike to turn mid-corner. This complaint has been made by Stoner when he used to race for the team and still after all these years the problem persists. This is probably the Italian manufacturers attempt to rid themselves of that problem.
One of the biggest advantages of CF is that the amount of flex can be controlled to a high level of precision. Something which isn't easy on metal. And that could be the benefit that Ducati would hope to exploit by using Ohlins CF fork tubes. Giving the exact stability and flexibility mid-corner for the rider to get the best feedback. Something which every racer requires to go fast.
This could be one of the reasons why Ducati has been competitive in the hands of Andrea Dovizioso this season. Though Lorenzo has struggled so far, in theory this should help him with his riding style. This interesting and innovative approach that Ducati are using would be good to follow over the entire season. We wait to hear one of the Ducati riders give feedback about this.
Ducati were also the manufacturer to try using a CF frame, which they later dumped in favour of the twin spar aluminium frame currently employed.
Ducatiwere also the manufacturer to try using a CF frame, which they later dumped in favour of the twin spar aluminium frame currently employed.
Source: Asphalt & Rubber Photos: Ducati
