 Carbon composit technology perfected by Formula-1, Military and Aerospace applications are engineered for DUCATI's MotoGP racing chassis. Patent pending.
Engineering Insight by: John M. Rossi, Founder, VivaDUCATI.com The DUCATI GP9 and GP10 are the 200+HP MotoGP bikes to watch with the team of Casey Stoner (2007 World Champion) and Nicky Hayden (2006 World Champion) as the two likely riders to catch Valentino Rossi the 2008 & 2009 MotoGP World Champion, Team Fiat Yamaha, the most winning premier class motorcycle racer of all time.  > Nicky Hayden, #69 on the Ducati GP9 MotoGP Racing Motorcycle.
Patented Design Destined for Select Street Models The DUCATI's GP9 & GP10 semi-monocoque design looks set to be introduced as a possible replacement for DUCATI's trademark steel trellis frame used on its consumer road bikes. The 'non-frame' patented design is a structural airbox incorporating the steering head, and bolted to engine, subframe, and swing-arm. The benefits are reduceed weight, greater rigidity, and new design flexibility. DUCATI U.S. Patent Application. Evolving the Trellis FrameTechnically, the most significant innovation of the DUCATI GP9 is the monocoque frame now made of carbon fiber composite. This was the next evolution in the advancement of DUCATI’s MotoGP bike that has undergone previous major developments in its GP3 and GP7 versions.
The concept for the GP9 carbon frame builds on the same engineering design approach of nearly all DUCATI production bikes where engine cases are the major stress member. This design is used on all the DUCATI street bikes to support the famous steel tube trellis frame, swing arm, suspension, and steering components. Race Proven Results of Carbon CompositsCarbon fiber in racing was first introduced by McLaren Formula 1 when their carbon composite design changed the motor sport world on March 6, 1981. The McLaren MP4-1 was the first fully composite molded Formula 1 chassis used rather than the traditional series of flat aluminum panels and box construction mechanically fixed together that had been the norm for F1. The design team challenged conventional thinking by using carbon fiber materials and the method of construction resulted in a gigantic leap in strength and stiffness that would revolutionize motor racing design and inspire other industries to use the material.
The DUCATI GP9 carbon frame project set out with the similar objective as F1 did 28-years ago, to create a chassis set-up where each element carries out a specific function, but also to obtain the desired rigidity with as little weight as possible, (178Kg, or 392Lbs), thus attaining maximum efficiency.  > GP9 Engine and Carbon Components. Traditional Steel Componants Giveway for CarbonThe main components of any motorcycle are the engine, the main frame, the rear sub-frame, the rear suspension system (comprising swing-arm and linkage) and the front suspension system. The GP9 DUCATI project abandoned the classic concept of the traditional frame and chassis as the element that connects all other elements. The design goes well beyond any production DUCATI. The engine of the GP9 is the central element to which the main frame, rear sub-frame and rear suspension system are individually connected and are more integrated in their design.
The early DUCATI MotoGP racers of 2002 began with the GP3. The complete Carbon Composit GP9 article awaits you. Login to gain full access to VivaDUCATI.com tests, articles, events, and exclusive V.I.P. travel to world class events. We welcome you to Login and be part of VivaDUCATI.com.
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