<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (is200 @ Mar 11 2009, 10:10 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I have to disagree with the highlighted statment bazza to a degree anyhow.
If you compare carbon fibre with Aluminium cost wise then the CF is a lot more expensive. Over the last few years it has become more affordable but is still a lot more expensive than Aluminium.
Also when you combine the fact that they have to completley replace their tool set and manufactoring capabilities to introduce this new material it goes against the logic that they decided to use it as a cost effective method.
Combine that with the fact that in the last 2 seasons have won a world championship, probably won more races than any other single bike (dont quote me on that) and for me it paints a picture that they are looking for a competitve edge. They were not content to stick with what works but the 'spirit' within the team was geared towards innovation and advancment rather then cost saving.
I kinda rushed my early answer ..... which is still valid .
But now I can answer more specifically.
On replacing their toolset ...... these aren't production units are they? I assumed they'd be getting the CF stuff done outside, their has already been discussion on the CF steering head bits and design help.
I think we also discussed that CF is a more "known" product than say aluminum, and they have introduced the CF swingarm to attempt to quell the "pumping" ...... if Aluminum was so good for this I'm sure they would have stuck too it.
In terms of Ducati being innovative ....... can I just say Trellis frame
( though I do admit CF does jump them into that "sort of league" of innovators. Which is part of the reason why I specifically posted pictures of CF violins. I have toyed with the idea of making electric CF versions .... except for one thing .... and its the same reason I would not make an aluminum one ( except some rectification is possible with CF and not with Al.). And that reason is sound. None of the CF violins I have seen sound good. Why? .... I believe its in the cross plied top plate .... early makers used only certain timbers cut in a distinct way. And those woods are still available today, perhaps cheaper than they have ever been .... so why CF? ....... I think for violins its purely the "WOW" factor they attract from folk thinking "its innovative" ....
So maybe you are right about Ducati trying to be innovative..... but oddly I think they have more justification for using CF than violin makers ...... Well until violin makers find better ways of orienting the fibres.
Cost? ...... a good timber violin is worth multitudes on any CF violins at present .... and yes I have seen Aluminum ones ........ but they are more a novelty than serious .... so its hard to do a valid comparison. They seem to be worth their weight in Al.
Theres no pricing you can put on that
