I would like to share a project motorcycle I designed and built with Rever Corsa for Ducati in 2009. This project Is a good exampole of my design philisophy and composite mindset.
As a platform for the Nero project I chose one of the greatest Superbikes of all time, Ducati’s legendary 1198 Superbike. At this time, the most powerful production V-twin motorcycle available and one of the most successful motorcycle's in the history of World Superbike racing.
The build criteria was simple - Lighter, Faster, Beautiful.
Reducing weight on a motorcycle has an amazing effect on overall handling and performance. With less weight the motorcycle will accelerate much faster and turn into corners with much more precision and grace. When coupled with world class suspension, tires and brakes the thoroughbred, race inspired Ducati V-twin engine we have quite the recipe for a dominating race track weapon.
As its name sake implies the Ducati 1198 Nero is asthetically, as dark as possible with black anodized components highlighted with copious amounts of bright finished Titanium and Aluminum. Rizoma Innovative components feature heavily throughout the Ducati 1198 Nero.
The wheels are carbon composite from Blackstone Tek. The lightest motorcycle wheels available, a 40% weight saving over OEM. Constructed in a unique monocoque (single unit) design with 7 hollow spokes that is suitable for both street and race use. Because we can engineer with carbon fiber and maximize on its properties of high strength and low weight, we have reduced the weight in the spokes and rim without compromising strength. The weight is therefore concentrated in the hub, which means that rotational inertia is reduced considerably. The BST carbon fiber wheels come equipped with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires, for precise handling and control.
Ohins is one of the world leaders in suspension systems. The Ducati 1198 Nero is equipped with some of the finest motorcycle suspension available. Ohlins FGRT 803 front forks come equipped with full adjustability and are individually tailor configured for the rider. The rear suspension complements the front with an Ohlins DU788 TTX rear shock. The TTX allows for super-fast damping response and like the front suspension, comes custom configured for the end user.
A Brembo RCS radial brake pump controls Brembo 100mm radial mount monobloc brake calipers coupled with 330mm rotors. Giving incredibly powerful and precise braking and insures race pedigree braking in all conditions. The latest master cylinder developed by Brembo has a hard anodized forged aluminum alloy body with a MOTO GP™ inspired piston assembly. It gives the rider the possibility to adjust the lever ratio changing from 20mm (road use) to 18mm (track use) via configuration of an internal patented pivot.
The signature sound of a Ducati engine is like no other. The 1198 Nero “booms” through a full Titanium Akrapovic exhaust system with carbon fiber silencers. This exotic exhaust system serves to increase performance considerably and reduce weight by a significant amount.
The Ducati 1198 is wind tunnel developed to cleanly cut through the air. The body work is engineered in Formula One grade pre-preg auto claved carbon fiber, has a stunning finish, and is incredibly lightweight. All body work fasteners are CNC finished polished Titanium that perfectly accentuate the clean lines of the Ducati 1198 Nero.
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Parts List
BST 7 spoke “Mamba” street wheels.
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires.
Ohlins FGRT 803 front forks. (black)
Ohlins DU788 TTX rear suspension. (black)
Ohlins steering damper.
Akrapovic 70mm Titanium exhaust system with carbon fiber silencers.
Ducati performance ECU.
DNA performance airfillter.
Rizoma adjustable billet rear sets.
Rever Corsa Slipper clutch.
Speedymoto clutch springs and caps.
PSR hydraulic clutch actuator.
Rizoma billet clutch cover with carbon fiber insert.
Brembo 100mm forged monobloc calipers (black)
Brembo RCS radial clutch and brake pumps.
Rizoma billet brake reservoirs.
Rizoma Billet grips.
Rioma billet bar end weights.
Magnesium headlight bracket (black)
OPP Elite series carbon fiber body work.
OPP elite series carbon fiber 19liter gas tank.
Clear alternatives integrated LED tail light and turn signals.
Carbon fiber mirrors.
Carbon fiber dash cover.
Carbon fiber air intake covers.
Carbon fiber rear hugger.
Carbon fiber swing arm protector.
Carbon fiber front sprocket cover.
Carbon fiber key guard.
Carbon fiber seat pad.
Carbon fiber belt covers with airintake.
Ducati performance carbon and aluminum gas cap.
Ducati performance quick release number plate bracket in carbon.
Zero gravity black windshield.
RK 520 race chain.
38 tooth Stealth rear sprocket.
Titanium – axle bolts, rotor bolts, sprocket nuts, brake caliper bolts, body work fasteners, engine casing bolts, brake and clutch pump bolts.
Black anodized – triple clamps (with Rever Corsa machining), rear sprocket cover, ride height adjuster, suspension linkage, handlebars.
