Ducati Monster Forum

Arc Fabrication Titanium Framed Ducati

04 Ducati 1000ss
ARC titanium frame and stainless steel reverse meg exhaust
BST carbon wheels
ETI 999 Kevlar fuel cell
Seargent seat
DP carbon bodywork and front fender
Braketech single front rotor
Titanium shock spring
Kevlar brake and clutch lines
Aluminum flywheel
Aluminum clutch parts
Weight - 309lbs
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d58/RD350b/Cafe/DSCF0001.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d58/RD350b/Cafe/DSCF0002.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d58/RD350b/Cafe/DSCF0005.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d58/RD350b/Cafe/DSCF0003.jpg)

Evidently Mr. Doug Cook (of Arc Fabrications fame) moved to WV and nobody heard from him for a while.  Turns out he fell on hard times and has been working in a WV coal mine.  I hope he gets back on his feet.  In the meantime can somebody please pick up where Arc Fabrications left off.  I need something to strive for.

(http://thekneeslider.com/images/arc1.jpg)

Coming soon..... ;)

Another example of his "rat" bikes:
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d58/RD350b/Cafe/rat5.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d58/RD350b/Cafe/rat3.jpg)

The red one is real familiar.

Doug built it in my barn.

If you notice it also has a Ti swinger...he didn't do many of those.

I know the guy that did some paint work on it too.

I've heard that the bike is in the owners hands finally.

I hope Doug can come back to 'earth' some day.

He's a good friend, and I miss him.

I'd give my left nut for any of those.

Ha seriously thought about it did ya

I saw a couple of his works in progress at BCM, although I never met him.  I do still have the arcfabrication link in my favorites and check periodically hoping it resolves.  The rat bikes were the best expession of K.I.S.S.  Sturdy frame, strong motor, light weight, what else matters.

he made some sweet megaphones for the S*R bikes.

Damn, I like those rear signals on the first bike.  Anyone know what kind they are?

I think the rear lights are 999.

Please tell me that's not what captured your attention on the first bike.  "Pay no attention to the rear signals behind the curtain".   Focus on the wizard of the rat bike.

No joke.  I tried numerous times to contact Arc Fab but never recieved a reply.  Now I know why.  Sucks to see someone with that much skill having to give it up to make a living.  Man's gotta eat though.  Hope things come back together for him. 

They are 999/749's

I hope he rallies back, i was just looking at his bikes last night here with another member.
 [bow_down]

Anyone else making a Ti frame for the DS motor?

The man builds sex.  [bow_down]

No kidding!!!  That bike kind of makes me...

Jizz In My Pants (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4#ws-normal)

That first bike was absolutely amazing.  Just... Wow!
 [thumbsup]

It really is a shame that someone with that much talent cant get the work to keep doing it.

+1

Doug is an artist, and a real standup guy.  I bought a set of his megaphones and if I ever sell the bike, the buyer will get the fat fugly stock exhaust.  I'll hang the megaphones on the wall in my living room.

What exactly does this mean? Is someone else fabbing ti and chromoly frames? I'm starting to plan my next racebike so this info would really help out.
 [beer]

I saw an arc fab exhaust that I wanted bad.  It was kind of like the exbox but I like the shape of the can better.  I would have bought one in an instant but he needed my bike for a while...  no off the shelf production line system :(  I just couldn't afford to ship my bike across the country and wait for a custom built system, but he does do great things.  Beautiful bikes.

Jizz? In My Pants?? LMAO!!!!  [clap]

I know allot of people (including myself) who wanted to purchase parts/exhausts from ARC Fabrication but their emails and phone calls were never returned.
I myself emailed and called around 10 different times and never got ahod of anyone, so I gave up (like allot of others did)..
This was all still while he was in business, and before he moved...

Do you know if the guy that claims to have paid to have that bike built ever received it?

Last I read the bike disappeared along with Doug.

I heard that he has and he's happy, but it was not FH.

+1     [laugh]   [laugh]

mitt

good load o mighteh that would be awesome to have that piece of art.  [bow_down]

Coal mine??  WTF?

Doug is an experienced welder, and I believe trained in underwater welding as well.  I find it hard to believe someone with that experience is in a coal mine.

That being said, I have been waiting to pull the trigger on a biz effort which could use that kind of welding skill.  I had a kit done by him for a Pantah, and it turned out that was while he was falling apart.

Pisses me off to no end.  Whatever shit he got into can be gotten out of.  He has skills.  I mean, unless he sold his spleen to the Russian mafia...

Lots of things are difficult to explain.

You have to know him.

You don't need a spleen to live...

Depends on how its removed

I know this is off topic and apologise but I couldn't let this string of posts go without comment:




Picture this ... trip of a lifetime ... wife riding 696 through Tuscan Hills en-route to Ducati factory & museum ... involved in accident ... emergency surgery ... spleen removed in Bologna Hospital.

Slightly back on topic ... there is usually good money to be made in mining in Australia.

Doug's a good welder and has had a lot of different welding jobs in his life, and while I haven't spoken to him since the move, I suspect he has a good paying job WELDING for a mining company.
Making scratch built bikes with Ducati motors is still more of a 2nd job activity than a complete living.
Doug did it full time and..........
Mark at motocreations did it full time and he had to go back to his old job, although he still does some part time stuff.
I did it full time until I could no longer work (motorcycling caught up to me) but I always had a working wife to help with the bills. I hope my sons will continue but they are a bit horrified when they see the amount of work involved.
Hopefully Doug will find a way to fit motorcycles into a side job soon, he does nice work and truly love motorcycles.

[Norm] -- MotoCreations has been "full time" for myself for many years. (although I do have other business interests)  Normally I work 75-110hrs/week.  I was involved with the restoration project early last year (afterhours) for a few months. (not for financial reasons but because it was a cool project!)  As of four weeks ago, we now have two machinists, CAD designer and a carbonfiber guy working full-time on projects (as well as an upcoming part-time bookkeeper/shipping person) -- besides myself doing my double full-time shifts for the past year.


[General comment]

We used to build our DesmoDevil's (chassis/coachwork) full-time.  We'd still be building DesmoDevil's today due to demand (I still get requests every month) -- but I've built enough already!  Just the demand for our BoomTube exhausts and other Ducati aftermarket parts has been overwhelming and thus our focus in that direction for the past 18 months and the world of manufacturing/production items that fit existing Ducati's. Currently we are finishing new parts/exhausts/bodywork/electrical for the M1100/696 as well as more additional parts (this Winter) for the SF/HM and SportClassic.

We still build new chromoly frames for ourselves or good customers as part of a complete fully assembled/finished custom motorcycle package.  We no longer design/build (or will build) individual custom frames for folks to their design/specifications.  Mostly this is due to folks wanting something built as cheap as possible or believing they can get a custom built Ducati powered bike cheaper than a showroom new Ducati -- or wanting us to build something we have no interest in building.  There is no such thing as a "10hr to build frame with perfect alignment, custom geometry and all electrical/component bracketry included".  It isn't uncommon to get 400+hrs involved in building a new bike (ala our DesmoDevil) due to design, CAD/machining, fabrication, electrical, assembly and finish work -- plus add the cost of the Ducati parts, suspension, etc required and final engine tuning.  (note: my "Orange Kist" project will be @600+ hrs projected due to the more elaborate CAD/CAD work and the clay masters required for the carbonfiber bodywork and other items)

Is there a demand out there for someone to build standalone custom frames?  Yes.  But as a viable business model -- it's a difficult one doing one-off frames for customers on a regular basis.  The other obstacle is the supply of parts you need on the shelf inevitably as the customer isn't able to supply everything needed.  Plus you need to be an expert welder, have a shop with equipment, have an engineering background -- and truly must be passionate about building frames.

As for Doug?  Sad to hear what has happened since he left the confines of BCM.  If he is welding for his "day job" -- I'm sure the last thing one wants to do is come home and do even more welding / fabrication.  It wears you out eventually.

There are a LOT of folks/shops out there who can build a frame for a Ducati -- it isn't hard -- just labor intensive.  Very few have a Ducati specific chassis jig to build a frame though -- and even fewer who have an alignment jig to verify what they build.  I always thought that building the frame was the "fun part".  Inevitably it's the small electrical brackets, gussets, bodywork mounting points, etc -- that is where all the billable hours occur and aren't fun to build and nobody notices.

Take a look at www.DucCutters.com (http://) as there are many other options via others to buy existing frames or getting one built.  Main thing I tell people who want a frame or motorcycle built -- check references, visit the builder, make sure you and the builder communicate well (and on a regular basis), make sure you ship/supply the builder with every single part that is required to make sure it fits when done.  Spend at least 10% of your project fund doing this! (it will save you money later)

Norm -- is that black Ducati (your icon deal) with the girl arched across it one of your Hurricane projects?  Was it ever featured when done? 

I think Norm got you mixed up with Flightcycles.

That must be it...   I know Mark had a life before Motocreations, but once he started it, he hasn't looked back...

Sorry Mark, I know you still make a lot of the boomtubes, but I thought you had quit building complete bikes, frames, etc.. Last I heard, you had moved from Arizona to Seatle(?) and gone back to your old job.
And yes, the bike in my avitar(?) is one of ours - neat chick huh? [moto]

Back in May, '06, I was looking at getting a S2R 1K, and wrote this to Doug:

Doug,
Sorry to bother you again.  I'm sure that you're a busy guy.  I've been tooling around your excellent website, and was wondering about a custom bike.  I am looking at getting a S2R 1000 in the near future and was thinking of keeping a riding position very near to stock and retaining the tank, seat, etc. and a single sided swingarm.  With a new Ratbike type frame and exhaust kit, and maybe a power commander to tune the fuel/air mixture, can you give me some idea of what I would be looking at as far as weight, power and price?  I realize that there may be too many variables involved, but I think this LoudBike would be pretty cool...

To which he replied:

Jason, yes pretty busy, but it is nice getting your emails. 
An SR1000? That is a really great bike. One could say it is the perfect Monster. Though the SR800 is a little zipper too.
 
Lets see, weight savings; A stock frame is about 30lbs, a Titanium frame for the single side swingarm suspension about 11.5lbs. About 1 lb more than the catilever style RatBike. Requires more structure to support the rocker link for the rear suspension.
 
The DS engine is a very nice engine. A well tuned exhaust can really wake it up. In stock trim, ie, no mods to the engine, we have gained as much as 90rwhp with careful fuel mapping using a PCIII, modified airbox, and a tuned exhaust. ( DynoJet is due to release a PCII, for the newer Ducati closed loop fuel injection. They are talking Sept 06 )
 
A Ti frame, built to accept all your OEM Monster componants: $5400. Includes MSO and full assembly.
A custom exhaust: 2-1 UnderTail for 2 valve motor $1450
                            2-2 UnderTail for 2 valve motor $1750
                            Either of which, built and installed on your bike.
Of course, as you mentioned, there are many options. But as a base line this hopefully can give you an idea of where you can go with a Custom. One nice aspect, if you prefer an UnderTail exhaust, is that a subframe can be built is such a way as to allow the seat and tail to remain visably in the stock arrangement, but give more latitude in how the appearence of the exhaust can be arrainged under the seat. More space under the seat really. The configuration of the stock subframe creates many restrictions.
 
Food for thought in any case.
 
Regards,
Doug

Kinda bummed I waited too long...especially since I went with an S4Rs instead!  How f*ckin' sweet would that be??!

i always wondered how the replacement frame > VIN problem was dealt with -- a full MSO for the new bike?

that raises lots of issues for me -- because if its a new bike, then it has to "conform" (regardless if you had an '04 originally, the new bike would be a current year and have to conform to current-year NHTSA/EPA/DOT regs...) 

there was a guy in Cali, a custom shop, who built choppers and got in lots-o-trouble by the CARB and EPA folks..

  So how do all of these guys that build choppers with open exhaust and no turn signals get by? If you build a custom frame, what about the VIN on the headpiece?

You can get asigned a manufacturers VIN # permit(?) online but it's a self policing deal unless you get a random check and yes, most of the aftermarket VIN#'d bikes don't meet code. I've always issued an MSO with a serial# and never claimed any bike to be DOT compliant. No one has ever had a problem regeritering any of them in about 6-8 different states, meaning the state has accepted them but they don't meet federal standards.
I've spent hours on the phone with the head DOT guy (motorcycle enthusiest) and not being compliant isn't a problem as long as you don't claim to be. I think Mark used VIN numbers so I'm sure he can contribute to the subject.

  Thanks Norm....What does MSO stand for?

Manufacturers Statement of Origin
As long as we're trying to figure out the state of this (tiny) market and since I'm no longer active in it, I'll give you some history.
I started by making custom parts and then added fromes an complete bikes. My plan was to make about 8 complete bikes a year but custom bikes take an extraordinary amount of time and soon found I was over a year out on delivery. Since my name isn't Jesse James, this didn't prove to be an asset. I stopped selling parts or bare frames and settled into about 3-4 frames a year which kept me busy without having to hire employees, which I DID NOT want to do. Part of the problem with a small custom business is that it is pretty much a "feast' or "famine" affair - you either worry if you're ever going to sell another bike or you don't know how to make time to fill your orders without stretching people's patience (sorry to any of you who got caught in that latter category).
Anyway, I don't know how many bikes Mark or Doug ever made (and don't know if they would consider it a trade secret or not), but I made a total of 16 scratch built bikes. In addition, we redesigned and heavily modified 2-3.

Norm, if you still have the picture can we please see a close up of that bike and the chick on it. 

I'll try, but when it comes to computers, I'm definatly not as smart as a 5th grader.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/motomaxy/indygirlon1.jpg (http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/motomaxy/indygirlon1.jpg)

I'd like to come up with some clever story about the girl, but the truth is, I didn't take the photo and I never met her. Give me a little time though and I'll think of something perverted.

Here's a connection to my photobucket page if that helps:

http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/motomaxy/ (http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/motomaxy/)

Anyone want to help me figure out how to download music to my new Ipod?


**edit by mitt - fixed the link to just what is needed - 7 images right?  **

what you want to do is click the little picture icon instead of the hyperlink, and voila!

(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/motomaxy/indygirlon1.jpg)

I'm pretty sure that is the girlfriend of the BellisiMoto.com guy.  That girl has pressence.  I knew it was her from the little avatar picture. 

Nice bike Norm, very tasteful looking.  Have you ever shown it to the forum before?  If not, we'd love to see and know more about it.  It is the only one of your bikes I've ever seen with a fairing on it.  I assume it is someone's track bike. 

Oh my god, she is so smoking hot. 
(http://bellissimoto.com/images/Amy10981c.JPG)
There is a whole page of her on their website. http://www.bellissimoto.com/OurBeautifulModels.html (http://www.bellissimoto.com/OurBeautifulModels.html)

Now that's what I call a tank warmer...

(http://www.bellissimoto.com/images/DSCI2563c.jpg)

(http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t180/bobspapa/rw.jpg?t=1251779207)

Ahh, a picture of me and "the girl" together.
My son made that bike, I hate fairings. What kind of pics or info on it would you like? I stopped posting any of my stuff on the list because I got the impression that a few of the "founders" weren't real fans of mine.

"let them get their own weed"

All right, let's get back to cool frames for Ducatis.  Kopfjager PM'ed me a link to Pierobon frames and complete bikes.  They look pretty cool, but of course they are expensive expensive.  366 pounds wet with fuel:
http://www.bellissimoto.com/Frames.html (http://www.bellissimoto.com/Frames.html)
http://www.bellissimoto.com/NewBikes.html (http://www.bellissimoto.com/NewBikes.html)
(http://www.bellissimoto.com/sitebuilder/images/F042_hstreet-600x450.jpg)
(http://www.bellissimoto.com/sitebuilder/images/DSCI1921-600x450.jpg)
OMG, it's that girl again.  I just can't get her out of my thread/head.

Please, your work was/is awesome.  Any pictures of that bike would be appreciated. 

huh?   ???

huh?


<confused smiley here>

shit... dp beat me to it and I didn't bother to read the latest post.

Travman. Anymore pics of this Pierobon?

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/PierobonF042.jpg)

Kopfjager, Quit the PM's of bike porn, I need some rest.

Funny thing is, I'm still diggin' the pics your sending of your bike best.   

Keep em comin'     [bow_down]    [popcorn] 

Anyone have a price on the Pierobon frames?

Those frames are aluminum.  Which is cool, but 366 pounds isn't that good.

Since things *just* got put into perspective for me (I thought those bikes were lighter than that) I can't see spending tons of money of one of those bikes/frames to get down to 366 pounds powered by a 900 engine (or what looks like one- will have to ooogle the pic a little more)  <edit> I see it's a 1kDS </edit>

My 750ss that I turned into a 900ss weighs 354 pounds wet, meaning with fuel and oil, and Im using a stock frame.

I have plans to build a Ti frame and rebuild the exhaust system.  After adding CF or forged alum wheels I project the bike could get down very close to 300 pounds.

With a 900 engine.

Try to imagine that.

[evil]

I just pulled that picture off of their website.  I'm pretty sure that was the only picture of that particular bike.

Arc Fab's Ti frames were 18.5 lbs lighter than the stock Monster frame according to the email Doug Cook sent to REDUC:

Lets see, weight savings; A stock frame is about 30lbs, a Titanium frame for the single side swingarm suspension about 11.5lbs. About 1 lb more than the catilever style RatBike. Requires more structure to support the rocker link for the rear suspension. 

This is probably the most weight savings anyone will be able to get out of the frame.  All the other weight saving must come from other parts like wheels, exhaust, battery, etc.  When the Arc Fab website was still operating I believe they claimed one of their rat bikes weighed 300 lbs.  This bike probably had CF wheels and all of the lightest pieces.  Also, this weight could have been measured fluids or this could have been wet with all fluids.  I don't know.

Monsterlover, that's what I'm going for too. I'm bumping up my 620, (the one in my avatar) to a 900. It currently weighs 350lbs. I'm fabbing an aluminum subframe, and getting race wheels (not sure what yet). I would like to hit 320lbs. before next season.

And I agree about that bike pictured...that isn't worth it for 366lbs. The aluminum frame is nice but the price would probably make it rediculous.

Doug also made swingarms from titanium and from aluminium.  I have pics of an Alu swingarm he did, the whole things is from a single billet.  A joy to behold.

I have a stainless exhaust he did for a Pantah, the only one he made for that bike that I know of.  I might photograph it and post, the welds are stunning.

full billet swingarms are amazing. here's a BCM example:

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4iYlZ1m8UEM/RakxwlEnC2I/AAAAAAAAADM/ejTWWU0FZLM/s800/10.jpg)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_4iYlZ1m8UEM/Rakx4FEnC3I/AAAAAAAAADU/zDtlnNZTb3M/s800/11.jpg)

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_4iYlZ1m8UEM/Rakx4FEnC4I/AAAAAAAAADc/5OrTli33PjE/s800/12.jpg)

that's the same pic i have, i am pretty sure that is Doug's work.  bear in mind Doug was working out of BCM's shop for a long time.

Don't forget the 900 will weigh more than the 620.

By how much Im not sure, but it's got bigger cylinders and an extra gear in the trans (right?)

The alum sub frame will help.  You could take it a step further and use Ti rod and spherical rod ends (to make it easy and save a few bucks) to further cut weight.

On the other hand if you wreck it just right, that subframe is a write off ;D

Keep spares ;D

What's the weight on that?  It almost looks heavier than a stock S swingarm

Pretty sure I remember that the weight on that was heavier than a stock aluminum swinger....and uglier (my opinion)

Yeah, I plan to make two at least. I'll stick with aluminum. That will be enough weight savings. IIRC, Taftonomous? put the materials together and cut off a stock subframe and he estimated 13lbs. lost. I will lose even more due to a very heavy superbike tail that I have on it now. (long explanation made shorter = I should save another 3-4 lbs)

Peirbon frame and swinger = $4200 before shipping (that was ~2 years ago when I checked)  Way more now with the exchange rate.  Exactly why I didn't proceed with getting one.

I never thought I'd see the day when sub 400# sportbikes were called heavy, but progress marches on.
If I have enough time left, I'd like to build 2 more bikes: one a cruiser with the craziest set up you could imagine: and a sub 300# trellis sport bike with a 1200cc motor. I've done a little testing and have begun to gather some of the parts, but nothing is set in stone.

that would be overkill and a wonder  [bow_down]

but i have to say i find this comment funny, especially as the average weight of people keeps going up up up up

Sounds like Ed Roth territory to me :D

Build it!!! :D :D :D

rofl.. if you build it, they will cum!

many moons ago i contacted Doug about custom exhaust for my S2R.....he was working on this.
(http://photos4.pix.ie/68/DC/68DC2D0F591D4D42908E58D8B5A41F70-800.jpg)
Custom midpipe

Does NCR sell their Ti frames seperately?

I am pretty sure they do, but it will cost you.  [thumbsup]

yes they do, but you have to special order it.  they don't sell them off-shelf

there are a couple of other smaller race shops (all in italy for some reason) who do sell frames off shelf, but i don't know of any who do titanium, only chromoly

Really? Who? Do you know prices/details?

try www.racingsaldature.com (http://) (http://)

or  http://www.officinacb.com/default.asp (http://www.officinacb.com/default.asp)

or check out this catalog from www.tamburinimoto.com (http://)

http://www.tamburinimoto.com/pdf/tamburinicatalogo2007.pdf (http://www.tamburinimoto.com/pdf/tamburinicatalogo2007.pdf) or http://www.tamburinimoto.com/pdf/aggiornamento2008_2009.pdf (http://www.tamburinimoto.com/pdf/aggiornamento2008_2009.pdf)

+1

I'm interested. It would be fun to piece it together over time.

thanks..

and there are more.. Mario Sassi does vintage frames, up to about '84

there are others.. i'll have to dig out my links from my old PC.. i bought a TT frame from one shop and they made monster frames too.

Seriously guys...keep 'em coming. That first link has a killer GP style swingarm! I need frame info. Too bad all this is not readable to me.

Would that trellis sport bike with a 1200cc motor be based on the 2V air cooled Monster or would it be based on the 1198 engine?

That is not Dougs' work.

IIRC, Doug had those pictures on his Arc Fabrication website and he said on that page that someone else had created the swingarm.  Doug just admired it so he put it up there.  He also stated it was the same weight as a stock swingarm.

I'm 99.999% sure Norm will confirm that it would be a 2V motor.

kthx guys..

and carbed

If you want an NCR frame, let me know. Currently availible for the Sport Classic, 1098/1198, and i thnk the Hyper frame is done. Frame alone is 14k for the Hyper, so you get the idea, lead time is about 3 weeks.

Also Ti rods, billet stroker cranks, pistons, etc etc. I use a lot of the Poggi parts, and all I can say is... DAMN

Yes, it's a motor that I've been working on for a couple of years, based largely on the Ducati 2V air cooled design. In order for me to consider it a success, it'll have to produce in excess of 100 ft/# of torque. I will probably build 3 so I can test one to failure and still have a spare.

What is your proposed bore?

74mm billet crank anyone?

How much clearance between the rods and the cam drive shaft?

Plenty. Either the Pankl or the Poggipollini rods have small "big" ends, so really no issue. Ive never tried the steel ones.

We have run a slightly longer stroke, but had to turn down the jackshaft.

The NCR crank is almost too nice to put in the engine! Not a cheap group of parts, but at least you wont hurt it in a 2v motor!

We can sure try though

[evil]

In the October issue of Motorcycle Consumer News, there is a photo of a bike built by Radical Ducati Uno of Spain that has an Aluminum Chassis and Sub Frame with a 999 Supersport engine , Ohlins, Brembo Radial Calipers, Discacciati 320 mm Discs, mounted on ultra light weight forged alloy wheels.

It is claimed to produce 140 hp at 140 kgs. -308 lbs. !

All CF bodywork and extra large airbox.

It's called the RAD-02 "UNO ."

No price listed.

Dolph      :)

(http://www.radicalducati.com/uploads/images/RAD%20_Uno_.jpg)

Visually it doesn't do anything for me.

That said, it does look like fun ;D

The bore will be between 102mm and 104mm and the stroke will be between 71.5mm and 73mm. I don't know the exact clearance between the rod and lay shaft, but we're using H beam side caps rods and don't expect to have to turn it.

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/mantra02-1.jpg)

Looks like a DB4 with the fairings removed and a round headlight added.  I like it.  

I just took a look at the picture name.  It is a Bimota Mantra.  That was one of my least favorite motorcycles of all time.  I like what they have done with it.  It makes the customized bike look even better when you consider it came from something like this...
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Bimota%20DB3%20Mantra.jpg)

It is actually an older Mantra, stripped down. Look close at the first pic I posted, its got a kick starter on it.  [evil]


(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/bimota-mantra.jpg)

WOW!

it looks like a superhero's motorcycle. i'm not going to lie, i'd right it in costume once in awhile.


(http://www.geekshow.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/Hawkman.jpg)

   SICKDUC-GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN !
Today at 07:44:34 
Well I finally did it. After a perfect 38 year street riding record (plenty of motocross, enduro, ice racing and hill climbing crashes though!) I crashed. The sickduc is totalled. 
I was coming on to the Veterans bridge in Auburn heading towards Lewiston, shifted into second grabbed a handful and looped it over backwards. While sliding I watched in horror as the bike cartwheeled, landed on it's wheels then sped off without me! The throttle had stuck nearly wide open. I called Mike Raymond and he went to check out the bike. He said the Battery Tender lead had lodged between the throttle body linkage. It was the second time this year. The first time was on the Dragons Tail in Tennesse. I thought I had correctly routed it this time but I guess not.
I'm ok. A little road rash and a really sore back and neck.
Mike

Just saw this.   To bad.  What a cool bike this was.

Crap.


As long as you're ok then everything else can be fixed or built again.  Awesome bike, but it's just stuff in the grand scheme...


Here's to a speedy recovery  [drink]

There is a full titanium monster frame in Columbus. I am not sure who owns it, but I know where it is and have held it.

Holy shit, it is light.

From my understanding, it can't take any bigger motor than a 900 based on the design/engineering of this particular one.


If anyone is interested, PM me and I can put you in touch with someone who you can speak with that knows really what they are talking about.


I might have a picture of this frame somewhere...............

SHIT!!  Glad you are OK.

+ 1 Leslie (owner of BCM before it closed) had that made to his specs. I remember seeing it up at the shop and almost hurt myself from slipping in my own drool.

Sic Duc now on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DUCATI-ARC-TITANIUM-RAT-SS-1000-06-Repairable-/170512815490?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item27b35b1582 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DUCATI-ARC-TITANIUM-RAT-SS-1000-06-Repairable-/170512815490?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item27b35b1582)

He trashed that thing.  :(

The way those welds broke doesn't inspire much confidence...

I have a sneaking suspicion that the head tube can't be just pushed into place and rewelded.

I think it would have to be removed entirely for cleaning and prep.

If it can even be reused at all.

Damn shame.

+1
Doesn't look like there was much penetration.

Look closely at the 2 pics.
By my eye, there's a sleeve/liner inside the Ti tube for holding the bearings.
The Ti tube is broken at the edge of the weld.

Looks like the Ti on the head tube was just for cosmetics and there wasn't any penetration into the dissimilar metal (as stated above). That weld just pulled away. :o

The head tube was Ti with an aluminum liner pressed in for the bearings.

The weld broke right at the HAZ, a problem often seen on some stainless and apparently Ti as well. I notice it seems to happen more on brittle materials.

OK, I'm not an engineer, we'll get that out of the way, right away.   But looking at that frame, in the first post, and in the crashed post, are some of those angles and joints kind of odd looking?   And from what I can see, there are a few not too pretty welds.    But as I said, I'm not an engineer, nor am I an accomplished welder.  The guy that built that bike certainly has a lot of go for it.  Ambition if you will.   Good luck.

You're right about the angles...Doug's design was very different from what you usually see.

If you see the welds in person they look great.

I'm not going to comment on the fact they broke in a crash.

I know that the bike worked perfectly during normal use.

It wasn't designed to crash.

Doug repaired my step son's fancy high line titanium bicycle frame that cracked.  The bike came back with perfect welding and alignment was also right on the money.

What brand frame was it?  Only asking because I'm surprised a high-end frame went belly up to begin with... 

I don't remember.  One of the chainstays cracked in half.  I'll try to remember to ask. 

Just to clarify I wasn't implying anything about the quality of the craftsmans or his work, it's surely a stunning and beautiful bike.

I've never welded titanium nor do I know much about it but I was under the impression that discoloration of the metal around the weld might be an indication that welds were contaminated. Perhaps somebody with titanium experience can actually chime in.

Or

Maybe it just broke because the frame was exposed to some ridiculously large force it was never designed for, like crashing, I could also believe that ;D