Ducati Monster Forum

So we all know the great and powerful Radical Ducati. Many of their builds sport fairings on bikes that don't come with factory fairings. In particular the upper front fairing. Now on the factory bikes with front fairings there is a box welded to the head tube on which a frame mounts to support the instrument cluster, headlight, and fairing. On the RAD bikes that don't already have this mounting point on the head tube must have a custom box welded on.

I would like to know how they avoid compromising one of the most important pieces of the frame? Not only will it heat treat the tube but may warp the bearing surfaces.
Obviously I am attempting to put a fairing on my project bike. It's a 2001 m900. I'm not comfortable welding a box to the head tube. Or even hiring a welder to do so.

What other alternatives might any of you lovely DMF collective members have to mount a stationary frame up front?  [beer]

I was thinking of designing a non-intrusive mount. Something that "clamps" on to the tubes or head tube.  [evil]

Yep. Here's an example of a clamp style http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/miscpages/brackets.html (http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/miscpages/brackets.html)

Ah yes thats what I was thinking of. Probably can beat it for under $210 though  [coffee]

I wouldn't worry so much about welding the block on the tube.

Any welder worth his salt can do it without damaging anything or causing any heat stress.

I agree with DP.
Also if you can weld on the frame you can make your own bolt on unit.

Just realized the welder is my Roommates and he's moving mid march. I'll post what I end up with....if anything  [shot]

Desmo,  Unless your friend is a really great welder I would have someone else do it.  That way if something goes wrong you can yell and not lose a friend.    [laugh]

Don't you worry. Him not I will be welding to the head tube. I was referring to the rest of the bracketry.