New Monster subframe

[Raux]

The are a couple of issues with the subframe of the new monster that you have to address if you are looking at building one from scratch.

1) The mounting mounts. The three form a the basic triangle, the strongest engineering shape for this type of application. You cannot compromise on the redesign on the strength of this shape.
   - Front engine mount
   - Rear engine mount
   - front frame
2) Rear suspension mount is also a critical point and is offset and carried load wise by the left subframe. It also is in a awkward place as far as building any way to cross brace to this mount from the other side of the subframe.
3) The crossbrace in the center also acts as the fuel tank support and exhaust mount. As well as the closest cross support for the two sides and possibly handling some of the suspension load distribution.
4) The evo subframe presents another issue, the passenger peg mounts, but IMO the project would have to be a SOLO only AL subframe.

To me those are things to be concerned with.
Now the good things.
1) The tail can be simplified and made prettier.
2) IMO an aluminum thin wall tube subframe could be as light as the cast/steel (yes, the crossbrace and  tail are steel) stock.
3) The look would be killer.

[Raux]

and in the end... if Ducati would just smooth out the castings and paint the subframe the same color as the main frame, the bike doesn't look that bad. 

[Kev M]

Jenn had wanted a Monster (620 or 695) from before she ever rode one (I think she first rode a demo 620 back in 05 or so).

But when the 696 debuted we both had a serious EWWWWWW reaction to the new cast subframe.

We understood why they did it (mostly cost), but it took a good couple of years to grow on us.

And when we finally got around to buying we spent a good 6-8 months looking for a used 620 or 695 (but she insisted it had to be red/red and we just couldn't find one in the right condition at the time).

So we eventually gave in and the new look has grown on us BUT WE STILL PREFER THE LOOK OF THE FULL TRELLIS.

[freeclimbmtb]

Nom...

[Barney]

There's no question it wouldn't be as simple as welding a couple of tubes together, but I think you're right raux that an aluminum subframe could be just as light/possibly lighter than the stock sub frame - these are all valid points you bring up, but i think the most important is

3) The look would be killer.

[Barney]

Nom...

that too