Need FHE input on best frame for race bike running slicks

[Speeddog]

Title pretty much says it.

I've got a rider who's interested in running a Ducati.

Most likely an 800 motor, state of tune may be Superstock or unlimited.

This will be a 100% race/track bike.

There's quite a broad selection of frames which can be used, SS, 851, 916, 999, 1098.

I'm not excited about the SS frame, as it makes engine work more difficult.

What say those who've run Ducatis on track with slicks?

[ducpainter]

I've only run DOT race tires...never slicks.

[Speeddog]

Perhaps I'm being too restrictive with 'just slicks'.

[ducpainter]

Perhaps I'm being too restrictive with 'just slicks'.

I had a 750 SS (Terblanche chassis) and moved to a 996. I ran race tires on both bikes. The SBK chassis steers like a truck without a V profile front, and even then it feels heavy until you start going fast. At that point it's a 'think about it' handler...you think about it and it turns. Otherwise you need to make a conscious effort. The SS, on the other hand, was nimble at slower speeds and got more nervous at higher speed. Keeping in mind you never go as fast on a 750 as you do with a 996, and I didn't run a stabilizer on the 750. The 996 has a stock steering damper.

I had the SS set up with a raised rear because NHMS is a tight track. It was so high, I never touched a knee. The SBK is set up with a factory ride height tool and the steering head in the slow position. It's stable as a rock. I may try the steep position next season.

All that said, the 1098 is supposed to be much nimbler than the previous generations, and the 749/999 is purported to be in between the 748/9** chassis. I've never ridden either.

HTH

[Triple J]

I'd go 1098.

I've raced a 748, and 749, and tracked an 848...the 848 had the best chassis IMO. I didn't get along with the 749 at all, plus I think they're heavy frames compared to the other two.

DP is right on with the 748/996/etc chassis steering like a truck. If he's going light rims though, that helps offset it a ton. When I checked a few years back you could also get a Pierobon 748 frame pretty cheap through Boulder Motorsports.

How about Pierobon F042 frame instead! 

[Speeddog]

All excellent info.
With an 800 engine, it's going to be closer to the 750SS and 748 power-wise.
I'm not sure how much that effects which chassis is best, maybe not much.
Weight is an issue.


DP, are you running stock triples and rocker on the 996?
What suspension components were/are you using?

Triple J, same questions on those 3 SBK's?


The bike will be purchased/assembled from bits, so I'd rather not start with the wrong stuff.

[koko64]

Cool project.

[ZLTFUL]

http://www.pierobonframes.com/en/

I'm not helping...am I? 

[ducpainter]

The 996 is pretty stock. Dymags, slip-ons/chip, solid rearsets, Sharkskinz, and a cut up harness. The forks have been played with, but all the suspension components are stock. It has the TiN coated Showas that leak every time it gets parked.

The 750 was was pretty much the same. Gold valves, an Ohlins rear, slip-ons, race tail.

[Triple J]

DP, are you running stock triples and rocker on the 996?
What suspension components were/are you using?

Triple J, same questions on those 3 SBK's?

Cool project indeed! I'd love to do something similar, but I spend too much on my regular race bikes!  

The chassis can all handle the power easily, so it's basically stability vs. agility. The 1098 is the most agile, while still being very stable (i.e., it still is not as agile as an R6). I prefer agility in bikes, as it is fairly easy to get used to a "loose" bike, but one that is hard to turn wears you out and is harder to ride in general.

My Ducs all had stock triples, forks, and shocks. The forks and shocks had all been upgraded with GP Suspension valves & springs. The 748 had OZ forged Al wheels.

The only thing else I can think of is I was told by my suspension guy (Barry @ KFG Racing), who used to race a 748R, to stick with the stock fork tubes on the 748 series frames. Apparently the Ohlins upgrade forks are too stiff for the chassis, making set-up difficult.

[Speeddog]

http://www.pierobonframes.com/en/

I'm not helping...am I? 

Well, I do appreciate the thought, it would be really nice.

I'm afraid that the budget is missing a zero just left of the decimal.