Did you all read the interview of Rossi in the latest issue of MCN? Wow! He really sounds beat. But I think there is an easy fix for the GP12's lack of flexibility in the steering head. The answer might be to add a pivoting head stock that can move in the plane perpendicular to the direction the bike is traveling (side to side). This would be a very small amount of movement - maybe 1/2" or less. Then this pivoting head would be attached to a "spring" that would allow it to deflect as the bike is leaned over in a turn. This would simulate flexing of the frame and the "spring" could be adjustible for different feels. Maybe the "spring" is layers of steel, or plastic, or steel and plastic. All of this could be very compact and boltable to the airbox frame without serious revisions to the basic design of the bike.
So, maybe getting flex in the entire frame is less desirable than having controlled flex in a specfic and controlled area. Best of all the entire airbox idea would not have to be scrapped. Seems simple, wonder if anyone has thought of it at Ducati?
So, maybe getting flex in the entire frame is less desirable than having controlled flex in a specfic and controlled area. Best of all the entire airbox idea would not have to be scrapped. Seems simple, wonder if anyone has thought of it at Ducati?