原文 ================================================= Hi Guys, Here are some thoughts on the Ducati gleaned from AMCN and other sources. Ducati has completely redesigned the bike for 2004. I think the initial driver was to fix the overheating and rear traction problems. They seem to have changed:
1. Weight distribution by moving the fuel lower and underneath the rider/seat. Probably now has more weight on the back. 2. The frontal area of the bike with smaller forks (50mm to 42 mm) and different fairing 3. More and bigger ducting to separate and dissipate heat from the radiator and engine. They have even widened the seat unit to flow air under the rider. 4. Additional horses for the motor but not a big bang configuration
The end result is a faster bike, which definitely suits Loris, as he is small and can maximise top speed like Garry McCoy.
I will guess that the disadvantages are: 1. The rider probably cannot load up the front tyre under brakes into a corner as they did last year. 2. They may have lost the feel that the 50 mm forks gave them last year 3. Changes to the centre of gravity and frontal area, with additional air ducting in the fairing and seat unit may be causing lift under speed and cornering
Throw into the mix that 16.5” front and rear tyres are now the preferred choice. They also require chassis and suspension changes to accommodate a taller sidewall.
It is understandable that Ducati may have got a bit lost in testing.
The biggest problem now is that Loris and Troy must both end up using the 16.5” front tyre, as they will be at too great a disadvantage. The other top 14 or so riders have already adopted it.
The front 16.5” tyre sidewall grip allows riders to come into a corner faster and later. I cannot see Ducati making the podium with the 17” front as it effectively takes away one of the main advantages they had last year – confidence in the front.
The question of the motor is not whether it is smooth. Does its configuration give good mid-range power and traction under race conditions with changing tyres and fuel loads? Only the riders and the telemetry know whether this is the case.
As an example, the comments on last years Yamaha by journalists and ex-racers proved fruitless. It is a bit like Portnoys complaint. Riding a motogp bike for a few laps by yourself tells you some things but not what it is like when you are really doing the business at the sharp end of a race.
Troy Bayliss is having a really bad time on the new bike. Sources say that he just can't find the right set-up. Therefore he can't feel confident on the bike. That's why his performance isn't all that great.
发表于 2004-4-25 16:15:45
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