Rossi debuting GP11.1 with 2012 Chassis at Assen - Ducati.ms

whippersnapper · Jun 20th, 2011, 7:25 am

Just officially released by Ducati, 2012 chassis and new gearbox solution debuting under Rossi at Assen this weekend.

FILIPPO PREZIOSI, Ducati Technical Director
“We decided to make the GP11.1, which is an 800cc engine in a GP12 chassis, in order to accelerate development on next year’s bike, and also to provide our riders with a potentially better base for the current championship. Considering that Valentino still hasn’t ever ridden the GP11.1, this decision could require some races for the team to completely take advantage of its potential, but we decided to move forward with it because we believe it’s an important step for our development process. The next-generation gearbox, on the other hand, is a solution that we think will be an immediate improvement. The Ducati Corse Department will continue studying further innovations, both for this year and for 2012. At the same time, we have developed an additional step for the frame for Nicky, and he’ll receive the GP11.1 at Laguna Seca.”

rcrob · Jun 20th, 2011, 8:41 am

Now we will see what Rossi has truly worked to develop. Up until this point it has simply been band aids for what Stoner has worked to develop...

CAlexio · Jun 20th, 2011, 8:56 am

i wonder if they'll make this ape the upcoming superbike so as to match the new styling direction.

I predict some version of this "seamless" transmission will appear on the SBK as well.

**Chuckracer** · Jun 20th, 2011, 9:20 am

OMG!! A new thread!!!

rcrob · Jun 20th, 2011, 9:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAlexio

i wonder if they'll make this ape the upcoming superbike so as to match the new styling direction.

I predict some version of this "seamless" transmission will appear on the SBK as well.

Probably not. Everything that I have read about this seamless transmission indicates that it is extremely high maintenance. Honda have to pull the thing apart after every session and it is so secret that only one tech in the garage knows any thing about it. I don't know who the supplier of the transmission is (zeroshift or someone else) but the speed at which they brought it to their bike indicates they bought the technology. I don't expect to see this anytime soon. You are more likely to see some sort of DCT variant in a full sportbike (like the VFR has) because it is low maintenance and proven. Right now it is a bit bulky though.

Matt_P · Jun 20th, 2011, 9:46 am

On one hand it's a smart move cause it accelerates development of the 2012 machine. On the other hand, I hope they're not lured in to developing the bike around the 800cc engine only to find the changes don't work for the 1000cc engine. IMO the setups they come up with won't be useful next year...

Also, it makes me wonder how big the new motor is. This could be further proof against the return to a 990cc type bike.

Lastly, I'm betting Ducati just bought the seamless gearbox technology. There's no way they developed it in such a short time.

rcrob · Jun 20th, 2011, 9:58 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_P

So will this GP11.1 also have the new inverted swingarm meant to cure the pumping issues the bike has been suffering from? Rossi says that the pumping is now the bike's biggest issue.

On one hand it's a smart move cause it accelerates development of the 2012 machine. On the other hand, I hope they're not lured in to developing the bike around the 800cc engine only to find the changes don't work for the 1000cc engine. IMO the setups they come up with won't be useful next year...

Also, it makes me wonder how big the new motor is. This could be further proof against the return to a 990cc type bike.

It is an 800cc GP12.

Matt_P · Jun 20th, 2011, 10:13 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcrob

It is an 800cc GP12.

Obviously.

I was just speculating on the size of next years motor.

Matt_P · Jun 20th, 2011, 10:15 am

Here's an interesting read on the rear suspension of the GP11.1/GP12

Ducati GP12: technical analysis

rcrob · Jun 20th, 2011, 10:16 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_P

Obviously.

I was just speculating on the size of next years motor.

No way to extrapolate that, pretty easy to have your vendors make you a de-stroked crank and smaller bored cylinders. The only thing you know for sure is it is noewhere between 800cc and 1000cc, but that isn't helpful, is it? :P