worntorn
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- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 7,980
I don't think that the Domi frame is any heavier than the Commando + ISOs.I can say that the Commando and the Ducati don't have anything at all in common handling-wise.
The Ducati has a long wheelbase (1500mm vs 1440mm for the Commando), and the steering head angle is 60.5 degrees vs 63 degrees for the 750 Commando). My Seeley Mk 4 has a 1415mm wheelbase.
The 'handles as if on rails' description of Ducatis is accurate. What they don't say is 'just try changing direction'. They steer like an Ocean Liner.
On the track I guess this would give more confidence, except the ground clearance was a limiting factor, but on the road, minor corrections become a major effort compared to the Norton.
So the 'on the point of instability' philosophy really doesn't apply to the Ducati.
With regard to the Featherbed, it's been pointed out that they quickly disappeared from the tracks after the introduction of the Commando, and they weigh a ton in comparison (the Domi frame, at least).
It might be lighter, in fact.
At 400lbs + or - the 650ss is significantly lighter than a standard 750 Commando.
Glen