No I think you were right the first time Troy, It looks like a support from the frame to hold the front part of the engine (check the first and third pics, it ends right in front of the ignition coil cover). So, what time is the damn presentation? All this speculating might be for naught if this isn't the final version (good way to kill a friday afternoon though)
I'd sure be nice to be there in person to check it out and dribble over it... instead of our keyboards eh Brodo...?
I see what you are talking about now. It doesn't look like one downtube in front of the engine though but 2 downtubes on both sides of it. I don't think there is a cradle under it so the engine can just be dropped out the bottom for service.
Hell yes I'm still banging my head against the wall after I passed on a chance to go do some promo work in Sardegna, I'm kidding myself that I could have probably blagged a presentation invite and stayed an extra day with some friends in Milan.. but Rally Albania set my workflow back by about 2 weeks... struggling to catch up, and only making excuses to lurk on here
[SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Trellis frame and TM engine[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0][/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Ferrari Motorcycle Italiana Bordone-E1 [/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]E1 is a thoroughbred racing, created to take the bull without compromise. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]It is at the same time a wonderful example of adaptation to almost endless series of technical and technological constraints. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]The motorcycle rally is heavy at the start with a full tank and lighter ends in reserve, it must be equally effective on the sand and impalpable on the slopes of rocky highlands, go gently winding mule tracks and be super fast on Large areas of [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Grand Prix of the Desert[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] . [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]It must guarantee high power and reliability essential. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]Handling and comfort, stability and security. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]Achieve a win for the Motorcycle [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Rally Raid[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] means finding the perfect balance in the management of variants, the key that unlocks the door of efficiency.[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Advanced Solutions [/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]The [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]E1[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] is a comprehensive collection of advanced solutions to subordinate information [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Renato Ferrari[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] , ordered and granted them according to the experience of technicians chosen to achieve it. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]For its construction were used the best materials available and most suitable technologies to optimize performance. [/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]chassis, directed by [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Fernando Prades[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] , is a lattice tubular chrome molybdenum steel, and it was drawn on the geometry a revolutionary motorcycle that can provide the maneuverability necessary for critical situations and at the same time high stability and safety at any speed. [/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]The engine was done by TM on the specific [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Bordone-Ferrari[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] , and he enjoys the experience the company of brothers [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Serafini Pesaro[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] in the Enduro, Supermoto and Rally's. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]It has excellent power and a new, more efficient distribution diagram. [/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Innovative also regarding suspensions, especially for the rear, which was projected for a new fork and a progressive kinematic advantage of a single innovative Donerre shock.[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Design [/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Congestion imposed by the specifics of the mechanical and superstructures of [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]E1[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] were optimized based on the weight distribution and center of gravity of the bike. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]They have applied to the result "raw" ergonomic and aerodynamic research in order to achieve an efficient and comfortable bike, easy to drive and little tiring. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]The next step, which refers to one of the original impulses of the proposed [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Renato Ferrari[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] , was to gather all the functional specificities of [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]E1[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] in a "shell" inspired aesthetic values ​​essential for [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Bordone-Ferrari Motorcycle Italiana[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] . [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]The silhouette of the [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]E1[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] was developed by designer [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Rodolfo Frascoli,[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] and architect [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Luca Mattavelli[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] is responsible for the graphics and color choices, since [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]E1[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] be a [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Motorcycle Rally winner[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0] and beautiful. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]A dream, for one year transported into reality and finally result in the realization that we can now finger touch and admire.[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Technical Data [/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Type ....................... Motorcycle Rally Competition[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Brand ........................... Bordone-Ferrari Motorcycle Italiana[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Model ........................... E1 Rally[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Engine 4 stroke ........................... TM[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Displacement 449 cc .......................[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Bore / stroke .............. 97 mm x 60.8 mm x 1[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Compression ratio ...... nd[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Power ...................... nd[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Power .................. Keihin diam. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]41 cm[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Digital electronic ignition ........................ Keihin[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Starting ..................... Electric[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Multiplate clutch ..................... oil bath[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Transmission 5-speed ...............[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Secondary transmission Chain ..[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Trellis frame ........................... tubular chrome molybdenum steel[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Double Fork ........................... aluminum arms[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Front Suspension Kayaba inverted fork ............. diam. [/SIZE][SIZE=+0]48 cm[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Rear Suspension ........... kinematic progressive Donerre a shock,[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]305 mm total stroke[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Front brake Brembo 2-piston ...................... 300 mm[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Rear brake Brembo 1-piston ..................... 240 mm[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Wheels / tires 90/90-21 ........ 21 "130/80-18 18"[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Dry weight 130 kg ........................[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Curb weight 158 ​​kg ....[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Total length 221 cm ..................[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Wheelbase 1535 mm ...................[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Seat height 996 mm ..................[/SIZE][/SIZE] [SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]Fuel tank capacity 32 l ..[/SIZE][/SIZE]
and no kick starter.. though I can see the spline in the motor :huh the body work is beautiful, fluid, very compact for the claimed 32 litres it carries even the radiator scoops which were probably added to accommodate more sponsors -if for nothing else- bother me less now... Also can't tell if the skid plate accommodates water & tool box (it juts out to the front quite a bit) I wonder what internals the KYB fork has. so, the million dollar question... How much?
Lots of odd design choices, like the exhaust can being not tucked under the rear tank. One good slide on that side of the bike and the can will be ripped off. The rad shrouds...would have to see the bike but the rad looks unprotected and using a single seems an odd choice. As mentioned no kick start as well. Not saying bad designs as they likely know a ton more than I do, just some odd ones at a glance. Love the slick look though When does it debut in a race ?
The bike looks blind without the headlight. It's for daytime use only "With its superbly designed blah bla blah, it is made to arrive at each bivouac by early noon" the propaganda will claim It looks nice, nonetheless.
Regardless, it still has to comply withthe international highway code, i.e. headlights, horn and yes, even a mirror
going back to the kick starter, I think someone fucked up the mold for the right hand tank... there's no indent when the kick-starter is folded in place typical designer going off and doing his own thing material Nit-picking aside, can't wait to see what the team do with the bike in the Pharaoh Rally
Maybe they just forgot the headlight... Like when you're so focused on getting the details right that you forget something big...
EGYPT RALLY (october) - Post race technical debriefing at B/F headquarters: Team Chief (to technical director): "Okaaay... Luigi... Prego... you thinka we canna putta kickstarter onna da' bike now... eh? Jordi and Alex; they go through technical inspection in Egypt; no problemo...! And a she looooka soooooo sexy in alla da' magazine photo's... no? ...but they still on podium trying to starta da' bike, eh...?"
Might be like the Rallye Pan Am 525s with the 660 Rallye tanks and have a kick starter stashed somewhere on them just in case (from memory, in Neduros rallye bike rehab thread, they did it that way because the 660 tanks didn't have the cut out in the tank as the LC4 is a left kicker.) The bike is growing on me though.