titanium parts - what else do you want?

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Phl,
The thing I have found with Ti is that to get the best value in saving weight you need to replace the heaviest bolts. I know that is stating the obvious but it is the best way to reduce weight in the area of bolt replacement.

For example you get real bang for buck if you replace the front disc calliper bolts:

4 x OEM =186.3g 4 x Proti = 91.3g therefore a saving of 95 grams.

Looking at some of the bolts that support the rear suspension linkage would perhaps get some real weight savings. And of course don't forget the radiator cap like on the Superlegerra. LOL.

cheers
 
Brad, the ones you mention are already available at several vendors. The radiator cap might be a thing...

Oil filler cap could be aluminum- and they are out there already as well :-(
 
Okay, I'll give you three examples. To my knowledge these bolts are not available in Ti anywhere :(

From left to right:
1) A banjo bolt, M10x1, single. You might think "really"? Yep, the one of the picture is not the one I want. It's just there as an example. I am talking about the Two banjo bolts on the right hand side of the engine. One is for the oil pressure switch line, and one for cooling water into the heat exchanger. The thing is that their threads are overlength to avoid damage to the engine when overtorquing. 14 instead of 10mm. If you really want to let them built, I'll take them out and measure them properly.

2) Bolts with two threads. 14 pieces of this Ducati .... bolts can be found on the Panigale. Nobody makes them in Ti.

3) Rear subframe mounting bolts. MotoCorse are selling some super-expensive bling bolts, but they still are partially Inox. Two of these are on the Panigale.

I've got a box full of different Pani bolts nobody sells in Titanium.

I would order 4 kits at least of any of those bolts.
 

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Brad, the ones you mention are already available at several vendors. The radiator cap might be a thing...

Oil filler cap could be aluminum- and they are out there already as well :-(

Just found MotoCorse does a Ti Oil filler cap.

Phl
Have sent you a PM with a list with OEM part numbers of bolts etc that look to be of a size that may save some weight. Not sure which ones are already available. I am sure Gecko has found some of the larger suspension linkage ones from a German supplier I think. (he can sniff out Ti 20 miles underground)

On my list is the rear subframe mounting bolts that Gecko mentions in his post above. I would be in for those as well.

All together I have made up a list of 12 larger bolts. . :)

And a Ti Radiator cap would be some cool bling.
 
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Guys

in a pinch Pro Bolt has just about every size bolt including large sizes. Metech has a good assortment as well. Banjos, Staubli can make you any size and pitch banjo in Ti. I had then make me a custom set for the Staubli Brembo QR lines (5mm longer single). My go to guys for Ti hardware is our local Airbus parts guy. Aerospace spec mostly sourced from SPS. I really encourage you guys who want to play with this stuff to go to ebay and get yourself a Unimat 3 bench top lathe/mill combo. Maybe $500.00. I make 90% of all my small Ti,Mg and aluminum pieces on this machine. This way you are not limited by whats available only by whats imaginable. You can get raw material anywhere and if you can run a hand drill, you can use this machine. There are not that many steel pieces on the bike but I would say the worst offenders in terms of size that are not offered in a lightweight alternative would be the clutch rod, the flywheel/ring gear, starter housing and rear axle. If you tear into your motor, get the crank done by Fox. There is a lot of weight savings there and its rotational.
 
thanks ed.

like i said, it really only makes sense if they're not out there yet.

however, if we ant to get them specialized and prettier, i'm your man.
 
ok, i am starting to take my bike apart for race prep.
while i'm doing that, i will tackle some parts and give you guy a heads up.

really appreciate the input.

pHL
 
Phl. For sure. Your stuff is excellent and there are a lot of things that can be made probably better than bought. It's hard to justify costs on very similar items such as general fasteners etc unless the fastener is substantial from a strategic perspective. I think the clutch rods would be good as they are easy to make. Not sure if your have the machine capabilities to cut gears but that starter ring gear would reduce a lot of weight. The rear hub takes a nice piece of machinery but if you want to tackle it, I can supply you with the billet Ti material. I also need a steering tube for the CNC triple. It ships with an un-plated steel piece that rusts easily.
 
I will draw up that clutch rod and run some FEA ...

That rear hub would be a massive thing to tackle, not sure it that's up
My alley...
 
I forget if these things have been mentioned- or if they're listed somewhere else from other sellers. What about the spacers on the brake calipers? They would
Look good with caliper bolts. And also the 3 bolts on the rear shock linkage leading to the shock
 
Also what about the two screws on each side of the valve cover heat shields? I wonder if making these titanium would help with the heat the screws put off?
 
Phl. For sure. Your stuff is excellent and there are a lot of things that can be made probably better than bought. It's hard to justify costs on very similar items such as general fasteners etc unless the fastener is substantial from a strategic perspective. I think the clutch rods would be good as they are easy to make. Not sure if your have the machine capabilities to cut gears but that starter ring gear would reduce a lot of weight. The rear hub takes a nice piece of machinery but if you want to tackle it, I can supply you with the billet Ti material. I also need a steering tube for the CNC triple. It ships with an un-plated steel piece that rusts easily.

Which gear do you mean? #25?
 

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This thread is going to cost me a lot of money. With guys like Phl, endodoc, and Gecko involved there's going to be some unique and awesome pieces machined. I can't wait to see what is made next.
 
I will draw up that clutch rod and run some FEA ...

That rear hub would be a massive thing to tackle, not sure it that's up
My alley...

Interested in hearing how this went. What was the final list of titanium upgrades you did?
 
Oh, sad to hear. Well if one list up all the bolts of the unsprung weight, weight them and compare it to the weight of titanium ones, it could be interesting.
 

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