"Victoria" motorcycle

Victoria is an idea born with Motorcycle Dynamics Research Group, more than ten years ago. It evolved with the research team, including on its development all the experience gained by the team over these years. Over this time many innovative solutions have been taken into account, some of which have been analyzed, studied and tested in a research path that has seen us always looking for the 'optimum' as ultimate goal. That is the why Victoria is the best that MDRG can conceive for a motorcycle. Now this idea will take shape, giving rise to a truly innovative concept-bike.

2000 is the year of the first Victoria layout, a vehicle with really innovative solutions such as double steering wheel. The first model was designed by Eng. Nicolay Ruffo.

This solution was characterized by a single sided swing arm, with rear wheel steering system, and an innovative front suspension based on a patented innovative kinematic scheme. The project was not ralized because of difficult and expensive construction. Rear wheel steering angle depended on front wheel steering angle according to a dynamical law based on differential equations. Subsequent dynamic analysis (PhD thesis of Fabian May) showed that the double steering wheel brings improvements to the maneuverability of the motorcycle, but at the same time creates problems of stability, especially during braking. The project was resumed and deepened in 2006, with a very particular approach: thanks to the software “Optimal Manouver Method” was possible to optimize the most dynamic and geometric parameters of Victoria motorcycle, so as to identify the best lay-out and inertial characteristics. This phase was accomplished by Martino Peretto. The software used was developed by Eng. Francesco Biral and Dr. Enrico Bertolazzi from Università degli studi di Trento.The better CoG position was located on the basis of the results of simulations carried out with the “Optimal Manouver Method” code. These simulations were conducted on three different tracks: -slow track (Adria circuit)
-normal rack (Mugello circuit)
-fast track (Monza circuit) The original idea, at the base of the software was developed by Prof. Mauro da Lio before leaving Padua for the University of Trento and published in the article:Cossalter V., Da Lio M., Lot R., Fabbri L. Simulation and performance evaluation of race motorcycle dynamics based on parts of real circut, International Conference, Power Two Wheels ,Pisa14-15 december 1998 . Meanwhile, the solution proposed for the front suspension, based on a simple mechanism and an unique spring-damper group, was realized and tested on a maxi-scooter. The tests have been highly positive. (see the thesis written by Enrico Del Torso: Design and implementation of an innovative front suspension, progressive, two-wheeled vehicles, aa 2003-2004): Progettazione e realizzazione di un'innovativa sospensione anteriore progressiva, per veicoli a due ruote, a.a. 2003-2004)

In 2006, in a specific thesis (Eng. Battocchio), the design of the motorcycle was implemented in a more detailed way. The project provided very specific solutions such as double-stem fork and the progressive front suspension. The project also included adjustable steering caster angle and offset to make possible the adjustment of trail.

The project was taken over by Eng. Andrea Aguggiaro, Ph.D. Student at the School of Industrial Engineering, field of Mechanical Design and Engineering Motorcycling. Through a CAD / CAE software, have been designed the chassis, the front suspension, the rear one and the four bar linkage swingarm. All the items were based on the geometry of L-1000 ccm, air-cooled two-valve engine, that Ducati has graciously provided.

The frame was subsequently optimized through optimization algorithms combined with FEM solver. The chassis has been optimized for an objective function tending to minimize both torsional and flexural softness and mass. In particular, the objective function tends to maximize greater the torsional stiffness than the bending one and simultaneously decrease the mass of the frame appropriately changing the geometry.

The rear four bar linkage has been designed keeping in mind the problems of the chain force in straights and in turns, along with issues relating to the path traversed by the contact point of the rear wheel during full excursion of suspension. During 2007, we got the basic components for the realization of the project:
- the engine with the fuel system and wiring (Ducati)
- the wheels with disk brakes and the brake system (Aprilia)
- front and rear spring-damper suspension groups (BiTubo)
- the stems of the front fork (Andreani) Finally in 2008 construction has begun!
With Adige SYS s.p.a. it was possible to cut tubes with laser technology (shown below), so to achieve very high precision assembly. The chassis assembly with the tubes cut with extreme precision is simple, however, for welding, a template is necessary. For this we turned to the Society Taraky Racing, which is skilled in Ducati frames.

3 June 2008
Adriano Zanoni shows all his abilities. The frame and swingarm take shape in record time. Where the laser cutting does not arrive, or if it needs some changes, Adriano shows all his capabilities in the use of grinder, modeling tubes with unexpected precision. Welding then heal all imperfections.

6 June 2008
Chassis and double swing arm were completed. The first tests started, aimed at identifying the differences between the CAD model and the real model. During the welding, some elements have been modified: an element of the frame passing too close to the exhaust of the vertical cylinder and a second element would have prevented the opening of the valve cover.
Even the most perfect CAD model needs to be adapted to reality, the reality is proving increasingly complex of virtuality.

The realization of the rear and front frame plates have been entrusted to the Stocchiero SrL of Arzignano (Vi). This mechanics company deals with design and construction of molds for thermoplastics for over 30 years. For this work it is equipped with the most modern machine tool including a high speed 5-axis milling machine.

Mattia from Virex of Saccolongo realized the stainless steel exhaust system.

Now the bike has taken shape as shown in the figure. You can see the mock up of the tank made of polyurethane thanks to the kindness and advice of Paul Rodeghiero, specialized in the production of fiberglass tanks and fairings.

The white saddle on the aluminum frame (constructed by Adriano), the long tank (polyurethane mock up) that will be blu colored, give the bike a classical motorcycle touch of personality even in the presence of many innovative solutions The following figure tries to anticipate how the Victoria will appear, and it summarize the design choices. Regarding when this motorcycle will be set in motion in spring 2010 this bike will be proven on the track. It 'a promise!