Frame Question w/pic

[guzzijon]

Here's a picture of the tail hoop area of our 1964 Monza. It seems to have quite the curve up towards the back. I don't think I've ever seen any picture of other Ducati single frames that look like this. There's no evidence of cuts, welds, or bends. It's pretty uniform.

Is this what they are supposed to look like? Any ideas of feedback? Thanks!

[JimF]

I've not seen anything like that. I'm anxious for the more knowledgable to chime in on this one.

Another thing that looks unusual to me is the point at which the shock mounts. Typically the bolt attaches in the center of the metal plate that is welded to the frame tube junction, doesn't it?

Jim

[guzzijon]

I looked at our 1963 Scrambler and the shock mounts seem to be in the same place as that. I've never seen another picture of the tail hoop kicking up like this. I don't think I will keep it like this unless someone tells me it is something special and factory correct and should be left alone. It looks like it's going to interfere with whatever future plans I have for either a seat or tailpiece. So I'm think of cutting it off and welding it back on straight. Any opinions? Thanks!

[JimF]

In retrospect I think you're right about the shock mounts being normal.

Jim

[DewCatTea-Bob]

" Is this what they are supposed to look like? Any ideas of feedback? "

____ No, it can't be any 'stock' frame-model like that. _ Somebody must've heated it up (where the bend is) and then bent it upward like it now is.
Do you have any overhead-view pic of that frame ?
__ I'd suggest reheating that bend and then bend it back-down (to how you wish).


DUCATIly,
-Bob

[sebouh]

Aaaaa,

I'm not an expert at all. But both of my 64/65 scrambler frames have the rear loop kick up. I also have a cross piece at the shocks through. I thought all the scrambler frames had the loop kick up so the rear tire could have more space in the the fender well. Mine are definately not flat and wont take a cafe style seat without mod. My 2 cents.

Sebouh

[double diamond]

Monzas didn't have a bend like that in the seat loop. It should be flat with a very slight upward bend where the bend starts at the very end of the loop. This was a pretty typical modification when street Ducatis were consigned to off-road use in order to get more fender clearance. The other possibility is someone looped it and bent the frame. Matt

[guzzijon]

I'm thinking it's the former as this thing was set up like a dirt bike when I got it. Also, the bend is really uniform - too perfect-looking to be the result of a crash.

[graeme]

Probably another case of "It was a good idea at the time"

[guzzijon]

There seems to be a lot of that with these two old Ducatis we found.