LV00 project - Latest comments on The frame

In response to: The frame

sfcl [Member] — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:17:16 +0000

Got an answer from François: He confirms that the 15CDV6 steel cannot be bent unless it is "re-cooked" (don't know the correct term in english). In this case however, its strenght is divided by 3! So, there is no reason to use 15CDV6 anymore (expensive!) to build chassis.

In response to: The frame

sfcl [Member] — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:12:59 +0000

Hi Paul,
I'm not myself expert in metals, just trusting my friend and partner who is building the frame (François who built the incredible Snaeffel sidecar), my real parts of the job are the engine and the whole design of course. I'm sure he had good reasons to recommend to not bend the tubes, not sure exactly which ones, but I know he learnt a lot about metals while building the sidecar frame which is really complex.
Seeing the result on the sidecar, reaching 200 kph and being able to remove the hands from the handlebar, the sidecar continuing to run straight ahead (did you tested a sidecar already? this is really a scary experience!), I'm confident about his skills!
However, I'll see with him why he recommended to not bend the 15CDV6 and will let you know his thoughts here.

BTW, did you know that there is another radical Laverda project currently ready to be built by Rob North?

Cheers

In response to: The frame

Paul LeClair [Visitor] — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:10:52 +0000

Hi jlo

you state that 15CDV6 tube can't be bent. That is not my understanding. So far as I am aware 15CDV6 tube in the heat treated state can be rolled or bent with radii greater than 2.5 times the thickness.

alternatively, as 15CDV6 is also available as sheet, perhaps a boxed frame structure? The stuff welds really well, even to other steel grades.

Paul LeClair