Aftermarket Frames

As a bloke of a certain age who was at his most influenced at the time of the likes of Steve Burns and his ground breaking Spondon GSXR Turbo, I've always had a fascination with aftermarket frames, and always promised myself I'd build a Z1000MkII engined bike with a special frame.
I've also had a hankering since my teenage years for a Hardtail chop, but that's a different story.

But of course things have moved on, the Japanese especially made sure their frame development was given equal priority to bigger and more powerful engines, and the reality now is that the need for aftermarket frames from the likes of Spondon, Harris, Moto-Martin etc has been all but negated by the standard of original frames.
I'd make a statement that there is no need whatsoever for a better frame for anything Ducati have built in the last 25yrs.

I still have that fascination, but very little knowledge of Aftermarket frames that were produced for Ducati engines during the Aftermarket Frame heyday and after.
Obviously I'm aware of the TT frames made by Harris for F1, and also know that Egli and Spondon also made a very limited number of Frames for Ducati Engines.

But what else was there?

I've said before that I have an strange, possibly unjustified, respect for the 1000DS 2-Valve engine, and know that my 1000SS if I fitted it with an Ohlins front end to match the Rear shock could probably be made to handle as well as any ground up build with an aftermarket Frame.
But for me the Build of a project is where a lot of the fun is, and I'd still like to scratch that itch at some time in the next few years.

One of my plans over the Winter months is to get some good research in about what Frames have been made for the old 2-Valve engines like the 1000DS, and what better place to start than to gather together the knowledge of people on here.

Obviously the intension is also to give me more information to enable me to keep a better eye out for a frame that might come up for sale.

What do you know?
What images do you have?
Does anyone have any old brochures for old Frame kits?
I already have an Egli and Harris TT one, but would like to add to my collection.

 

Thanks Andy, I'd forgotten about Pierobon.
They are obviously considered one of the best these days.
I'm not sure how long they've been going.

 

I should have added that I'm aware the TT type frames are/were all built for 750/600 engines, and the 900 and 1000 engines will not fit them because the vertical cylinder is too tall.
I should look into the difference between the bottom ends of the 900/1000DS and 851/888 engines, if any, as a frame built for the 851/888 is more likely to be able to accept a 1000DS engine.

 

That looks great, thanks

Thanks Andy.

Unfortunately not like they were, I believe they got into bed and were swallowed up by Norton, with the obvious consequence.
I believe one of the original partners will still make you a frame though.

Ah, thanks, another to add to the list.

As mentioned, at this stage I'll only be looking out for any frames or abandoned projects that pop up for sale at a really good price, so having the names of the manufacturers will help me search.
I'm sure nobody on here would expect me to actually buy a brand new frame.
Especially as I'm sure all these companies will take your money, promise delivery in 3 months then you'll still be chasing them a year later.
That would just Piss me off and ruin the whole experiance.

 

Harris I believe made the original TT2 frames.

 

Oh yes, but even if I could find a used one they don't take the bigger capacity engines and are steel.
Be nice to go larger diameter Aluminium tube if going down this route.