Theories on the Salad Box ranged from the most simplistic, such as a storage location for electronics, to the more exotic, imagining a KERS system similar to that used in F1. The rumor of an exhaust with variable geometry, which would disrupt the aerodynamics at the rear of the bike and thus prevent opponents from taking the aspiration, died hard, but the box is much larger than would be expected. necessary to complete this single task…
This black box has caused a lot of ink to flow. She was named Salad Box by Ducati test rider, Michele Pirro, whose response to journalists who asked what its use was, was given with a touch of humor “to carry a sandwich”. But this having required the entire rear exhaust system to be shifted, it was clear that this was not a simple addition, but a key element of the bike's design.
The motorcycles of Jack Miller and Danilo Petrucci let us see the famous black boxes
We were able to observe the interior in 2018, on the occasion of the double fall of Jack Miller and Danilo Petrucci, and we realize that inside this box was hidden... another box, connected to electronics, inside which the real secrets remain hidden!
It could in fact integrate a Mass Damper having repercussions on the handling of the Italian machines, although Ducati has never revealed anything on this subject. The first tests on this subject date back to 2014, when Ducati integrated 2 cylindrical masses at the rear of the fairing. At that time, no competitor of Ducati had copied the system (even if Honda tested a similar system last year). We could draw a parallel with the J-Dampers, used in Formula 1.
We can see 2 masses on either side of the exhaust
Let's talk a little about physics, applying it to mechanics, with the moment of inertia:
I = M x R²
With I, the moment of inertia – M, the mass – R, the distance from the fulcrum
We quickly realize that if the mass increases, the moment of inertia also increases. In addition, if this mass is placed far from the position of the fulcrum, or from the center of gravity of the motorcycle (to put it simply, located at the level of the engine), there will be a strong impact on inertia. However, this moment of inertia is the physical translation of what a pilot calls chattering (we discussed the subject in 2017, concerning this famous Black Box on the Ducati).
The former MotoGP rider, Colin Edwards, said about chattering that the sensation is “like sitting on a jackhammer”. As for Cal Crutchlow, he compares this to encountering a Bulldozer which would have passed just before him in the bend… We understand why the teams are working to reduce its impact!
In the past, Wayne Rainey had already unwittingly benefited from the benefits of this type of system when the data recording box, which weighed 2kg, had been placed under his saddle. This had slightly shifted the bike's center of gravity and reduced chattering issues.
The Salad Box is a technical element easily spotted on the Ducati
But back to the Salad Box of the Ducati. While a conventional Mass Damper would likely be used to help absorb shock, vibration and chattering, a rotating Mass Damper could also withstand the normal gyroscopic forces present on a motorcycle and – for example – make it easier to right the motorcycle at the end of the curve.
Most track observers agree that the Ducati's handling has improved since this model appeared. Salad Box. Another advantage of a rotating system to counter such forces is that less mass would be required compared to a conventional system that moves a weight back and forth.
The video above shows how a small rotating gyroscope, similar in size to the Salad Box, can help dampen vibrations.
The energy recovered by this Mass Damper, which reduces chattering, can also be stored or even released. But this secret has not yet been unlocked! It is the famous KERS of F1 which could be adapted to MotoGP…
What is clear is that Ducati has never officially revealed what was hidden in this box...
