news ROOM
A world first -
one-piece carbon
fibre fuel tank
Earlier this year IDN featured a
stunning high strength, light
weight full carbon S 1000 RR
bolt-on monocoque subframe
and tail section introduced at
EICMA in 2019 by Slovenian
specialist manufacturer FullSix.
One of the motorcycle industry's
leading carbon fibre component
manufacturers, FullSix offers
everything from levers, winglets and
fuel tanks to complete fairing kits,
exhaust heat shields, belly pans and
calliper cooler sets.
FullSix carbon fibre monocoque tail
sections are structural components
used in professional racing to reduce
weight. A replacement for stock
aluminium subframes, FullSix
monocoque tail sections utilise its
proprietary Autoclave Composite
Monocoque (ACM) technology to
achieve a 75% weight reduction (it
weighs just 1.8 kg/3.9 lbs).
FullSix says it is the only carbon
producer that delivers a complete
transformation from OEM to full
carbon and its ACM technology is at
the heart of its success. One-piece fuel
tanks have been the 'holy grail' for
carbon manufacturers, the race teams
they supply and those looking for the
ultimate weight saving advantage on
the street.
Despite claims that it was impossible,
FullSix is now able to offer what they
say is the world's first ever one-piece
carbon fuel tank, having successfully
utilised its "innovative ACM
technology in manufacturing a
flawless hollow carbon fibre part,"
says International Sales Manager
Bojan Justin.
"We have developed a tank that
solves the problems that plagued
carbon tanks in the past - meaning
they were only bought by the bravest
of motorcyclists and race teams. Today
they can forget about the difficulties
associated with tanks made of two
carbon parts - there is no longer any
need to be concerned about leaking
The FullSix monocoque fuel tank weighs in at just 1.8 kg,
75% less than the stock tank.
seams, which is what potentially made
carbon fibre fuel tanks the most
dangerous part of a motorcycle.
"Our ground-breaking ACM
technology represents a completely
new approach to carbon technology
and production, a major step forward
that allows hollow pieces to be
manufactured without joints and
adhesives."
FullSix is the inventor of Autoclave
Composite Monocoque (ACM)
technology and is the only company in
the world that is able to produce a high
decorative finish, complex-shaped,
closed-body monocoque out of a
single carbon fibre-based unit (e.g. a
one-piece fuel tank for motorcycles).
"This technology is directly applicable
for fabrication of various one-step
closed-body monocoques, where no
cutting, trimming and bonding is
required. In contrast to conventional
bonding, ACM technology provides
monocoques with supreme
mechanical strength, chemical
resistance and a flawless finish."
FullSix components are available in a
variety of weaves and finishes. Carbon
fibre fabrics may be manufactured
using a plain weave, which features a
uniform, grid-like pattern or a twill
weave which features a diagonal
pattern. Each weave offers a unique
look that can only be achieved with
carbon fibre. Ducati and MV Agusta
parts originally feature a 200 plain
weave, while BMW, Yamaha and
Aprilia utilise a 245 twill weave.
"All FullSix parts utilise 'pre-preg'
carbon fibre - carbon fibre which has
been pre-impregnated with resin and
stored at sub-zero temperatures. Parts
made with 'pre-preg' have more even
resin distribution than hand-layering,
and this increases strength and
durability and eliminates the problem
of pinholes in the finish."
www.fullsixcarbon.com
Frame
set cover
Monocoque
subframe
Belly pan
www.idnmag.com
10 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020