What is a double cradle frame? What is the difference between single cradle and double cradle frames? Also, What is the difference between single frame and double frame? Single cradle or double cradle frame: which one is better? What are the benefits of a double cradle chassis? Why is double cradle chassis less used? Find details about a Double Cradle Frame or Chassis along with its differences with a Single Cradle Frame.
What is Double Cradle Chassis?
The double cradle frame or chassis comes up with two tubes to support the engine. Hence, the motorcycle features better structural rigidity and strength. Thus, the bike becomes able to handle forces during heavy driving or braking. We also call it the “double-down tube chassis”. A double-cradle chassis has pretty much similarities with a single-cradle frame.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Double Cradle Frame?
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Provides better strength and quality to the motorcycle. | Doesn’t suit the high-performance motorbikes. |
| It’s also very much cost-effective. | Features an old and outdated design. |
What is the difference between a Single Cradle and a Double Cradle Frame?
| Single Cradle Frame | Double Cradle Frame |
| Features only one tube going beneath the engine. Another tube goes in the above region. | Comes with two tubes that go beneath the engine. Also, has a tube going above. |
| Held in a single cradle with a single spine. | Held in a double cradle with a single spine |
| Also known as single downtube frames. | These frames are also referred to as double-down tube chassis. |
| Very basic & simple type frame. | Also is a simple type chassis but less simple than the single cradle chassis. |
| Used in comparatively smaller bikes and engines. | Used in comparatively larger bikes and larger engines. |
| Unable to offer more strength and rigidity. | Comparatively offers more strength and rigidity. |
| Less cost effective option compared to its counterpart. | More cost efficient option than a single cradle. |
| Example: Honda CG125 | Example: Honda CB1000 |
Which Bikes do have Double Cradle Chassis?
The following bikes are examples of having a double cradle frame.
- Suzuki TS50ER (Half-duplex cradle)
- Honda CB1000 (Half-duplex cradle)
- Norton Manx (Full duplex cradle)
- Suzuki TS50X (Full duplex cradle).
The full duplex features a pair of separate cradles. On the other hand, the half-duplex cradle comes with a double cradle with a single spine as well as a single downtube. Half-duplex cradles are specified as the double cradle frame or chassis.
