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So I know a Ducati isn't exactly the right bike for a cafe racer project. And Im probably way over my head on this since I have no bike mechanic skills. But when you get a free bike you get a free bike.
As far as the engine and mechanicals go everything is good. So Im not planning on messing with that. Its a 900 so its not like I need anymore speed out if it.
Would like to repaint the frame. Plus change out tank and seat, Clip ons and a different headlight.
Any help or suggestions is appreciated. Haven't had much luck finding the right tank for it.
Agreed, would have one myself if I had the dough. Free Ducati, never heard of such a thing! Oh, and way cooler than the 100's of honda 4cyl cafe racers that seem to be taking over ;D
by all means take it apart, that is such a fantastic idea
you should reloacate the stuff like the battery and eliminate most of the nasty wires you don't need most of them anyway
I think you should go ahead and mod this beauty. When talking about the tank, I think it will be really difficult to find a tank that matches that frame. As you can see the stock tank mates in contours and shapes with the frame, rather than just sitting over the top tube like on more traditional bikes.
I would do as suggested, take it apart, dump what's bothering/not being used. Then I would just mod the backbone and give it a more aggressive simple look while keeping your stock tank
I kind of like the frame color, maybe paint all of the yellow something different like gloss or matte black, or silver? Definitely some clip-ons, chop the exhaust cans up, An older 916 tail section would really set the bike off. I love monsters. Owned an S2R1000 years ago, really miss that one.
Oh how I envy you! A free Ducati Monster!?!???!?!? Again, how I envy you. I was so close to getting an '02 Monster 620. But the wife gave me a guilt trip and I settled on a non-running CB550.
Anyway, I agree with the community. Paint the panels a color that better matches the frame, replace the tail section and seat, remove whats not needed/being used, chop the exhaust and pick up chicks all day.
Well I did some work for a friend of mine. He wanted to pay me and I said don't worry about it. He said how bout a motorcycle instead? How can a guy refuse.
I really do not like the bright colors at all. Was actually thinking of doing the frame tank and seat in OD Green. With some Captain America emblems on the tank. Or WWII airplane insignia.
Speaking of tanks. Does anybody know if a 900SS tank will fit on this thing? Its got the basic look I want. Plus I believe I saw a 900SS cafe build on here and it looked really good. Gave it more of the straight line look.
that you are so worried about the looks and this is your first mc makes me wonder if you even know how to ride ? or even want to ride ? because a rider would just be riding the goddam thing
Forget to take your meds this morning XB? Give him a break. It allegedly runs well and it certainly needs cleaning up, why would one not focus on looks in that case?
Well... I don't know what kind of work you did for your buddy, but I just sold one of these for $5k. Maybe you could sell it and find a bike that would convert a little easier to a cafe'. These are really good bikes to ride. Handle pretty well and powerful enough for most. That bike has a pretty short front end, not sure clip on's would be very comfortable. you'll probably have to make a seat and tank (which may be your plan) but, I agree, I'd ride the wheels off that thing before winter sets in.
And a secondary point about clip-ons: these bikes have a fat tank, and even the stock bars have been known to induce what they call the "Monster dent." Google it, you'll see what I'm talking about.
888 tank goes straight on, but hard to find. ss tank will fit, but is for a different shape frame so looks a bit naff imo. there's a guy called memper on the monster forum who put an ss tank on his.
the photo shown above is a 999 tank, which gives a lot of clearance and visual space around the rear head. you may like that look.
the issue is the frame shape and what's under the tank, ie, a big airbox, etc. there's no central spine like most of the old crap you see built on this forum. so that makes it all a bit more involved.
moto motivo do a lot of monster based things, have a look at his stuff.
XB- Actually not my first motorcycle. First one was a 03 GSXR750. Sold it when I left for iraq and haven't been able to get back into riding since. And Ive been wanting to build a cafe racer since I saw a cafe racer mag in afghanistan.
It may come down to I trade this thing off for a CB750. I definitely see the drawbacks to starting a motorcycle project using a Ducati. The Honda would definitely be easier to work on and source parts for. Kinda like the Glock of the motorcycle world.
Im not seeing the pic of the tank. And Ill definitely check out the moto motive website.
the silver bike on the first page is a monster derived frame with 999 tank.
the old style central spine frame is much easier to achieve the cafe aim with. the monster is much like the gsxr in the area of undertank layout and the agro it'd lead to.
XB- Actually not my first motorcycle. First one was a 03 GSXR750. Sold it when I left for iraq and haven't been able to get back into riding since. And Ive been wanting to build a cafe racer since I saw a cafe racer mag in afghanistan.
It may come down to I trade this thing off for a CB750. I definitely see the drawbacks to starting a motorcycle project using a Ducati. The Honda would definitely be easier to work on and source parts for. Kinda like the Glock of the motorcycle world.
Im not seeing the pic of the tank. And Ill definitely check out the moto motive website.
Why would you want to trade for a Honda 750 they are everywhere? This bike will be so much more unique (or could be). There is (or was) an Italian company that specialized in Ducati cafe racers but I can't remember the name at the moment, although they are no longer in business. I will put up some pics of their bikes later if you want me to. Imho paint the frame a different color to the bodywork it needs to be seen!
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