First Project - Ducati 750ss -

[jjd583]

Hi All,

I have been looking around for a donor for my first build. I grew up modifying old dirt bikes and now I have acquired a 750ss Ducati. Was looking for a old cb but this was to good a deal not to take up.

Any ideas or thought on doing this would be great. I have googled the crap out of it and not many of them out there turned into cafe's

Ive attached a photo, so let me know what you think. Good idea? any thoughts on what I could do with it etc...

Thanks in advance

 

[CALfeRacer]

I'm not sure if I'm sold on the Ducati Cafe Racer. When I see that I immediately think that if you're going to modify it you should take it in a more "streetfighter" route. The trellis frame and the tank design feel more modern and less cafe to me. That said, it is ultimately your choice and if you're set on doing a cafe racer it could probably be done. Welcome to the site btw!

 

[jjd583]

Thanks mate, I found some pics as I thought the same. The bike cost me next to nothing so nothing to lose, I want to make it look like the below>>

 

[xb33bsa]

with a different seat and some mx handlebars you would really have something

 

[camatt29]

Check out Roland sands design he takes modern bikes and turned them into tracker/cafe style bikes all the time you should find a lot of inspiration there also be ready to do a lot of fiberglass metal work! Good luck, I love seeing modern bikes being changed so dramatically

 

[CALfeRacer]

with a different seat and some mx handlebars you would really have something

I like the risers and MX bars idea

 

[DesmoDog]

There's nothing more expensive than a free motorcycle... that's especially true with Ducatis.

First off I'll openly admit to be biased against making "cafe racer's" out of most modern bikes, especially Ducatis (again). I'd rather spend my time/money rebuilding a bevel Duc if I wanted that look. Bevels are getting expensive though so... ok, I can see why someone would start with a 750ss instead. That's not the direction I'd take with one but I'm old and grumpy now so enough about that. In fact this bike probably doesn't even seem modern to some of you young'uns around here, does it? Punks! Stay off my lawn! ;D (FWIW a 900ss of that era is my favorite real world Ducati, I've had two already and will likely have another eventually)

Anywhos, the bike you have... You have a shop manual for it already, right? You will also want a parts manual so you have part numbers to go by. I consider both of these to be must haves for any Ducati project. Chances are the carbs need to be rebuilt with new emulsion jets, the belts need to be replaced, valves checked, etc... There are a lot of little details people don't usually bother with until they are an issue on those bikes that you really should address before doing the mods. It'll end up costing you some money but the bike will work a lot better.

 

[Sonreir]

I'll follow along on this one.

The reason you don't see too many cafés is because the bike is pretty much a modern café already.

Attached is a pic of my friend's 900SS café. A fairing change is a big step in the right direction for a more retro look.

 

[farmer92]

i'll be following along

 

[fowl998]

I've been working on a 750SS. I went more of the street fighter look. It's still a work in process but getting closer. I fabricated a mitered stainless steel exhaust and muffler can. Although I don't consider myself a crackerjack welder, I'm pretty happy with it. The bike still needs paint etc but it's coming along. I have to agree these bikes are more suited to the street fighter look than a retro cafe bike.

 

[fowl998]

Pic of the pipe

 

[Tetter]

I'll follow along on this one.

The reason you don't see too many cafés is because the bike is pretty much a modern café already.

Attached is a pic of my friend's 900SS café. A fairing change is a big step in the right direction for a more retro look.

Yes please

Retro Fairing and seat are the biggest steps.....