“Racing bikes are hardly ever used in such a manner,” notes Francisco Alí Manen, owner of Lord Drake Kustoms, expressing surprise at the unconventional approach to customizing bicycles. The complexity of motorcycles often arises from the need to conceal mechanical components within sleek, aerodynamic designs. Bikes with fairings, in particular, can obscure a significant amount of machinery that might be more conveniently situated elsewhere.
Despite initial reservations, Fran and his team began dismantling the Ducati, meticulously removing its factory-issued bodywork to gauge the scope of their upcoming endeavour.
With the daunting task of configuring every wire and component to locate their ideal abode, Fran realized that the Ducati’s standard wheels wouldn’t suffice for their new home. He envisioned his bike’s wheels to be replaced with spoked rims in a classic style. With the fitting of a set of 17-inch spoked rims from DID Japan, The Lord Drake staff tailored the bikes by installing custom-designed hubs before outfitting them with premium Dunlop Hypersport Sportsmart tires, ensuring a seamless fit.
Next, they focused on the bike’s overall posture and stability. In a bid to instill a sense of tradition, the inventory suspension was fine-tuned to achieve a precise calibration along the skeletal framework. The subtle tweaks to the gasoline tank played a crucial role in establishing the 999’s distinctive stance.
Without the plastic tail, the motorcycle’s subframe was subtly adjusted to mitigate any lingering vibrations, while a newly upholstered, tufted seat was installed, providing just enough space for a passenger. The sleek, customised entrance fender and discreetly integrated lithium battery housing seamlessly integrate into the vehicle’s design, ensuring a streamlined appearance.
With its 999cc Desmodromic L Twin engine in inventory trim, the motorcycle yields a thrilling 124 horsepower, guaranteed to leave riders’ knuckles white with excitement. As the bike’s sole purpose shifted from off-road adventures to smooth avenue cruising, Lord Drake opted to optimize the engine by installing a customized exhaust system. The revised system leverages a reconfigured 2-into-1 manifold, which directs exhaust gases through a high-performance Supertrapp muffler for enhanced flow and reduced backpressure. Like Ducati’s distinctive design, the Supertrapp lies discreetly beneath the motorcycle’s tail, where its unconventional appearance and ear-catching roar are certain to turn many heads.
The recent adjustments to our inventory management system have effectively eliminated the need for a recurring lighting inventory meeting? With discreet frame-mounted LED indicators handling now-rear end flip signs and the brake light situated on a custom-designed, wraparound license plate holder, the overall aesthetic is one of sleek functionality.
As the project nears its conclusion, a unique and personalized touch is added in the form of a V-Rod-inspired headlamp design. The front-end flip alerts from Motogadget are a pair of high-quality, bar-end mounted accessories, elegantly paired with a set of vintage-inspired bar finish mirrors for a sleek, unified look. With a flair for coordination, the handlebars feature matching purple levers, accentuated by purple grip inserts, while the triple tree’s timber finish has been powder-coated to harmonize with the overall aesthetic. With the cockpit’s desire for clarity, the Ducati dials have been replaced, giving way to a single Motogadget mini digital gauge situated at the entrance of the gasoline tank.
To complement the iconic design of their 999 models, they acquired a distinctive and elegant purple and white coloration scheme that has stood the test of time. According to the proprietor’s request, a 72 insignia is affixed to the engine cowling, likely indicating the year of origin: 1972. With its harmonious blend of modern flair and timeless elegance, the Lord Drake team aptly dubbed this endeavour the NeoRacer.
Images by Álvaro Manén
