As he turned thirty-one, a serendipitous invitation from a trusted friend to take his new bike for a spin ignited a profound epiphany within Ferreti. As he rode the bike, the rush of wind on his face sparked a torrent of memories, and with a sudden clarity, he grasped that cycling had always been his true passion. Before he’d acquired a collection of nine bikes, he coveted a motorcycle that would uniquely reflect his personality and artistic flair.
Two years prior, Ferretti purchased a vibrant yellow 2007 Ducati 1098, secured a shared storage space, and embarked on realizing his lifelong aspiration. As the world grappled with the disruptions of the pandemic, personal milestones such as buying a new home and preparing for matrimony loomed large in his life. Despite these pressing concerns, he dedicated an impressive 250-plus hours to meticulously rewriting the 1098 form. The motorcycle underwent a thorough disassembly, refurbishment, and reassembly process, combining both aftermarket components and authentic Ducati original equipment manufacturer parts.
The inventory 160bhp engine isn’t the only force to be reckoned with – the bike’s Desmo V-twin now boasts a high-flow intake, a custom full-exhaust system featuring cerakote-coated titanium for added flair, and an ECU remap courtesy of Ducati NYC. The suspension has undergone a notable improvement thanks to the meticulous rebuilding of the Showa front shocks and Ohlins rear shocks. The upgrades to the braking system featured cutting-edge Brembo calipers, enhanced entrance and rear discs, and a unique cerakote black finish adorned with the owner’s signature in gleaming gold. The control components are actually precision-crafted carbon fibre CRG objects, while the clutch system has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, featuring advanced new plates, high-tension springs, reinforced caps, and an improved clutch slave cylinder.
Ferriti’s meticulous approach encompasses every aspect of this 1098 Cafe Racer build, leaving no detail unexamined. The motorcycle’s design is an uncanny replica of the iconic 1979 Ducati 900SS, a deliberate homage to its predecessor. He commissioned a bespoke rear subframe that could seamlessly integrate with the bike using just four bolts, achieving a sleek and streamlined appearance. The gas tank, a salvage from a Ducati Sport Tradition GT1000, is now coupled with a 900SS-style entrance fairing securely fastened using custom-designed brackets. This modern LED headlamp features integrated flip-up indicators that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology into the classic fairing design. The sleek new monoposto tail unit, inspired by the GT1000’s design, boasts a cleverly integrated removable storage compartment that enhances its aerodynamic capabilities and performance potential.
Ferretti successfully concealed the majority of the wiring, achieving a sleek and minimalist appearance throughout the bicycle by rerouting it discreetly out of view. A lithium-ion battery energizes the system, its relocation accomplished alongside that of the electronic control unit, voltage regulator, and relays in a seamless, discreet manner. Positioned above the airbox, a custom-made plate moderates the residence of the electrics within the triangle of the body. While allowing unobstructed access to the airbox and engine, the minimalist design of this motorcycle’s bodywork can be seen as a nod to traditional bike aesthetics, offering an uncluttered appearance that exudes a sense of simplicity and streamlining.
While aesthetically this practice may appear to capture the essence of a restaurant racer, beneath its unassuming styling lies a collection of surprisingly chic components. Among these impressive features, you’ll find premium BST carbon fiber wheels that significantly reduce unsprung weight, resulting in enhanced handling and a more responsive ride. The bike’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by the collective display of Shift Tech carbon fibre accents and decorative components. The introduction of a keyless ignition harmoniously combines modern convenience with enduring aesthetics, seamlessly integrating front and rear LED lighting to create a stylish synthesis of form and function.
The bike’s striking black and gold livery is a deliberate homage to the iconic 1979 Ducati 900SS, serving as a nostalgic nod to motorcycling’s rich heritage. Adorned with intricate hand-embellishments, the gleaming gloss black paintwork features delicate pinstripes, lettering, and the owner’s signature crafted from 23-karat Italian gold leaf, imbuing this bespoke creation with a touch of luxurious flair. The crowning glory of this high-performance bike is its striking trellis chassis, given a luxurious finish through electroplating in gleaming 24-karat gold.
Due to its significant reduction in weight and substantial increase in horsepower, Ferrari boasts that this bike is capable of reaching speeds of up to 190mph. As he succinctly phrases it,
Pictures by Zoltan
