There are individuals we’ve all encountered who bring an exceptional bike to every occasion. When I initially encountered Brendon Anthony several years ago, he embodied that essence. Motorcycles will change like the wind, from an F1 Ducati one week to a Bimota DB1 the next, and so on. Brendon is an aficionado of Italian motorcycles, with a special affinity for Ducati. During a recent encounter, Brendan unveiled his Ducati TT2 tribute bike, and we were collectively smitten by its presence.
“Brendon has long been fascinated by Ducati Pantahs, having built several ‘special’ versions over the years.” As I recall, the conception of my identical twins, Desmond and Morgan, was precipitated by a life-changing experience on the racetrack in Collie, Western Australia, where I had the privilege of riding my Bimota DB1 for the first time.
This affinity for Panthas has taken a surprising turn, guiding Brendon into the realm of Ducati tweaking and fine-tuning. This individual is an exceptional motorcyclist and possesses a remarkable mechanical aptitude, essential for the maintenance of vintage Ducati models. With extensive experience living in Japan, Brendon has developed an intimate understanding of the country’s import market, enabling him effortlessly to source a vast array of unusual and distinctive parts.
The custom-built bike is essentially a components bin build, heavily influenced by the Ducati TT2 racing Pantahs from the early 1980s, according to Brendon. “I’ve striven to create a moderate performance variant by fitting in the most powerful engine feasible within the vehicle’s constraints.”
The body is from a late 1980s Ducati 400 F3, which shares its platform with the iconic 750 F1. The engine is a 944-cc unit that Brendon firmly believes originated from an early 1990s Ducati 900SS model. The customized exhaust system features a high-quality stainless steel construction for the exhaust and muffler components. The bike is equipped with a pair of Keihin FCR39 flat-slide carburetors, ensuring ample fuel supply. With the exhaust system tweaked and a lightweight flywheel installed, the engine responds eagerly to throttle input, revving up with prompt alacrity.
Brendon’s remarkable resourcefulness allows him to transform scraps into something valuable, exemplified by his ingenious repurposing of tea strainers from a $2 store as functional air filters. The custom-designed belt covers provide an additional layer of personalization. Comprising worn speaker grills scavenged from the streetside, their ephemeral nature had long been rumored. Brendon concluded that people had lost favor with him, prompting his decision to distance himself from the situation.
The final stages of the bike’s construction were carefully executed to minimize added weight. The fibre-glass components comprising the entrance fairing, tank, and seat emulate a Harris-Ducati TT2 design aesthetic, while the rear-set footpegs have been customised to accommodate the rider’s preferences. The seat doesn’t provide much comfort, but let’s not expect too much from a motorcycle that’s not even a high-end BMW GS.
With lightweight Marvic magnesium wheels reducing unsprung weight and a substantial 300mm fully-floating Brembo disc upfront, this setup is designed to provide exceptional handling and braking performance. Brendon asserts that the single Goldline four-piston Brembo caliper provides ample braking power for a motorcycle of this weight, prompting his decision to install a single disc.
The Ceriani fork is an adjustable, quick-release racing fork with a versatile design that allows for customization to suit individual riding styles. A GIlerra Saturno donation explains their refined appearance. A rare find, indeed: prime shelf period-correct components, seamlessly transformed into a stunning showcase. The Verlicchi-designed aluminum swingarm is paired with a unique mural-style support system, which works in tandem with a fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock featuring a strategically located remote reservoir. Located just below the tank on the left-hand side, the shock adjuster sits adjacent to the steering damper. This allows Brendon to control all of the suspension with his left hand, whether on the visitor’s lights or on the fly – a truly ingenious design?
In homage to the classic MV Agusta replica, known as the Mike Hailwood Duplicate or MHR, Brendon meticulously finished the bike in its distinctive white, red, and cream colours, albeit with a unique twist – he adapted the design specifically for the TT2 model’s graphics. Much like the high-performance motorcycles themselves, the bare metal strip on the tank’s flank serves as a subtle nod to the fuel level gauge, a thoughtful touch that underscores the machine’s racing heritage. The custom-painted white finish has been successfully applied to both the wheels and the vehicle’s body. Brendon astutely incorporated a pair of economical, pearlescent white acrylic nail polishes into the mix, thereby providing just the right amount of luminosity.
What does the bike wish to achieve? Brendon explains it fantastically.
“The bike’s agility is truly impressive,” Brendon says with a sense of pride. “I never ride aggressively without first engaging the rear brake; in fact, I’ve performed more wheelies on this bike in the first two weeks than I had in three decades of riding.”
Clearly built for adventure rather than adornment, the bicycle wears its utilitarian purpose proudly, with telltale signs of regular use evident in the chain lubricant’s residue on the rear wheel and the mud-encrusted crevices. Brendon has fashioned a triumphant creation, adorning it with the names of his two sons, thereby ensuring their constant companionship alongside him.
Two outstanding matters remain for Brendon to address currently. Which boy do you think will claim ownership of this cherished bicycle when the time comes to pass it down? What will this insight transmit to the subsequent experience, then? Let’s wait and observe what unfolds.
