Long-time friends and aficionados of racing and custom motorcycle design, Dominik and Havana revamped their studio, Moto Essence, in 2015. Dominik was a renowned bike restorer, while Havana proved himself to be a highly accomplished mechanic, having honed his skills on and alongside German and European racetracks throughout his career.
Located in a picturesque setting southwest of Munich, the workshop offers routine maintenance and repair services, yet it’s their passion for crafting unique, custom bicycles that truly sets their hearts racing. When a disheveled buyer arrived with a wrecked and rusted donor bike, the pair set out to craft the most pristine Ducati 1098 cafe racer possible. They dub the finished product “Le Veuve Noir”, alias “The Black Widow”.
Upon acquiring the 1098, Dominik and Havana found the vehicle in poor condition, having suffered from a previous crash and significant corrosion. A thorough examination and disassembly were necessary before work could commence. With the rust scrubbed away, the duo transformed the 1098 into a sleek, minimalist café racer.
The most significant issue lay in concealing the intricate wiring that had previously been obscured by the bodywork. Without disturbing the intricate harness architecture, as Ducati’s notorious wiring reputation demands meticulous handling.
As was evident, the boys achieved success with their endeavour. By incorporating a harmonious visual appeal from every perspective, the design seamlessly merged modern flair with classic café racer undertones.
The crowning glory of this setup is the unconventional GPR exhaust system, a nod to the Aprilias piloted by renowned riders Loris Capirossi and Tatsuya Harada, world champions in the 250cc class.
Supply: MOTO ESSENCE
