What sparked the creative endeavour was a turbocharged Ducati 848 cafe racer expertly crafted by an ardent American motorcyclist. That Ducati motorcycle made its debut at the 2019 One Moto Present in Portland, USA, and its impact has been far-reaching and profound. Four years after its inception, Madrill Storage, a renowned Chinese language workshop, has unveiled its bespoke take on the iconic Ducati cafe racer – an endeavour that leaves no stone unturned in revealing its creative muse.
According to Luo Hao of Mandrill Storage, the design concept behind this bike originates from Dylan Johnson. Noticing Dylan’s impressive 848 turbo on the One Moto Present website was a moment that truly caught my attention. Dylan was approached with a proposal to utilize his innovative design and vibrant color scheme for our 848 Turbo project, and he enthusiastically accepted.
The visual parallels between Dylan’s and Mandrill’s Ducatis are undeniable. The Mandrill’s distinctive aesthetic is a deliberate homage to its owner, Mr. Johnson, featuring identical gray paint, vintage Ducati decals, and deep blue accents on the body. While Mandrill’s wasp-like tail may superficially resemble Dylan’s, the similarities cease there, and their respective legacies diverge like tributaries flowing into distinct oceans.
What sets Mandrill apart is its non-traditional approach to donating funds. Unlike Dylan, who chose to start with an identical Ducati 848 model, Mandrill opted for a more powerful platform from the onset.
Luo notes that second-hand 1198s have become relatively affordable. While considering transforming a superbike into a restaurant racer, one should prioritize the bike’s essential features, such as its facility, handling, braking capabilities, and shock absorption, to ensure a seamless dining experience. The sheer brilliance of a superbike is already self-evident.
The Ducati 848 features a standard output of 122 horsepower. To boost its performance, Dylan matches his bike with a turbocharger. Compared to other models, the Ducati 1198S boasts an impressive 168 horsepower in its standard configuration, rendering it more than adequate for many street riders’ needs. Despite appearances, everything about this endeavour seems unconventional.
The bike’s distinctive fairing was subsequently removed. Criticisms abound when assessing the Ducati’s performance over the past decade, with numerous components exhibiting critical signs of aging; meanwhile, various parts had started to leak oil, notes Luo. “This wasn’t exclusively a transformation process but also a rehabilitation.”
Given the inherent design flaws in certain Ducati models, Ducati’s technology tends to exhibit oil leakage issues. To mitigate these problems, a comprehensive overhaul of the lubrication system is imperative for optimal performance and longevity. The remainder of the engine has also undergone a thorough service to get it running like new again. While its donor may have had flaws, this engine still arrived with several perks in the form of a high-performance ECU and oxygen sensor block-off designed for racing applications. By installing an IXIL efficiency exhaust and conducting a remap, unlocking further energy is precisely what can be achieved. Mandrill meticulously installed the sleek, newly acquired exhaust system to perfectly complement the cafe racer aesthetic of the challenge, elevating its visual appeal to new heights.
With the engine’s issues addressed by the Mandrill group, they also focused on rectifying the Ducati’s suspension problems. With the Ohlins rear shock revealing signs of wear and tear, including leaks and corrosion, it was in dire need of an overhaul to restore its optimal functioning. With a straightforward objective in mind, all that was sought was to tweak the bicycle’s appearance.
To equip Dylan’s 848 cafe racer with a consistent design, the team crafted a bespoke bolt-on subframe featuring a spherical hoop and integrated, dual-purpose LED illumination.
The revised front-end lighting features a classic spherical LED headlamp nestled within precision-machined alloy brackets. Small LED indicator lights adorn both facets of the bucket. Positioned securely on its custom-made bracket, the tech-laden 1198S’s sleek design takes pride of place above the triple clamp, expertly positioned for maximum impact. As the fairings were removed, Mandrill was forced to relocate the previously hidden yet unsightly wiring and electronic components. Located beneath the battery, they inhabit a custom-designed field encased by a robust carbon fibre cover.
The electric components aren’t the only place where you’ll find carbon fibre on this Ducati. In fact, there’s no shortage of it. By opting for a matte finish, Mandrill has upgraded its motorbike by applying carbon fibre covers to key components, including the battery, swingarm, chainring, drive belts, and clutch casing. Additionally, you’ll notice carbon heel guards situated above the rear-set foot controls, as well as a carbon entrance fender and rear mudguard.
With a comprehensive array of weight-reducing enhancements implemented on this Ducati, it now tips the scales at a remarkable 10 kilograms less. A motorcycle that packs a punch! With an impressive 170 horsepower at your fingertips, you’re in for a thrilling ride. Fortunately, Ducati has matched the 1198S with premium efficiency elements, setting the stage for a battle royale between this beastly café racer and its competitors.
