Furthermore, adopting a restricted sequence strategy can yield substantial benefits for the client by streamlining decision-making and optimizing results. Through extensive training and development, workshops invest considerable time refining their skills, making these customized bicycles a means to demonstrate their expertise. While paying a premium for a handmade, one-of-a-kind item may seem daunting, the benefits of owning such a unique machine, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, are undeniable – top-tier components and unparalleled craftsmanship make it a truly exceptional find.
David Widmann, proprietor of Austria’s NCT Bikes, has joined the ranks of boutique manufacturers embracing limited-edition series production strategies. The NCT Evo Racer is a 70-part sequence comprising three distinct donor bike models: the Ducati 848, 1098, and 1198.
Overcoming the challenges of developing the Evo Racer sequence has been a two-year endeavor for the team at NCT headquarters. David’s goal was to create a modern bicycle that harmonized with Ducati’s innovative and stylish workshop equipment without compromising its distinct visual identity. A stripped-down motorcycle emerged, its aesthetic borrowing liberally from 1950s café racers and vintage racing machines, yet beneath its rugged exterior lay the raw power and unbridled passion characteristic of Italy’s most revered motorcycle manufacturers.
What was initially built as a 2009 Ducati 1098S-based motorcycle became the first NCT Evo Racer to be completed? David obtained a test vehicle from a local dealership, utilizing it as a prototype to refine his concept.
A distinctive feature of the Evo Racer’s design is its characteristic racing-style saddle-shaped seat hump. The innovative hump and seat base are distinctive features of the NCT, crafted from high-strength carbon fibre. The one-seat cowl seamlessly integrates a bespoke upholstered saddle and features a discreetly integrated LED tail light at its rear. To consolidate the benefits, NCT has also fabricated custom composite panels from lightweight carbon fibre, complemented by strategically placed carbon components such as guards and engine covers that collectively contribute to a weight reduction of several kilograms.
The revised rear finish of the Evo Racer sits atop a single, uniquely designed half-shaft within a bespoke subframe in its class. As the rear cowl is installed, the subframe’s design creates a bold, upswept silhouette that runs seamlessly from the topmost edge of the radiator to the rear’s most distant extremity, accentuating the vehicle’s muscular presence.
The brand-new design replaces the underslung exhaust system found on the standard 1098 model, and, as evident from the images, also features a compact license plate holder supporting the rear-end blinkers. With its innovative design, this compact unit serves as a clever storage solution for various electronic components from the Ducati’s electrical system, conveniently accessible upon removal of the front fairing.
One notable difference between the Evo Racer and the standard 1098S lies in its stripped-down aesthetic appearance. With the Ducati’s entrance fairing removed, NCT revealed the motorcycle’s rugged beauty by relocating unsightly electrical components, allowing its powerful engine, sleek bodywork, and striking golden Ohlins forks to take center stage? With the removal of the fairing, a novel headlight was required, taking the form of a compact, spherical LED-powered module. A precision-crafted bracket secures the cutting-edge headlight in place, nestled snugly between the forks for optimal performance and aesthetics.
Building on their reputation for innovation, NCT has taken a bold step forward by ditching all of the 1098s’ inferior features, elevating the overall performance to new heights. The engine’s exposed components now feature lightweight carbon fibre, replacing the original plastic covers, while the handlebars’ “piss cup” fluid reservoirs have been upgraded to precision-machined alloy alternatives. The road-going model of the bike, featuring a tidy completion, dons low-profile milled aluminum mirrors courtesy of Italian aftermarket specialists Rizoma, while Motogadget’s bar finish indicators maintain their sleek appearance.
Clearly, anyone purchasing an Evo Racer expects it to surpass its stock-based counterpart in terms of performance, and NCT has delivered on that promise. With the goal of extracting every last horsepower from its potent 1098cc L-twin engine, the manufacturer has paired it with an optimized exhaust system designed in collaboration with renowned specialists at Akrapovic to maximize efficiency. The ECU was subsequently retuned to increase the engine’s power output by 20 horsepower. Here is the rewritten text:
Although it may not seem like much, this translates to an impressive 180 horsepower in a package weighing only 156 kg – a staggering 15 kg lighter than a stock 1098S. The result is a mind-boggling 1.018 horsepower per kilogram… get ready for white-knuckle driving!
Throughout the past decade, NCT has successfully delivered bespoke builds to clients globally, and it is reasonable to anticipate that they will extend this offering to prospective Evo Racer customers as well. In order to ensure that their bicycles meet the rigorous standards for registration in Europe, manufacturers design them to strictly adhere to relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
David has successfully completed his inaugural Evo Racer, sporting a striking British Racing Green and gold livery that subtly nods to the cafe racer aesthetic that inspired its design. While Evo Racer clients enjoy carte blanche over the colour scheme and various specifications, they can create a truly unique bike that reflects their personal style.
Are you prepared to secure your deposit promptly, given that these bespoke Ducati motorcycles are expected to accelerate at an incredible rate?
Images by Peter Pegam
