The ID2000’s foundation lay primarily with a Suzuki RGV250 platform, yet the extensive incorporation of FRP transformed the bike into a nearly unrecognizable entity. The vehicle’s bodywork wrapped seamlessly around the entire chassis, engine, and entrance, boasting futuristic, aerodynamically optimized curves and a revolutionary floating rear subframe concept. When first revealed, this innovation stood out distinctly from the others on display at that moment. As expected, the acquisition of Kengo and his brother, along with their prized Gull Craft model, garnered considerable attention.
Over three decades since its initial introduction, the ID2000’s legacy has led to a comprehensive catalog from Gull Craft featuring more than 60 high-quality aftermarket fiberglass (FRP) components. The design isn’t quite as unconventional given the ID2000’s bodyshell. Kengo has created an accessible portfolio showcasing bespoke and mass-produced fairings for many prominent Japanese motorcycle brands. Gull Craft’s latest innovation has successfully integrated an Italian-built motorcycle, specifically a vintage Ducati M900, into their lineup – and it’s hard to imagine the iconic Monster looking better than this.
When the Ducati Monster debuted in 1992, it revolutionized both Ducati and the motorcycle industry as a whole. By rescuing the Bologna manufacturing unit on the brink of insolvency, it successfully revitalized the facility, and by 2005, it accounted for a significant 50% share of Ducati’s global gross sales.
While some critics dismissed the Monster as an “elements bin” due to its expensive use of components sourced from various Ducati models, its bold, muscular styling and distinctive design resonated deeply with street riders.
“In the words of Ducati Monster designer Miguel Galluzzi: ‘What you truly crave is simplicity itself: a seat, tank, engine, two wheels, and handlebars’.” Rather than concealing the functional aspects of his bicycle design, Galluzzi crafted a work of art that seamlessly integrated practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Despite the Monster’s undeniable and immense success, fashions of this era are beginning to show signs of aging. With its unmistakable 1990s aesthetic, the foundation is undeniably retro in design; yet, sans bodywork, it reveals a surprisingly attractive base for a bespoke project.
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Despite being ubiquitous on roads, it’s puzzling that Ducati Monsters are not more commonly repurposed for custom projects. Finally, someone takes action to address this issue. Kengo has clearly recognized the Monster’s potential as a suitable and accessible custom donor. With a keen awareness of the enduring appeal of classic racing bike aesthetics in the custom sphere. He’s busy building a beast that’s poised to thrill even the most ardent Ducati enthusiasts.
The Gull Craft M900 Monster was designed as a demonstration mannequin to showcase the innovative features of a new packaging concept, set to be added to the Gull Craft product lineup. Wrapped in a stunningly unique, hand-crafted livery that pays homage to iconic Ducati NCR racers, the M900’s bespoke bodywork showcases its owner’s passion and creativity.
While the design of Kengo’s FRP gas tank bears striking resemblance to that used on Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man-winning NCR 900, it is not an attempt to conceal this similarity. The muscular tank, adorned in NCR livery, pays homage to Mike’s iconic motorcycle design, accompanied by the unmistakable Wile E. Coyote mascot emblazoned on its side.
While designing the M900 physique package, Kengo focused on maximizing the benefits of setup. To ensure seamless integration, we guarantee that our designs do not necessitate time-consuming and costly customizations. As a result, the tail unit rests securely upon its original, untouched subframe. The rider’s throne features a robust foundation, with an alloy framework and a solid seat pan providing a stable base to support its construction.
Drawing inspiration from Hailwood’s iconic NCR bike, the styling of the tail is deliberately informed by its design elements. Herein lies the absence of the characteristic skirted shocks that flank the rear suspension on the TT racing bicycle, a consequence of the Monsters’ innovative mono-shock design.
At the pointed conclusion of the Monster is situated a sleek fairing bearing the distinctive design flair of Kengo himself. Designed specifically to complement this mannequin, it rests securely across the forks thanks to specially engineered bracketry. As he carefully wraps the fairing around the trellis, its apparent that his attention to detail is impressive, with the subtle angle he’s chosen mirroring the contours of the bike’s framework perfectly. By seamlessly integrating lighting into the front and rear cowls, he has successfully maintained the Monster’s track-ready aesthetic while also adding a crucial safety feature.
The purpose of this bike was to attract new customers, so Kengo deliberately left matters unresolved. Crafted from meticulously polished aluminium, the Gull M900 exudes an air of refined elegance, its high-quality aftermarket components subtly complementing its sleek design.
What’s been added to the bike to give it an even more assertive ride is a set of rear suspension components designed in collaboration with Ducati Performance, not Efficiency. The clip-on handlebars securely attach to the fork legs, while upgrading the plastic fluid reservoirs to durable aluminum alternatives. Settling into place behind the windscreen, a striking Motogadget Chronoclassic speedometer and tachometer combination commands attention, its unique mounting bracket crafted from aluminum and precision-machined to perfection.
Take a closer look at the gleaming 900cc L-twin engine and you’ll notice a few subtle customizations courtesy of Gull Craft. Featuring bespoke-designed sprocket and clutch covers, the motorcycles’ mechanical components are artfully exposed through open-ended belt shrouds, accompanied by an array of intricately perforated details that add to their striking visual appeal. The true showstopper, in my opinion, is the sleek visual flow of the dual exhaust pipes, which seamlessly merge with the engine’s underside and rise upward like dark serpents. Kengo assembled the components using custom-modified aftermarket pipes that aligned with his envisioned design for the motorcycle.
Will a bike that’s not quite enough to get you excited about finding affordable Ducati Monster donors still stir your soul?
