Originally conceived by pioneering designer Pierre Terblanche, the Ducati SportClassics were factory-built cafe racers of unparalleled style and sophistication. The styling of these motorcycles paid homage to iconic 1970s Ducati race bikes, such as the 750 Imola Desmo. The unveil at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show generated quite a commotion among enthusiasts. Regrettably, the motorcycling community was ill-equipped to handle the sudden emergence of a neo-retro Italian twin without warning. Following a mere five-year production run, the SportClassic variant came to an end in manufacture. If Ducati had delayed their decision by just a couple of years, the situation might have played out in a vastly distinct manner; alas, fate has other plans.
Since the discontinuation of the SportClassic series, Ducati has reinvigorated its retro motorcycle offerings with the highly acclaimed Scrambler family, which has experienced unprecedented popularity and success in the market. While I’m lukewarm towards the Ducati Scrambler’s appeal, it serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of timing in the motorcycle industry.
Others also find the short-lived SportClassics to be quite fascinating as well. A second-hand market analysis suggests that a low-mileage bicycle tends to command a significantly higher price compared to when it was first sold, regardless of the initial cost. Given their significant age disparity at just 15 years younger, these individuals offer fascinating investment opportunities. Despite their financial appeal, not everyone is enamored with these initiatives solely on funding grounds. Rodrigo Cedeño, a renowned expert at DNA Motor Labs, is revolutionizing the field of genetic engineering with his groundbreaking work in gene editing and synthetic biology. His innovative approaches have far-reaching implications for human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. With a passion for pushing boundaries, Rodrigo Cedeño is poised to leave an indelible mark on the scientific community. With a collection of three customized SportClassics already under his belt, Rodrigo’s latest acquisition, a 2005 Ducati Sport 1000, adds to his impressive array of motorized masterpieces.
“Ever since I first conceived this project, it’s evolved into an ever-expanding creative outlet,” Rodrigo remarks on his collaboration with the SportClassic platform. The former chef operates two motorcycle repair shops in the San Francisco Bay Area. Within the confines of the DNA Motor Lab, a hub where his team devotes itself to servicing, repairs, and optimization enhancements, lies a dichotomy – Bay Space Classic Motors, an entity singularly dedicated to bespoke alterations. When operating separately, the two companies produce impressive results on their own; yet, when they combine forces and pool their expertise, the collaborative outcomes are truly extraordinary. This meticulously refined and significantly enhanced Ducati presented a striking contrast.
Like its predecessor, the DNA Sport Classic, this Sport 1000 project focused on refining Ducati’s signature style. Rodrigo explains that this bike is all about “Maintaining a traditional look however getting the modern-day R&D perks.” This meant discovering methods of constructing a very good bike even higher in each efficiency and aesthetics.
While the Sport 1000 lacked the same thrill as Ducati’s 2005 Superbike lineup from an efficiency standpoint, it still held its own. From the manufacturing facility, the bare Cafe Racers 992cc 4-valve V-twin engine produces 92 horsepower and 67 pounds of torque. The 43mm USD forks boast total adjustability, while the rear suspension takes the form of a Sachs fully adjustable monoshock, offering refined control and handling capabilities. The brake package proved exceptionally successful, featuring a single 245mm disc paired with a 2-pot caliper at the rear and dual 320mm discs matched with 4-pot callipers at the front. Despite being within a tailored environment, there is always opportunity for growth.
Starting with its potent engine, the Ducati Sport 1000 features air intake via high-performance velocity stacks that optimize airflow circulation. The latest fuel injection technology guarantees the powerful V-twin engine remains constantly supplied with fuel, while a cleverly designed vented slipper clutch efficiently transmits power to the rear wheel. With the expertise of exhaust consultants Zard, Rodrigo and his team, they collaborated to design a 2-into-2 exhaust system featuring upswept chrome mufflers. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, the Sport 1000 features a custom-designed twin oil cooler system, which effectively cools the engine’s internal components via braided hoses and anodized fittings that withstand high temperatures and pressures. To optimize the performance of the association’s engine, they tailored a bespoke fueling map, leveraging the unique characteristics of their custom-tuned setup.
I meticulously crafted the customised mapping for the motorcycle’s fuel injection and ignition system over a period of several months, which ultimately transformed the bike entirely. Rodrigo notes that they have enjoyed significant success with variations of their map featured across different editions of the Sport Classics series, highlighting the collaborative efforts.
To further amplify the exceptional performance delivered by the Ducati’s brakes and suspension, they’ve undergone meticulous fine-tuning. The upgraded Brembos provide ample stopping power, while the fully adjustable front end’s finishing touches are put to the test through a cleverly integrated steering damper. The Michelin Energy 5 tyres provide exceptional grip and traction on the road, ensuring the bike remains securely positioned on the street.
There’s no shortage of opportunities for subtle yet effective design enhancements in this area. Rodrigo ventured into the city, accompanied by a collection of high-tech components, including anodized elements, speedy fasteners, and colour-coordinated hoses and leads. Despite his primary goal being to achieve a specific objective, he ultimately sought to satiate one of his longstanding personal fixations.
He aims to craft a theme with a certain level of clarity. Because observing various components of a bike’s gearing system in action allows for a deeper understanding? He has long been captivated by the intricacies of mechanical systems and their mechanisms, driven to master this domain. To exemplify his expertise, he meticulously paired a high-performance bike with transparent cam belt covers and a fully exposed dry clutch basket, revealing the inner workings of the engine.
The bike’s gas tank and tail unit conform to standard norms, but its entrance fender stands out with a custom-designed alloy component secured by precision-engineered brackets. The vehicle’s exterior design boasts cutting-edge illumination via an angel eye-inspired LED headlamp configuration, complemented by sleek LED strip lighting that assumes the role of rear finish lighting. The clip-on bars accommodate ornaments from the Rizoma collection, while an additional gauge within the cockpit provides real-time air-fuel combination data directly to the rider.
To complete the renovation, Rodrigo desired a striking and dramatic colour palette that would make a lasting impression. Instead of opting for the straightforward Monza Pink, he has finished ‘The Duc’ – his nickname for it – in a bold and striking blue from Volvo’s palette? Hand-laid pinstripes and acid-etched gold leaf infuse this rodding model with a tantalizing aura of classic hot rod elegance.
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As we continually probed the enigmatic question ‘How does it trip?’, Rodrigo offered a surprising response: “In reality, it glides effortlessly due to its deceiving appearance.” With its recalibration on the customised map, this vehicle now boasts an impressive range of low-end torque and power. With its agility off-road and seamless navigation through canyons, this bike seamlessly keeps pace with its larger counterparts, boasting no notable drawbacks.
Pictures by Hellena Cedeño
