Unico Moto, a custom motorcycle workshop based in Orlando, Florida, has created this stunning Ducati Monster-based cafe racer. While it’s not a traditional custom for the Unico workshop to roll out new products, this initiative is crucial and deserves everyone’s attention. From our vantage point, the likelihood of this occurring appears reasonable.
Founded in 2018 by two passionate Ducatistas, André Frizzarini and Justin Andrew, Unico Moto aims to become the premier US-based Ducati custom workshop. Andre reveals that our designs are born from passion, carefully crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and meticulously built by hand to exacting standards of beauty, prioritizing the essence of every component.
Initially, Unico Moto wasn’t focused on building motorcycles for customers. Without external support, they self-fund each initiative individually. This autonomy enables creative professionals to exercise their artistic license and actualize their vision. So far, they have implemented six custom initiatives at various stages of development, all of which are primarily driven by Ducati donor funding. Once each prototype bike is complete, it’s placed on the market, but it also serves as a template for customer-built bikes. Shoppers can customize motorcycles by selecting from various frame and feature options presented by Unico, tailoring the vehicle to their personal preferences.
Following the triumph of their initial two builds, Adre and Justin set out to challenge themselves by creating a bike that would ultimately become the crown jewel of their brand. We aimed to create a motorcycle that would exemplify our expertise in every aspect. “With a focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a commitment to performance, Andre shares that they devoted over a year’s worth of meticulous labor to their custom-built Ducati Monster, aptly named GP1.”
The initial step in any Unico endeavour is the creation of a conceptual framework on paper. Once their design was finalized, they took the next step by digitizing it, refining the process to produce a precise digital blueprint, which was then brought to life through three-dimensional modeling. With GP1, the designers opted for a modern take on the classic cafe racer aesthetic, blending retro flair with an abundance of trendy features.
The Monster’s iconic trellis frame played a pivotal role in how GP1 would currently perform, yet the riders harbored doubts about its engine capabilities. “With aesthetics as much of an appeal as performance, we wanted more from our bike,” notes Andre, leading them to opt for a complete engine overhaul. The Ducati 900SS engine that powers this venture has been meticulously modified to optimize its performance.
Crafting the iconic Ducati dry clutch sound requires an anodized clutch mechanism cleverly concealed beneath a sleek, high-tech KBike glass fairing. Utilizing Ok&N filters they’ve additionally designed and constructed a singular consumption system. As the carbs draw air in, the intake tubes elegantly curve upwards, guiding the air-fuel mixture into the fuel tank’s entrance, nestled comfortably beneath the rider’s chin.
“Our proprietary consumption filter design provides riders with a truly unique and unparalleled experience.” Andre suggests we refer to this phenomenon as “listening to the bike breathe”.
While the sound of this 900SS’s intake is undoubtedly captivating, it’s the exhaust note that really warrants attention.
Unico’s performance benefits from its expertly paired engine and 2-1-2 custom stainless steel headers, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. As they traverse beneath the engine’s belly, the pipes converge beneath the tail section before diverging to supply two identical GP-style mufflers. According to Andre, our bikes boast a commanding visual prominence accompanied by an audibility that harmonizes with their stature. As we meticulously craft each vehicle, the precise harmony of our custom exhaust and finely tuned engine operating at optimal capacity is a crucial aspect we always prioritize.
With the 900SS engine optimized, Unico focused on shedding weight and adopting an even more aggressive handling setup. According to Andre, selecting the tank was crucial as it alters the rider’s seating position. The tank, derived from a Ducati 999 model, has been meticulously matched using custom-designed mounting brackets precision-welded to the trellis frame. With the tank secured, they designed and crafted a sleek, fashion-forward reimagining of the classic cafe racer tailpiece. Seamlessly integrated within the design is a meticulous arrangement of LED lights, complemented by a sumptuous black suede saddle featuring subtle Ducati purple stitching that thoughtfully resolves any remaining aesthetic concerns.
Equipped to excel on the track, the Unico Moto GP1 is fitted with a pair of Woodcraft’s renowned adjustable clip-ons, which form part of its comprehensive suite of custom components. Enhanced with Domino grips, high-quality aftermarket bar-end mirrors, and cutting-edge LED flip indicators, the bike boasts a revamped appearance. Additionally, it features refurbished swap blocks for optimal performance, Rizoma’s precision-engineered CNC fluid reservoirs, and adjustable levers to customize the ride. The bike’s rear foot control was upgraded with customizable CNC Ducabike adjustable units for optimal performance and adjustability.
While a sporty seating arrangement is an important consideration, it’s ultimately rendered ineffective without the right equipment to support it. To optimize its performance, the Monster’s suspension now features upgraded forks that have been meticulously crafted using advanced CNC technology and paired with a premium Moto prime clamp for enhanced stability and handling. The rear of this beast features a custom-designed Ohlins piggyback shock, expertly integrated into a single-sided swingarm tailored to harmonize seamlessly with the Monster’s sleek physique. To achieve optimal stability and performance, the Monster wheels have been replaced with Italian-made Kineo spoked rims, allowing for the fitting of high-quality Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires designed specifically for highway-authorized racing.
“Our bespoke bicycles are meticulously crafted through a fusion of cutting-edge techniques, featuring custom-designed components precision-engineered via CNC reduction, 3D-printed innovation, and Tig-welding expertise.” “We also utilize high-quality OEM and premium aftermarket components from our most trusted suppliers.”
As you gaze closely at the GP1, you’re confident in spotting several manufacturers that further contribute to its track-ready demeanor. Notably, the design also incorporates a scattering of carbon fiber components designed to minimize weight while maintaining structural integrity, as well as braided brake lines engineered for enhanced braking performance and a sophisticated gauge cluster featuring a GPS-enabled speedometer and an analog tachometer.
Assembling the finished bike alongside its extensive list of modifications underscores the complexity involved in bringing this project to fruition. When asked about the toughest part of the construction process, Andre recalled: “I think the most challenging aspect was the significant amount of time we devoted to designing and researching specific details and aesthetics to achieve our desired look.” “We aimed to create a bike that embodies perfect symmetry and an undeniable visual appeal from every angle.”
Undoubtedly, their accomplishment has garnered widespread consensus.
