Photo: Scales Studio
Scales Studio is the brainchild of one Trever Scales, whose artsy nature has resulted in some incredible feats over time. He specializes in photography, filmmaking, and abstract painting, but you will also find him indulging in car and motorcycle customization just as frequently. Four-wheeled customs are, in fact, Trever’s main specialty, and his incredible builds have even caught the attention of Mercedes-Benz.
The German automaker has commissioned a number of show cars to be built by Scales Studio, which ought to speak volumes about our protagonist’s expertise. Now, what we’re here for are his two-wheeled creations, more specifically a rad cafe racer dubbed the 1200SS. It’s based on a Ducati 1000SS from the model-year 2005, and everything about it is absolutely phenomenal to say the least.
At its core, Bologna’s titan came with a 992cc L-twin capable of mustering 86 hp and 65 pound-feet (88 Nm) of torque. Those are respectable figures, for sure, but Trever planned on performing some serious upgrades in the powertrain sector. He consequently did away with the 1000SS engine, as well as many other bits and pieces including the bodywork, front suspension, and both wheels.
What came next were around 1,400 hours of painstaking labor, turning Ducati’s sport bike into a striking cafe racer with old-school race bike vibes. Starting with the bodywork, we find a bespoke fuel tank made with four layers of carbon fiber and an additional Kevlar outer shell for extra durability. The tank features a race-style filler cap from Rizoma, while the bike’s front end carries a handsome fairing complete with asymmetrical PIAA headlights.
Out back, there is a sizeable tail section perched on a custom subframe, all accompanied by an under-seat exhaust running a two-one-two configuration. Where the standard 992cc engine had once been, we now find the superior motor of a 2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo. Trever didn’t just fit it on without some tasty upgrades, though, and the powerplant now displaces 1,200cc while making 120 hp at the wheel.
This is made possible thanks to aftermarket pistons, ported cylinder heads, and higher-spec camshafts, among other goodies. An NCR oil cooler prevents the engine from getting too toasty, while a Microtec ECU replaces the motorcycle’s factory item. The project’s author installed a Ducabike slipper clutch, too, along with titanium air intakes capped off with velocity stacks.
Front-end suspension duties are now managed by high-end Ohlins forks, secured in place via SpeedyMoto triple clamps. Unsprung weight is kept at a bare minimum with carbon fiber BST wheels, wrapped in premium slicks prepared for hitting the racetrack. With all its snazzy CFRP bits, the 1200SS tips the scales at a mere 320 pounds (145 kg) according to Scales Studio, so it must be one hell of a ride, indeed!
At its core, Bologna’s titan came with a 992cc L-twin capable of mustering 86 hp and 65 pound-feet (88 Nm) of torque. Those are respectable figures, for sure, but Trever planned on performing some serious upgrades in the powertrain sector. He consequently did away with the 1000SS engine, as well as many other bits and pieces including the bodywork, front suspension, and both wheels.
What came next were around 1,400 hours of painstaking labor, turning Ducati’s sport bike into a striking cafe racer with old-school race bike vibes. Starting with the bodywork, we find a bespoke fuel tank made with four layers of carbon fiber and an additional Kevlar outer shell for extra durability. The tank features a race-style filler cap from Rizoma, while the bike’s front end carries a handsome fairing complete with asymmetrical PIAA headlights.
Out back, there is a sizeable tail section perched on a custom subframe, all accompanied by an under-seat exhaust running a two-one-two configuration. Where the standard 992cc engine had once been, we now find the superior motor of a 2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo. Trever didn’t just fit it on without some tasty upgrades, though, and the powerplant now displaces 1,200cc while making 120 hp at the wheel.
This is made possible thanks to aftermarket pistons, ported cylinder heads, and higher-spec camshafts, among other goodies. An NCR oil cooler prevents the engine from getting too toasty, while a Microtec ECU replaces the motorcycle’s factory item. The project’s author installed a Ducabike slipper clutch, too, along with titanium air intakes capped off with velocity stacks.
Front-end suspension duties are now managed by high-end Ohlins forks, secured in place via SpeedyMoto triple clamps. Unsprung weight is kept at a bare minimum with carbon fiber BST wheels, wrapped in premium slicks prepared for hitting the racetrack. With all its snazzy CFRP bits, the 1200SS tips the scales at a mere 320 pounds (145 kg) according to Scales Studio, so it must be one hell of a ride, indeed!
Google News