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Scales Studio Took a Radical Approach Customizing This Ducati 1000SS

This is probably what the 1000SS would’ve looked like if it was produced back in the ‘70s. Back in 2005, Ducati amazed us with yet another phenomenal sports bike, by the name of 1000SS. This baby was powered by a four-stroke, twin cylinder SOHC engine with a displacement of 992cc.
Ducati 1200SS 12 photos
Photo: Scales Studio
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Its colossal power ran through a six-speed transmission to produce 86 hp at 7,750 rpm (that must be a glorious sound to hear) and 65 pound-feet of torque output at 5,750 rpm. Ducati 1000SS was fully capable of reaching a top speed of 143 mph (230 kph) and running the quarter mile in as little as 12 seconds.

It isn’t just a splendid motorcycle, but an extremely rare one too. Only 80 units have ever reached U.S. shores and approximately half of those have been converted into lightweight race bikes. As such, it would seem that the 1000SS will remain a pleasure to be enjoyed by a very select few.

Ducati 1200SS
Photo: Scales Studio
Scales Studio specializes in anything from buying and selling, to restoring and customizing “the highest quality Cafe Racers and Classic Cars in the world; machines of fire, steel and tread you've never been prouder of owning.

Their outstanding projects have even caught the attention of Mercedes-Benz. The giant approached Scales Studio with the request of producing several cars that will be featured on a variety of major international auto shows.

The firm aims to give each and every one of their creations a unique personality that will resonate with that of the vehicle’s owner, forming “a bond between man and machine that can be inseparable.” Taking a look at their portfolio, it appears that Scales Studio is truly prepared to go above and beyond in order to fulfill their customers’ desires.

Ducati 1200SS
Photo: Scales Studio
In short, our mission is to make your dreams come true.

A heavily customized (and barely recognizable) Ducati 1000SS, by the name of 1200SS, should provide the perfect example of the company living up to this bold statement. This might just be the most steampunk-looking two-wheeler I’ve seen in a while, and I’ll bet the owner is having a hell of a time with their juicy one-of-a-kind ride.

During a podcast, Scales Studio’s founder, Trever Scales explains that an eye-watering 1,400 hours were spent designing and assembling the gorgeous 1200SS.

Its MV Agusta-inspired gas tank was crafted using four layers of carbon fiber, as well as an additional layer of Kevlar for extra durability. The tank features a race-style Rizoma filler cap, while the bike’s front fairing was also customized to accommodate asymmetrical PIAA headlights.

Ducati 1200SS
Photo: Scales Studio
Instead of the original 992cc mill, we now find a Ducati Hypermotard’s superior 1100cc engine. This powerplant also received considerable improvements to increase its displacement all the way up to 1200cc, including the addition of NCR race cams. The 1200SS doesn’t just look delicious, but is also packed full of significant performance boosts!

Its tank cover also hides the ECU, air temperature sensor and battery, while the bike’s Ohlins forks, clutch master cylinder and Brembo brakes happen to be those of a Ducati 1098S. Briefly speaking, the sheer amount of customization gone into Scales Studio’s masterpiece stretches far beyond your regular custom two-wheeler.

If you’re loving this sexy thing as much as I am, you might be delighted to learn that the firm is planning on designing four more personalized models.

All you’ll need is just $105,000 to spare. I hope you’ve been saving up lately.
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About the author: Silvian Secara
Silvian Secara profile photo

A bit of an artist himself, Silvian sees two- and four-wheeled machines as a form of art, especially restomods and custom rides. Oh, and if you come across a cafe racer article on our website, it’s most likely his doing.
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