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Photo: Mattia Negrini, via Pipeburn
The Ducati 900SS versions from the ’90s and early 2000s may not be as pretty, but they’re still very capable machines. Of course, this makes an excellent candidate for custom projects, and many craftsmen have tried their hand at reshaping it into stunning one-offs. The bike we are about to introduce is the work of Giacomo Galbiati, who works as GDesign in Italy.
Since he’s Italian, you might think he’s familiar with Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and MV Agusta, but that’s actually not the case. In fact, this particular build is the first time he’s worked on a machine from his home country, and the results are impressive. It all started with the 2002 model year in Bologna’s Supersport lineup.
The customization process was relatively gentle by Giacomo’s high standards, but it still made the 900SS look more appealing. First of all, all factory body parts were removed except for the fuel tank, and the original subframe was also removed. The latter was replaced with a bespoke replacement manufactured in-house, and then it was time to build new rear bodywork.
Above the subframe tubes is a handcrafted aluminum tail section that beautifully complements the lines of the stock gas tank. It features an elegant black leather saddle stitched with blue thread and an included padded outback on top. A compact license plate holder is mounted on the underside of the tail, and small but bright LED lighting hardware connects to each side.
At the bottom is a sizable rear wheel hugger that keeps road debris from going where it shouldn’t. The front end of the bike is equally interesting, adorned with an alluring multi-piece full fairing that gives it a retro feel. Above that is a transparent windshield and bulbous headlight covers, behind which are LED lighting fixtures. But even more fascinating is the central piece that connects the top and bottom of the fairing.
Made of clear plexiglass, you can see the skeleton of Duc’s trellis underneath. A small front fender completes the specimen’s new look, and the cockpit area is dominated by hand-built housings for gauges, new grips, and bar-end mirrors. Since the Bolognese sports bikes were equipped with excellent brakes and suspension, the masterminds at GDesign decided to maintain them and service them back to perfect condition.
He also refurbished the motorcycle’s L-twin engine, installing an open clutch and timing belt cover along the way. The exhaust header is ceramic coated and topped with a stainless steel aftermarket muffler. Finally, the paint is a combination of silver, blue, and gold highlights, with the previous hue appearing across the upper body. The frame, lower fairing and other small parts were all painted blue, while the wheels and retro Ducati logo were finished in gold.