One-Off Ducati Monster Cafe Racer Is Minimalistic Two-Wheeled Artwork Done Right

He runs Overdrive Customs over in Venice, Italy, which is where this mouth-watering Ducati Monster went from stock to bespoke. Matteo started with a model from the year 2000, aiming to turn it into a monochromatic cafe racer fit for an art gallery. Caffeinated Monsters are by no means uncommon, but this particular specimen is a lot cooler than most in several ways.

The project didn’t come as a commission, as our protagonist had owned the trusty Duc since 2003 and could never bring himself to let it go. When the time came for a custom makeover, the bike went on the workbench and its stock subframe was promptly amputated. Then, Matteo created a custom alternative from scratch, with the upper tubing reaching far ahead to achieve a level bone line.

Overdrive’s mastermind tweaked the main trellis framework, as well, before placing the repurposed fuel tank of a Ducati 916 up top. All the electronics are stashed beneath the tank, and the motorcycle’s rear section is home to a small tail unit fabricated in-house. The saddle is a plain and simple affair, only consisting of some dense foam padding with a central cut-out.

Lower down, Matteo installed the single-sided swingarm of a Ducati Hypermotard and a 916’s three-spoke Brembo hoop. Both wheels were wrapped in race-spec Michelin rubber, while the rear brake got upgraded with a wave-style aftermarket rotor. A carbon fiber wheel hugger is also present at the back, close to a pair of billet aluminum rearsets that complement the cockpit paraphernalia.

Interestingly enough, the project’s author hasn’t chosen clip-ons for this machine, instead opting for a flat handlebar with minimalistic controls. There is a tiny aftermarket dial mounted a bit further ahead, right above an LED headlight placed on tailor-made brackets. The front and rear suspension is still stock, but it has benefited from a revitalizing makeover just like the brakes and engine.

As you would expect, some fresh breathing equipment was on the menu, too. The exhaust gases are now routed through custom heat-wrapped pipework ending in an Ixil muffler on the right. In terms of paintwork, Overdrive Customs’ one-off stunner employs a mixture of gloss-black and silver, with the latter hue taken straight from the Mercedes AMG color palette. Black was used in most places besides the bodywork, including the frame, wheels, and forks.