Ever wondered what happens when a master builder gets his hands on an underloved motorcycle? Look no further than this beauty. Takashi Nihira from Japan’s Wedge Motorcycle has taken a Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro and turned it into something you’ll forget all about the original bike’s lukewarm reception.
The Perfect Blank Canvas
The Ducati Scrambler 1100 may not have won many fans when it was new but Nihira saw something special hidden beneath its awkward styling. When a client approached him wanting a café racer with serious performance credentials he made an interesting choice. Instead of going with the expected Honda CB1100 he picked the Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro as his donor bike.
Why? Because this client wasn’t just any motorcycle enthusiast. He drove European sports cars and had a taste for performance that matched his luxurious lifestyle. Nihira knew the bike had to match the owner’s personality not just look good in the garage.
Frame Wizardry and Engineering Genius
The real Pegasus magic happened when Nihira tore the bike down to the bones. All of a sudden that handsome trellis frame, typically obscured beneath chunky bodywork, found itself front and center of the big spring style show. But then something intriguing happened: he didn’t work around the frame, he worked with it.
Unlike most bikes, the custom fuel tank isn’t perched on top of the frame. Instead its actually nested in the trellis frame and does something from the graphics that looks stunningly beautiful with metal and curves dancing together in perfect co-ordination all over. The main tank widens towards the top and flows down, blending into the frame seamlessly, almost as though it were always there.
But that’s not all. Nihira also placed a second fuel shell under the main backbone, and had it painted black so it would go unnoticed. This wasn’t just for show however; it contains the fuel pump and goes a long way to making sure the bike carries enough gas for the real world.
Bodywork That Tells a Story
Every curve, line, element is hand constructed on this cafe racer. The fuel tank retains the stock fuel cap, but comes with a raised center strip reminiscent of the stock fuel tanks. This meticulous attention to detail is seamlessly carried through on the build from the custom tail cowl up through the perfect centered handmade seat.
The complete subframe was rebuilt, and this is where Nihira’s affinity for geometry really shines. The rear half of the frame is a mirror to the front, giving the bike these aesthetically-pleasing parallel lines for your eye to trace from the steering neck all the way to the swingarm. Even the triangular electronics tray at the rear clings to the bike’s angular theme with an offset rear shock.
Performance Meets Style
It’s not just a pretty face though. The 17-inch Rotobox carbon fibre wheels aren’t just eye candy; they’re paired with high-performance Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 rubber. The client wanted a bike he could actually ride, not just something to sit in the garage.
The brakes got an upgrade too, with high-spec billet Brembo calipers replacing the stock items. The Öhlins suspension was already top-notch, but Nihira gave it a visual makeover with black anodised fork uppers, titanium-coated lowers and a black powder-coated rear spring to match the overall look.
Clever Solutions and Attention to Detail
One of the trickiest parts of the build was the Scrambler’s electronics. The bike won’t run without its big dashboard, but Nihira wanted to use a tiny Motogadget speedo instead. His solution? Strip down the original dash, keep only the essential modules and hide them under the seat. That’s the kind of problem-solving that separates the great from the good.
The cockpit cleanup included moving the ignition barrel and fitting clip-on handlebars for that classic café racer riding position. A Highsider LED headlight provides modern lighting while keeping the retro look.
The Finishing Touches
Nihira did the paint himself, choosing a beautiful teal with subtle pinstripes that match the frame perfectly. The exhaust system features elegant headers flowing into a heavily modified Leo Vince muffler that sounds as good as it looks.
Specifications Table
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base Model | 2022 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro |
| Engine | 1079cc L-twin, air-cooled |
| Wheels | 17″ Rotobox carbon fiber |
| Tires | Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 |
| Brakes | Upgraded Brembo billet calipers |
| Suspension | Öhlins (custom finished) |
| Headlight | Highsider LED unit |
| Instrumentation | Motogadget mini speedo |
| Exhaust | Modified Leo Vince system |
| Paint | Custom teal with pinstripes |
Why This Build Matters
This is what the Scrambler 1100 could have been with better marketing and positioning. Ducati has discontinued the model due to emissions regulations but builds like this prove there’s still life in the platform. It’s not about the latest technology or mind-blowing horsepower; it’s about creating something that speaks to the rider’s soul while delivering real performance.
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FAQs About the Custom Ducati Café Racer
How long did this custom take?
Timeframes weren’t specified but builds of this complexity take several months especially with the level of custom fabrication involved.
Is the bike rideable for daily use?
Yes. The client wanted a café racer he could actually ride and enjoy not just a showpiece. The performance upgrades make it more capable than the original.
What makes this different from other Scrambler customs?
The fuel tank design that works within the frame structure not around it and the attention to geometric harmony throughout the build.
Can similar modifications be done to other Scrambler models?
While the techniques could be adapted this specific approach was tailored to the Scrambler 1100 trellis frame. Other models would require different solutions.
Final Thoughts
What Takashi Nihira has created here isn’t just another custom motorcycle; it’s a statement about what’s possible when you look beyond a bike’s original limitations. The Ducati Scrambler 1100 might be going out of production but thanks to builders like this it’s found new life as the base for something truly special.
This café racer is a perfect example of inspiration coming from seeing potential where others see problems. It also provides a refresher that great motorcycles aren’t always great when they’re born, they need an occasional nudge in the right direction regardless of their age, to fulfill their potential.
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