DUCATI SCRAMBLER 1100
The latest custom project by Gasoline Motor Co. involves a Ducati Scrambler 1100, modified to a minimal modern street racer, with a mysterious shady paint finish.
With Gasoline Motor Co. customs, the serious fabrication work is never done to be outlandish or even noticeable at all. Attention is spent on perfecting the detail on the OEM machine a 2020-year model Ducati Scrambler 1100 – the rear tail and seat unit was completely fabricated from scratch to house a super slim aluminium seat pan with a flexible foam and rubberised upholstery seat which can be removed to refit the original bench seat so carrying a pillion is still absolutely an option. Although slim, the seat is a super comfy, and the length of the seat pan was considered to suit the height of the owner. CNC Racing rear sets were blacked out to keep it looking racer but clean.
The twin performance exhaust completely disappears under the seat base, Inspired by the Ducati 2003, 999R – it’s hand made from a 2” stainless steel tube, tightly fabricated to be tucked away but still pump out a startling performance tone (and in some cases the odd blue flame). Often the star of many builds, the exhaust was completely hidden in this case. A strong point of difference that keeps your mind wandering when you initially see the bike. It’s like, wait, where is the exhaust?! It also keeps the vicious persona of the bike a secret until it motors past you in the street.
The headlight shroud was fabricated to fit snugly around the headlight, integrated with Kellermann Atto Indicators which basically disappear unless they are used. The fairing, although small, is intricately laced with detail and colours that it commands a careful inspection. It sets a precedent against the hundreds of 2-dimension retro colour block paint schemes we’ve seen and not remembered.
Across the entire bodywork the paint job is intricate, layered in depth of colour, angles and texture – at times it appears chaotic, but the overall theme is fluid and reminiscent of an angry night sky. The lines add an aggressive sports bike sensibility to an otherwise retro styled machine. Satin, gloss, matte, glitter, metallic, gradients and patterns – it’s an infuriating mix that is somehow pleasant on the eyes.
The numberplate bracket is always a healthy challenge; how do we go about making the insanely obtrusive plate look less offensive? Johnny Japan Kansai Fabrication + rear wheel floating bracket does the trick without disrupting the clean lines of the tail frame. The handlebars are an easy slung scrambler bar, being very comfortable but still kept discreet and low with awesome Motogadget glassless mirrors. Why Ducati decided it was okay to place the OEM speedo off-centre is a question that keeps us up at night, but not anymore, as Gasoline has relocated it to be centred to the triple clamp and risers. It seems obvious but it’s these little, labour-intensive alterations that make all the difference.
