This Ducati ST2 build is the epitome of a professional job as it boasts a lot of character and the builder seems to have paid attention to every little detail, opting to spend time, energy, and money on minute details such as aftermarket brake reservoirs and narrow full brass piping that houses the various lines running around the bike, coiling around the left fork and running ago the frame before sweeping under the bike. This particular Ducati custom is from a ’97 ST2 944, and on top of a seriously extensive cosmetic transformation, this example also saw its powerplant undergo some some upgrades to improve the custom Ducati’s performance.
The handmade geometric tank and tail sections are the first elements to catch your eyes upon seeing this scoot. The tank’s sharp lines are made up of a collection of acute angles that create a shape to accommodate its rider’s knees while remaining uniform with the rest of the frame. Like the tank, the one-off creation of a rear-cowl consists of an accumulation of triangles, as is the leather saddle that boasts asymmetrical triangular stitching in a contrasting shade of gold that matches the frame and (stock ST2) rims on this build. This same leather and stitching is also found on the front section of the tank where a toggle switch is found to start the bike.
The steel tube trellis frame on this machine was chopped and given a new subframe before being powdercoated along with the rims. The engine on this example – which had 30,000 miles on it before the build – was fully serviced, given new timing belts, had its valve shims adjusted, was given a new clutch and then got a full remap by CJS Racing (Bristol-based Ducati specialists) that results in the 950cc twin making the stock 83hp with an extra 10 ft-lbs of torque at 72ft-lbs at 6,500rpm. A one-off stainless double-pipe exhaust system runs along the left side of the bike and pokes out from under the swing arm, while – according to the seller – generating a very loud sound.
The suspension on this build was recently fully serviced before being fitted with Hyperpro springs. The ST2 boasts a complete custom wiring harness using various Motogadget components including an M-lock, M-relay+, M-blaze Pin indicators, Motone handlebar switches, and Shorai lithium battery. A trick Motoscope Mini speedo with Combi Frame sit atop the Ducati’s triple clamp, granted I feel they should have opted for a clamp with the speedo sunken into it. Contrasting the gold powder-coating is a professionally sprayed coat of Rolls Royce Garnet Red, courtesy of Autoclassics in Milton Keynes, UK, and gorgeous one-off golden Ducati tank-badges match the acute angle of the part of the tank they’re mounted to. It’s a small touch but it’s a damn fine one that is thanks to the talented folks at Reynolds Engineering, also in Milton Keynes.
A custom larger radiator up front partially wraps around the forks, while a brand new set of Maxxis Supermaxx Sport hint to the bike’s intended purpose. Exposed mechanical working and an exposed clutch cover all help show off the muscular looking twin sitting beneath the hand-made frame. Hand-wrapped red-leather grips adorn the aftermarket clip-ons. This build strangely sports passenger pegs, which is a little confusing because the poor excuse for a passenger pillion looks none too accommodating, granted an allen key and two minutes is all it would take to change this.
The admittedly talented builder behind this bike is Marlon Motorcycles. Based in Buckinghamshire, Marlon is a one-man operation. The custom motorcycle builder, in his words: “likes to transform regular vintage bikes into original, bespoke customs. Whether it’s a bobber, track bike, scrambler or café racer, my aim is to build something unusual and original, with an attention to detail and a very high quality finish.” Though I personally think Marlon’s latest work is his best, the shop is responsible for a handful of other pretty solid builds that can be seen on the shop’s website. To even begin to fully appreciate this beautiful build, you really do need to check out a decent number of photos of it as it sports all kinds of impressive details that are revealed up close. I highly recommend giving this bike a few minutes of your time.
You can find this custom 1997 Ducati ST2 944 for sale here on theBikeShed in Milton Keynes, UK with a price of $16,925 (or £13000), however Marlon refers to the near-$17K as a “guide price”, saying he’s “open to offers”.