Re-designing motorcycles is one of the projects the BCR Team look
forward to. The planning process, the creativity involved and the grind
of creating something from an owner’s vision energize the entire BCR
Team. It’s that creative energy that make us come to the doors of the
BCR shop every day with enthusiasm and zest for what we do.
We
have been recently commissioned to upgrade a beginner adventure bike, a
2013 Ducati Hyperstrada, into something more aggressive, but lighter
with similar riding position, a bike that will be ridden regularly in
canyon style road courses and city rides.
The bike owner is an
avid rider and got tired of the stock look of the Hyperstrada. An
upgrade in performance is the key to re-designing this bike.
The look of the bike is an important aspect of the design. The owner wants subtle, understated beauty but still stands out, one of a kind – something bystanders will shake their head in amazement because they wouldn’t recognize the bike and be totally surprised to learn that it is a Hyperstrada.
The build begins with the subframe
When we got the bike, it was completely stock except for the exhaust and a couple of bolt small parts. In any build, we start by removing the body panels and leave the bike to a rolling chassis. Once we have the bike to its bare bones, we usually start designing the tank. However, with this project, we had to start with the subframe. The subframe would be the guide to make the bottom of the tank line up with the bottom of the seat. We used stainless steel to make the sub frame so we could leave it raw and unpainted. To tuck the bike’s electronics, ABS pump, and battery, we made a box out of aluminum and tucked it inside the subframe.
When we got the bike, it was completely stock except for the exhaust and a couple of bolt small parts. In any build, we start by removing the body panels and leave the bike to a rolling chassis. Once we have the bike to its bare bones, we usually start designing the tank. However, with this project, we had to start with the subframe. The subframe would be the guide to make the bottom of the tank line up with the bottom of the seat. We used stainless steel to make the sub frame so we could leave it raw and unpainted. To tuck the bike’s electronics, ABS pump, and battery, we made a box out of aluminum and tucked it inside the subframe.
Making the tank: the center piece of any custom bike build
We love this part of the process because we get to create something magical.
After the subframe’s done, we started making the tank. For us, the tank is the center piece of any custom bike build. The gas tank dictates the overall look and attitude of the bike. The gas tank definitely defines the bike.
We love this part of the process because we get to create something magical.
After the subframe’s done, we started making the tank. For us, the tank is the center piece of any custom bike build. The gas tank dictates the overall look and attitude of the bike. The gas tank definitely defines the bike.
Since what we had in mind for the bike was more of a
modern look, we designed the tank to have a more angular stealthy look
to it so that it would blend nicely with the stock trellis frame. We
constructed it from aluminum and used a modern keyless gas cap. We also
added an air intake vent on the throttle side of the bike so that the
bike could suck air freely. We usually leave the tank bare aluminum, but
since the bike will be used a lot, we designed the tank to have a low
maintenance exterior finish. We painted the tank matte black, but with
our signature gloss-black with gold pinstripe highlight.
To
blend with the shape of the tank, we designed the seat angular as well,
with scallop shape graphics on the side, but made it out of Carbon
Fiber. To match the modern Carbon Fiber material, we used black
Alcantara material for the seat and use gold stitch to match the gold
highlight on the painted scallop graphics that were on the tank and
seat. Since we couldn’t find an aftermarket tail light to match the low
profile stealthy seat, we decided to make the tail light out of metal
framing with LED bulbs.
This bike was ready to party in style!
This bike was ready to party in style!
Designing the Eyes of the Bike
The first thing you see when the bike pulls in is the front of the bike. Therefore, for this build we decided to do something different. We shaped the number fairing flat but with angular cuts to match the overall body panels off the bike, and decided for a more oval LED headlight and off center the position more to the left side. The front fender hugs the front wheel with a muscular Beffy Fender bracket.
The first thing you see when the bike pulls in is the front of the bike. Therefore, for this build we decided to do something different. We shaped the number fairing flat but with angular cuts to match the overall body panels off the bike, and decided for a more oval LED headlight and off center the position more to the left side. The front fender hugs the front wheel with a muscular Beffy Fender bracket.
Making the Exhaust
Just like any bike builds we do, we wanted the exhaust for this bike to be different. We decided to do segmented headers, and staggered the position of the glass packed mufflers. For the fuel system of the bike to adjust with the exhaust set up we made, we installed a power commander PCV system.
Designing our own Pegs and Foot Controls
Since this was a full ground up build, we didn’t want to just use the stock pegs and foot controls. We wanted to use something that we created, so we made our own bear trap style foot pegs, and foot controls with gusstes with speed-holes out of stainless and machined aluminum knurled ends.
Designing the Suspension custom-fit to the owner’s riding style
The stock Hyperstrade suspension had very limited adjustment capabilities. The front is standard USD set up without adjustments, and the back only had compression and preload height adjustments. The shocks were set up for simple ride around highways and simple rough roads. However, for this bike, the owner wanted more. He wanted to have the suspension custom-fit to his riding style. He wanted something to ride around twisty canyons with ease, and also have it set up for weekend race track. We set up the suspension with MUPO Race Suspension rear shock and front fork cartridges with variable adjustments.
Just like any bike builds we do, we wanted the exhaust for this bike to be different. We decided to do segmented headers, and staggered the position of the glass packed mufflers. For the fuel system of the bike to adjust with the exhaust set up we made, we installed a power commander PCV system.
Designing our own Pegs and Foot Controls
Since this was a full ground up build, we didn’t want to just use the stock pegs and foot controls. We wanted to use something that we created, so we made our own bear trap style foot pegs, and foot controls with gusstes with speed-holes out of stainless and machined aluminum knurled ends.
Designing the Suspension custom-fit to the owner’s riding style
The stock Hyperstrade suspension had very limited adjustment capabilities. The front is standard USD set up without adjustments, and the back only had compression and preload height adjustments. The shocks were set up for simple ride around highways and simple rough roads. However, for this bike, the owner wanted more. He wanted to have the suspension custom-fit to his riding style. He wanted something to ride around twisty canyons with ease, and also have it set up for weekend race track. We set up the suspension with MUPO Race Suspension rear shock and front fork cartridges with variable adjustments.
Putting the Bike on a Diet
Before we started on this build, the owner requested to put the bike on a diet. So other than removing the over engineered stock brackets, subframe and stock aluminum wheels, we put in Carbon Fiber wheels by BST. The weight savings is more than half, and the raw CF look will look nice on the bike.
Before we started on this build, the owner requested to put the bike on a diet. So other than removing the over engineered stock brackets, subframe and stock aluminum wheels, we put in Carbon Fiber wheels by BST. The weight savings is more than half, and the raw CF look will look nice on the bike.
Seeing the finish design
Transforming this bike was a lot of fun. This was one of our dream build. In re-designing this bike, we were given creative freedom: we were able to design it based on our imagination and team effort, and we were able to use race spec parts and modifications. The bike had a beautiful and positive transformation - a totally unique look, an aggressive sound, and race performance upgrades.
Transforming this bike was a lot of fun. This was one of our dream build. In re-designing this bike, we were given creative freedom: we were able to design it based on our imagination and team effort, and we were able to use race spec parts and modifications. The bike had a beautiful and positive transformation - a totally unique look, an aggressive sound, and race performance upgrades.
Photos by: Ben Blacksheepmanila Chan www.blacksheepmanila.com and Dante Dizon www.13luckymonkey.com
