Babe Blue: Ducati 800 SCR Cafe Racer

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

The Ducati Scrambler has become one of the most popular modern platforms for customization. Available in 400, 800, and 1100 versions, the V-twin Scrambler is a revival of the brand’s classic Scrambler series of dual-sport singles, built from 1962-1974. The modern-day incarnation is a more street-centric machine, not really built for heavy off-road use, though Cycle World says the bike is up to light off-tarmac excursions:

“Tackling fire roads and mild single-track is well within the Scrambler role.”

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Enter Antônio Victor (Duc), a Brazilian architect and motorcycle enthusiast who had an entirely different vision for his Scrambler, which began life as a yellow 2017 Ducati Icon model:

“The idea from the beginning was to have a unique bike, with its own style, ready for everyday life and also to perform well on the track.”

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Enlisting the help of his friend Sebastián Rochón of São Paulo’s S-R Corse Meccanica workshop, they set out to transform the bright yellow Duc into a track-ready machine — and update the aesthetics at the same time. The bike was given a new subframe with built-in LED lighting, and the tail incorporates number plates and the original mounting points, so it can swapped for a two-up saddle at any time. The suspension was reworked for track use, the shift pattern inverted to the GP style Antônio prefers, and the brakes given DOT5 fluid to prevent fading. They also swapped out the original mags for a set of spoked wheels, re-lacing them to 17-inch hoops for better tire choices.

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

The most striking aspect of “Babe Blue” has to be the paint scheme. Antônio wanted to stay with Italian colors, choosing Bugatti Veyron Blue, complemented by a darker blue, and a metallic gray color specially developed at House Of Kolor.

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Below, we get the full details on the project, as well as more stunning shots from photographer André Santos (@andresantosfotografia).

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer: Owner Interview

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Hello, I would like to present this Ducati 800 SCR CR project, “Babe Blue.” The base is a yellow 2017 Ducati Icon Scrambler.

I am an architect and I have always used motorcycles for work and to have fun. This project was designed and commissioned by me, but many contributions during its development by my friend Sebastián Rochón, from the S R Corse Meccanica workshop, where the motorcycle was made.  The bike was completely disassembled, in order to receive the desired changes and then reassembled again.

The idea from the beginning was to have a unique bike, with its own style, ready for everyday life and also to perform well on the track.

Modifications:

The chassis was modified in the rear section, receiving a tube subframe of the same cross-section as the original chassis, and the LED light set was built in.

In addition, we added a side support made especially to receive the key ring of the motorcycle.

The finish was redone with a metallic gray color specially developed at House Of Kolor. The rear swing-arm was also completely disassembled, receiving the same finish and color as the chassis.

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

The engine covers were removed to receive a special glossy black paint. The belt covers of the desmodromic system were removed leaving the entire system exposed.

The shift gear pattern was inverted, as it is on competition bikes — a setup that I am used to and I do on all my bikes, because I prefer it.

Exhaust:  An original Ducati accessory was used, specially developed by Termignoni. It was also personalized to match the new colors of the bike.

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Suspension: The rear shock absorber was completely disassembled and received a new color and spring, compatible for racing on the track. The front was internally recalibrated with an oil change for better performance on the track, making the bike a little stiffer.

Brakes just underwent a new adjustment and started using DOT5 fluid to improve performance, reducing the possibility of fatigue due to overheating.

Wheels: The original alloy wheels have been replaced with a spoked set from the Classic version. But they were modified from 18 to 17 inches, requiring us to rework the holes that present the spokes, in order to adapt to the new mounting angle.

Tires: With the modifications to 17″ wheels complete, we mounted a set of Pirelli Super Corsa SC tires — better adapted to the track.

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Handlebars: The originals gave way to a handmade, flat, making the riding position more sporty, but still maintaining a level of comfort, allowing its use in day to day, and on long trips.

Cockpit: The original support that positions the speedometer on its side has been redone, eliminating the support for the key cylinder, and centralizing the instruments.

The ignition key was repositioned, placed on the side of the motorcycle between the two engine cylinders.

Headlight:  The original set was replaced by a full LED, where the night light is a single horizontal bar. To mount the new headlamp, an exclusive aluminum bracket was manufactured, and a personalized ring printed in 3D, with a design inspired by the original Scrambler headlamp.

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Signal lights:  The front ones became part of the fixed weight on the handlebar tip, and the rear ones are part of the LED lighting built into the chassis.

As for the front mudguard, it was replaced with a Ducati Monster 796 fender.

The fuel tank remained the original, but where the mounting holes were hidden where they used to be covered by the Ducati logo.

The tail was specially designed in a solo seat format, with side number plates, and built to fit perfectly to the original mounting points of the bike, allowing it to be exchanged for a two-seat setup whenever you want.

Colors were chosen especially with the desire to have genuine Italian roots, but that are not obvious Ducati strokes. The main color, Bugatti Veyron Blue, was chosen, complemented by a darker blue, making the tank and tail line, and a silver band crossing the fuel tank diagonally, creating a line parallel to the front suspension.

Today the bike, in addition to a distinctive and flashy look, has better performance for a more sporty ride, making for a very fun toy.

Follow the Builders

Project:
Antonio Victor (Duc)
Instagram: @victor_marinho_duc_4

Sebastián Rochón
Instagram: @ururacing

Workshop:
S-R CORSE MECCANICA
Instagram @s_r_corse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/srcorse

Photos:
André Santos
Instagram @andresantosfotografia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ANDROPHOTO/

6 Comments

  1. Looks very good.

  2. You have done a magnificent job. I would hire you anytime to do a custom project for me. Top class workmanship. The only thing I would not do, under any circumstances, is give you a Ducati Scrambler. This is a question I will lie awake thinking about: “Why a Ducati Scrambler?”

  3. Miguel Sousa

    Fantastico, está linda. Os meus parabéns a toda a equipa envolvida. Brutal.

  4. Without doubt a great looking bike.
    But how can you describe it as a “Cafe Racer”? It’s got flat bars for f#cks sake. A Cafe racer has dropped clipons.
    In my mind that’s a great looking street fighter.

  5. Awesome … Amazing bike…. want one

  6. Philip Scott Lader

    Fahr mit herz und verstand. Now I’d love to build MY version of your inspiration.

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