Desmosedici RR-inspired 848 Café Racer…
In 2006, Ducati caused a huge sensation in the motorcycle world with the introduction of the “Desmosedici RR,” a street-legal version of their MotoGP racer. Only 1500 examples were ever produced, and the bike remains one of the most sought-after collector’s motorcycles of the 21st century.
“The terms ‘passion’ and ‘pride’ are often a bit over-used in describing Italy’s relationship with its motor vehicles, but the Desmosedici RR is the perfect example of why those two words really do apply to the people who work at Ducati.” –Cycle World
The Desmosedici RR is the favorite motorcycle of our friend Robin Ludwig (@mr.ludolf) of Germany’s Rind Performance. Robin finished racing his Banshee-inspired BMW R1200R at this year’s Glemseck 101 just in time to unveil his new RR-inspired project, the “Desmospagedici RP” you see here.
Robin previously converted a Ducati 999 into a stripped down, hyper-fast café racer known as the “Muccastretta,” and he loved riding (and looking at) that bike so much he decided another Ducati build was in order. This time, he would use a Ducati 848 as his donor, drawing inspiration from the ultra-rare Desmosedici RR.
The 848 and its larger sibling, the 1098/1198, represented Ducati’s L-twin superbikes from model years 2008-2013, and they were highly successful in both the World Superbike and British Superbike championships. Robin set out to create a bike that would echo the famed Desmosedici RR but with a slightly older, more classic style, as if Ducati had produced an earlier form of the RR.
The bodywork was completely revamped with a GFK front fairing, custom windscreen, 3D-printed air ducts, and a custom-made rear subframe, tail section, and Alcantara seat. The bike is now rolling on Marchesini wheels from a 998, and the suspension and brakes have been upgraded with Öhlins and Brembo hardware.
The exhaust is a homemade 2:1:2 system with GPR mufflers, and the handlebars were lowered for a more aggressive riding position. Other highlights include LED lighting, a low-profile radiator, and classic Ducati lettering on the bodywork, proclaiming the bike’s “Desmospagedici” nickname — a play on Desmosedici (“16-valve Desmo”) that speaks to Robin’s love of spaghetti!
This blood-red cafe racer is a feast for the eyes, and Robin says the ride is just as rapturous:
“You’ll be transported straight to Italy and enjoy your time.”
Below is our full interview with Robin for those who want to get the full details on the build, and you’ll also find a full assortment of Robin’s previous builds to peruse. Don’t hesitate to follow him at @mr.ludolf and @rindperformance to keep abreast of his work.
Ducati 848 Café Racer
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
Ducati 848 from 2007.
• Why was this bike built?
Like all of my motorcycles, I built it for myself. Since the predecessor, the Muccastretta, was so beautiful and easy to ride, I wanted to convert another Ducati. This time the design is technically based on my favorite motorcycle the “Desmosedici RR Rosso.” But I also like older motorcycles and spaghetti so, the slightly “older” DESMOSPAGEDICI RP was created.
• Can you list the custom work done to the bike?
- Homemade rear frame with hump seat
- Brembo M4 brakes
- Öhlins shock absorber
- 998 marchesini wheels
- Lowered handlebars
- Alcantara seat
- Smaller water cooler
- Homemade 2-1-2 exhaust with GPR silencers
- GFK front fairing
- LED lights
- 3D air duct
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride the bike?
It rides very precisely and smoothly. Unfortunately, the sitting position and hand position have become more aggressive so that the design looks better. But I can accept that because you don’t ride for too long with this diva. As soon as you sit up, you’ll be transported straight to Italy and enjoy your time.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
What I really like are the many details that are reflected in the original Desmosedici. It’s these details that cost so much time but ultimately make the difference. For people who aren’t interested in it, it’s an old Ducati, but for people like us, there are a few details that stand out.
Follow the Builder
- Robin Ludwig: @mr.ludolf
- Rind Performance: @rindperformance
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Excellent motorcycle!