Desert DR-Z: Aluminum-framed 400 from Giorgio de Angelis and Marco Graziani…
La Ruta del Nabab is an annual desert rally that stretches across 1000+ kilometers of Moroccan Sahara. In many ways, the La Ruta is an antithesis to the highly corporate environment of modern professional racing. It harks back to an earlier, more romantic era of desert adventure. On La Ruta, landscape and camaraderie are more important than speed or position.
“We have given our motorcycles their own names. We prefer leather and metal, we don’t really appreciate modern plastics. Our bikes are beautifully decorated by artists and artisans… We don’t spoil the breathtaking landscapes we cross as we travel light, carrying the ethos of style & aesthetics rather than nostalgia and last, but not least, friendship is paramount. No one is left alone in a dune or on a trail. The group exists to assist and share the beauty and mysticism of the Sahara, the dunes, mountains and emotional night skies… Lose your mind, find your soul!“
One of the most active participants of LRDN is our old friend Giorgio de Angelis of Rome’s De Angelis Elaborazioni. We’ve featured several bikes he’s built for the ride, alongside his other custom builds. Last year it was his Honda CRF450 “La Bambina,” hand-painted by his four-year-old daughter.
Now he’s back with this amazing Suzuki DR-Z400 “Sirocco,” named after the legendary desert wind of the Saharan that can reach hurricane speeds. Interestingly, this is no normal DR-Z. Years ago, Marco Graziani of CC-Racing Garage developed an all-aluminum frame for the DR-Z, designed for lighter weight and better handling than the OEM twin-spar steel frame. However, lack of time meant the project was abandoned…until now.
Giorgio, working closely with Marco of CC-Racing, has resurrected this project, creating a desert-ready machine perfect for the 2025 running of La Ruta del Nabab. Below, Giorgio gives us the full rundown of the build, with photos courtesy of Giovanni De Angelis (@giovannideangelis1).
Suzuki DR-Z400 “SIROCCO” — In the Builder’s Words…
I present SIROCCO, a 2006 Suzuki DR-Z400 transformed into a desert special — a unique machine designed to tackle the most extreme challenges. Its name is inspired by the warm, impetuous wind of the Sahara, symbolizing strength, endurance, and an adventurous spirit.
This motorcycle was born from a project by Marco Graziani of CC-Racing, who, years ago, developed an entirely aluminum frame designed to reduce weight and improve handling. However, due to lack of time, the project was abandoned, leaving this incredible bike incomplete.
After extensive research and inquiries, I managed to recover it and breathe new life into it, restoring it both mechanically and in terms of its cycle components.
SIROCCO has been customized and prepared for La Ruta del Nabab, an extreme event held in the Moroccan desert and other rugged locations, where only the most robust and high-performance vehicles can withstand the harsh conditions of sand, rocks, and extreme temperatures.
Restoration and Customization: A Masterpiece of Engineering and Design
Every component of the bike has been improved and optimized to conquer the desert. The engine has been completely overhauled and enhanced, with particular attention paid to the cooling system and transmission, ensuring reliability and consistent performance even under the most challenging conditions.
On the cycle side, SIROCCO has undergone significant enhancements:
• Aluminum steering plates carved from a solid block, which increase rigidity and handling precision.
• A variable-section handlebar designed for greater resilience and comfort.
• Upgraded aluminum radiators to improve cooling and withstand impacts.
• Anti-break protections, essential for navigating rocky and uneven terrains.
• A custom-made titanium exhaust, lightweight, heat-resistant, and delivering an aggressive sound.
The goal was to create a lightweight, resilient, and perfectly balanced motorcycle capable of adapting to the ever-changing desert terrain while providing maximum control to the rider.
A Unique Soul: The Livery of SIROCCO
Aesthetically, SIROCCO is a work of art on two wheels. Its bodywork has been entirely handcrafted in aluminum, maintaining a minimalist yet highly functional design.
To make it even more special, I chose a matte sand color that evokes the desert landscape, giving it an aggressive and distinctive look. The true aesthetic signature, however, was crafted by Miami-based artist Andrew Antonaccio (@2alasofficial), who created a unique graphic design featuring:
- A zebra effect with contrasting touches of green and red for a bold and wild appearance.
- Green wheels, a detail that further accentuates the bike’s rebellious soul.
The result is a motorcycle that breaks the mold, with aesthetics that are as striking as its performance.
Ready for the Desert
Thanks to all these modifications, SIROCCO is now truly ready to face the most extreme challenges. The perfect balance between power, agility, and endurance makes it the ideal weapon to conquer the dunes of the Sahara and the most demanding tracks.
It’s not just a motorcycle, but a one-of-a-kind piece — a blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and passion — ready to make its mark at the next edition of La Ruta del Nabab.
SIROCCO is not just a machine, it’s an experience. A journey filled with adrenaline, dust, and freedom. The desert awaits.
Follow the Builders
Customized by Giorgio de Angelis and Marco Graziani
- @deangelis_gio
- @cc_racing_garage
- La Ruta Del Nabab: Web | Instagram | Facebook
- Artist: @2alasofficial
Photos by: Giovanni De Angelis (@giovannideangelis1)
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