The word ‘iconic’ gets thrown around a lot, but only a handful motorcycles truly deserve the title. We doubt that anyone would argue against bestowing it upon the mighty Ducati Monster though. Miguel Angel Galluzzi’s early-90s design still holds up today, and even modern Monsters haven’t strayed too far from the formula.
This is a first generation Monster 900 that’s been given a tasteful makeover by the crew at Austria’s NCT Motorcycles. And it’s a real sleeper too, with a set of subtle cosmetic tweaks that belie just how rowdy it is.
The 1994-model Monster was already slightly hot-rodded when it arrived at NCT’s workshop. The owner had previously had the motor rebuilt to a displacement of 940 cc, upgraded the carbs and replaced the exhaust. So NCT took things a step further, by upgrading the clutch springs and adding an open Rizoma basket.
Next, the exhaust system was modified to run a pair of Shark mufflers, originally designed for the newer Monster. “The sound is very reasonable,” says shop boss, David Widmann, “if you use the ‘dB killers’.”
NCT Motorcycles sorted out the Monster’s running gear, too—starting with the front forks and brakes from a Ducati 916. The team had to install new yokes to match up the forks, but the OEM front wheel interfaced with the 916 setup with minimal fuss.
The rear shock was swapped for an Öhlins unit, with a blue Wilbers spring subbed in for aesthetic reasons.
There’s only really one major change to the Monster’s lines, and it’s in the form of a new seat and tail unit. NCT collaborated with Blaž Šuštaršič at ER Motorcycles in Slovenia, who shaped up the metal tail hump. The subframe’s been cut-and-shut to match the new part, and the seat’s been upholstered in a style inspired by the Lamborghini Urus SUV.
A Rizoma fender rounds out the bodywork package, mounted on custom-made brackets.
Up in the cockpit you’ll find clip-ons with Motogadget bar-end turn signals and mirrors, Brembo hydraulic controls with neat Rizoma reservoirs, and a T&T speedo. NCT also installed new rear sets, and built a license plate bracket that also holds a pair of taillight/turn signal combo LEDs.
The bike’s been rewired too—but still uses the original 90s Ducati switches. “We wanted to keep the retro look,” explains David. “And I have to say, these Ducati switches from 1994 are more beautiful than some of the newer ones.”
NCT’s client requested the black paint job and blue highlights, skillfully laid down by NCT’s painter, Michael. The guys stripped the bike down for powder coating too, with the frame, wheels and a host of smaller parts now finished in black.
That small ‘997’ motif on the side of the tailpiece doesn’t refer to this bike, though. The owner has a Porsche 997 4S in the garage too, so it’s a reference to that.
The result is one of the most well judged Monster customs we’ve seen. By combining the Monster’s trademark silhouette, trellis frame and air-cooled motor with modern performance upgrades, NCT Motorcycles have created a slick custom Ducati that’s in no danger of dating.
NCT Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Peter Pegam
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