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We’ve been spending some time lately kicking tires around the garage and discussing how we wish Radical Ducati never closed their doors. We were talking about how to us, Radical Ducati embodies a modern interpretation of the cafe racer mentality in the 60’s; strip off all the unnecessary bits only leaving on only the go-fast parts. Focus on that and a raw beauty emerges, leaving the motor and all the components fully exposed. Vulnerable even. The difference between Radical Ducati and the Ton Up Boys of yesteryear is that Pepo and Reyes had Ducati superbikes to work with.

This particular build dubbed the Matador Racer is pretty amazing, even for Radical Ducati standards. With the heart of a tuned Ducati 1198 SP engine and tons of custom, lightweight RAD components, this beast truly deserves its given name. The frame, subframe, swingarm and bodywork were all done by Radical Ducati. It’s one thing to be able to take some nice parts and piece together a beautiful and functional build – something that most of us would be very happy to accomplish – but it’s and entirely different story when you can build they way Radical Ducati did.

 

Matador Racer specs:
– RAD 02 Aluminium frame
– RAD 02 Aluminium subframe
– RAD 02 Aluminium swingarm
– RAD 02 ergal triple clamps yokes
– Ohlins front fork
– Brembo calipers
– Discacciati Brake and Clutch radial pump
– Discacciati rotors
– Domino quick open gas throttle
– RAD 02 ergal clip ons
– RAD carbon fiber front mudguard
– RAD carbon fiber rear mudguard
– Discacciati rear brake kit with support, 200mm rear rotor and four piston caliper
– Ohlins rear shock
– RAD 02 Ergal regulable rear height rod
– Rizoma rearsets
– Ducati 1198 SP engine: ported heads, light flywheel, EVR antihooping clutch
– Febur race water radiator
– RAD 02 carbon fiber airbox with Jet Prime air intakes with holders for injectors.
– Super Mario 2 into1 exhaust system
– RAD “tail fish” megaphone
– RAD carbon fiber bellypan
– NGK race spark cables.
– RAD 02 electrical wiring
– Aviacompositi race dash
– Baylistic LIPO battery
– ITX aluminum forged wheels
– RAD 02 aluminum fuel tank
– RAD 02 carbon fiber Corsa Evo solo seat
– RAD front plate number
– Weight: 138 kg (303 lbs)
Photography: Del Perro
Patrick Flynn

Patrick Flynn

Patrick Flynn, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, combines over a decade of OEM motorcycle marketing experience with his passion for custom builds. Since 2008, he has been the driving force behind The Bullitt, a digital platform celebrating the art and culture of motorcycles.