The Ducati Monster is a legendary motorcycle that played a crucial role in saving the Italian brand in the 90s. One of its key features is its minimalist brawler aesthetic, but another factor that contributed to its success was the fact that Ducati offered the Monster in various engine sizes and price points. This made it accessible to a wide range of riders.
Back in 1994, if you couldn’t afford the M900, you could still get the Ducati Monster 600. It looked just as cool, cost less, and delivered adequate power. Fast forward to today, and the Monster has evolved into a completely different beast, even shedding its trademark trellis frame. However, the appeal of the mid-90s Monster remains intact, as exemplified by this custom Ducati Monster 600 from Bunker Custom Cycles in Turkey.
The customized 1998-model Monster 600 belongs to Turkish actor Kadir Doğulu, who went through great lengths to obtain it. The bike was one of four imported to Turkey in the late 90s as show bikes for a local 4×4 event. Kadir stumbled upon it gathering dust in a parking garage and spent ten years convincing the owner to sell it to him. By the time he acquired it, the Monster 600 was in desperate need of restoration.
Kadir enlisted the help of Bunker Custom Cycles, specifically the Uzer brothers, Mert and Can, to revive the bike. His requirements were for a reliable bike with maximum performance and improved braking. He also wanted a single-seater with a detachable secondary seat. Additionally, removing the rust that had accumulated on the bike was a priority.
Bunker stripped the Monster down completely and began refurbishing it. The frame, engine casings, and smaller oxidized parts were sandblasted, refurbished, and powder-coated. However, the original fuel tank was beyond saving due to the rust. Bunker fabricated a steel fuel cell that could hold the same amount of fuel as the stock tank and designed an aluminum cover to go over it. While the new tank deviated from the classic Monster style, it blended seamlessly with the trellis frame.
Furthermore, the Uzer brothers reconfigured the space beneath the tank to accommodate a pair of massive K&N pod filters and a small Lithium-ion battery. These modifications were made to match the stage four tuning kit from Dynojet, which enhanced the performance of the Monster’s 583 cc L-twin engine. They also installed a two-into-one exhaust system with a Cone Engineering muffler to give the bike a better sound.
Many of the original features of the Monster 600 were retained for nostalgia’s sake, such as the headlight and speedometer. The three-spoke wheels were also kept, but new Anlas Capra RD tires were fitted. The Brembo brakes were refurbished and upgraded with fresh Galfer discs. Towards the rear of the bike, the subframe was modified to accommodate a two-up seat design. The removable pillion pad fits into frame rail channels hidden beneath the bobbed rider’s seat, giving the bike a sleek appearance. The rear of the bike features a custom-made wheel hugger that integrates the license plate and Rizoma three-in-one LEDs for increased visibility. A modern front fender was designed to complement the new fuel tank.
The livery of this custom Ducati Monster 600 is simple yet striking. The warm grey foundation is accentuated by hints of yellow, with vintage Ducati logos adorning the tank. The seat is finished with brown Alcantara, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design.
This custom Ducati Monster 600 demonstrates how a neglected 90s beginner bike can be transformed into something extraordinary. It serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of Bunker Custom Cycles. Perhaps, if Ducati were to bring back an entry-level Monster with a trellis frame, it could capture the imagination of riders once again.