The SuperSport class of motorcycles in 2023 is all but dead, and for those who owned the race-inspired 600cc machines of the last forty years, that is a huge shame. Bikes like the Kawasaki ZX6R and fellow Japanese offerings like the CBR600RR and R6 gave riders an affordable and reliable bike they could use in everyday traffic and then take to the track and be ultra-competitive. The World Championship was a big deal and sales were strong for a generation, but emissions laws sadly killed the cat. So just a few days after we featured a Pantah, one of the OG’s of the class, we are blessed with one of the finest bikes the class ever produced. But this is no ordinary Ducati 749, having entered the mad science lair of France’s Jerem Motorcycles, it’s emerged as a unique and stunning example of a true modern classic.
Following the launch of the Pantah and its range which first came to market in 1980, ownership issues meant that it would be many years before the Bologna-based company had a decent supersport follow-up. Some would argue that 748 was the next to hit the mark, but it was the poor little brother of the utterly beautiful and brilliant performing 916, without any advantages. The 749, however, based around the 999, both designed by Pierre Terblanche, offered an attractive alternative to the litre bike. Sure it wasn’t as brutally quick, but it had all of the high-end tech, with an engine that revved higher, in a lighter package and that handled like it was on rails.
So, the 20-year wait had more than been worth it and super-talented builder Jérémie Duchamp – who has a penchant for the Ducati brand – knew he could create something special from a previously discarded and unloved example. With no real bodywork to speak of on the donor, it made sense to create a more naked example, but the first thing to catch your eye is that chassis. Having taken the trellis frame back to its barebones, it was de-tabbed of all the mounting points for fairings and then Jérémie set about building his own subframe to create the support he would need for the seat and tail he had in mind.
With this done, the entire frame and all of his new work was dipped to remove any impurities, chromed and then finished in epoxy to ensure that it would glisten and gleam for many years to come without the need for regular polishing. That beautiful WSS-inspired swingarm was given the same treatment but finished in black for contrast. Time to get things rolling and going for a different look meant a change to the wheels, but not just switching to another set of mags. Instead, a pair of Sport Classic rims and spokes were sourced and polished to the blazers, before the hubs were modified to accept the change.
It’s a super cool look, but one that set off a series of necessary changes to make everything work together. The front forks were completely refurbished and rebuilt internally to provide slick handling, while the lower legs were switched so that the Ohlins internals had the R models’ ability for adjustment and the mounting point for the brake package. This is of course the full suite of Brembo products that now has all-new custom hoses throughout.
The rear shock is an Ohlins fully adjustable item too, but like the front end has been rebuilt to suit the repurposed machine. With modified rear sets, a pair of high-end Brembo masters and all-new clip-ons, the rider is ready to take full control.
But it’s the looks that really make the big statement, Jérémie has long had the ability to apply a classic cafe racer tail to any manner of modern bikes, and the look works just as well on the 749. To provide for a clean finish, the handmade fibreglass piece with brilliant leather work has small round LEDs used for both the brake lights and indicators, with a small amount of the hooped frame allowed to peek through.
The front section of the tail neatly slots into the side of the distinctive factory fuel tank, which has been panel beaten perfectly. Next Jérémie had the task of coming up with a bikini fairing that would fit the theme, and he’s absolutely nailed it.
The lines form the perfect mix of old and new, to match the rest of the body, while still standing out as a defining feature. It’s been fitted out amazingly well too, from the custom mini double-bubble tinted screen to that unique pear-shaped cut-out for the LED headlight and then those slick winglet mirrors. These are of course inspired by the carbon units fitted to the modern Panigale, and it was from that machine that the red hue was chosen.
The red and chrome look is splashed across the bike, from the graphics on the tank and tail to a host of functional parts that feature the mirror finish, matched to red anodised parts. The Meccano-like number plate holder is all polished up and just adds to the sense of fun.
Of course, the engine couldn’t be left out, and the looks are taken care of by hours of elbow grease to get things to a sparkling polished appearance. A clear clutch cover with a red pressure plate lets the dry assembly sing, and clear belt covers make for a consistent vibe. The cooling hoses have all been replaced with red pieces and to match the GB Racing protection, Jérémie made a host of his own covers to conceal the parts of the engine he didn’t want to show off.
To complete it all, he then fired up the welder and crafted a beautiful exhaust system, which was finished in a heatproof paint and deliberately blends into the bike, rather than going for more chrome. That restraint is part of what makes this naked 749 so sensational, it’s wild where you want it to be and yet a brilliant thing to ride; love live the SuperSport.
