The Ducati SportClassic was an instant smash hit when unveiled at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, quickly earning ‘modern classic’ status and rave reviews. But the bike world was still gripped by the Superbike craze, had Ducati launched them a decade later, amid the retro revival, they would’ve sold far more. On the Gold Coast, Purpose Built Moto has developed a deep appreciation for these prized rides, and the Ducatisti have clearly taken notice. So when Jeff, owner of this 2008 Ducati Sport Classic 1000S, wanted to revive his Italian steed, he knew exactly where to go. Teaming up with PBM’s top dog Tom Gilroy, they dreamed up one hell of a design and the result is a truly stunning custom machine, that honours the original while pushing it to new heights, turning heads and twisting necks everywhere it goes.
“Jeff had seen our previous Ducati custom builds and gotten to know Purpose Built Moto through our YouTube channel and build series. By the time he contacted us to revive his beloved 2008 Ducati Sport Classic 1000S, he already knew the run of our process. We spoke over a few emails, got an idea of the direction he wanted for his build, and understood what was important to him as the rider,” Tom explains. Jeff has owned the bike for a long time and has a serious collection, he’s a man with a deep appreciation for all types of motorcycles and understands how a good one needs to be built. And this is exactly why he chose PBM, not only are they an incredibly talented team, they have the runs on the board with the modern-classic Ducati and they can innovate like few others in the field.
To kick things off, the guys had to repair that iconic front fairing, it had been previously modified and was starting to crack. So, an all-new fairing was acquired for the task and the upgraded mounts ensure it’s going nowhere! “Next up, I measured the wheels and got in touch with our mates in Milan at Jonich Wheels. Fabio and his two sons sent over an exciting prototype design that would suit the build perfectly.” The Exagon style uses beefy 10mm spokes in individual groupings to create a unique mix of a modern mag wheel silhouette, with the traditional look of spokes. The gold rims spec’d by Jeff are wrapped up in quality Pirelli rubber, a big 200 series at the rear for a serious set of rolling stock.
“Our next step was fabricating the tail. Following Jeff’s request, I modified the factory tail shape, slightly adjusted the frame, and created a custom tail that looked like a factory upgrade. Hand-shaped in aluminium, the tail refines and elevates the Ducati GT1000 Sport Classic single-seat tail. I shaved the hips of the frame and created a slimmer seat section,” Tom tells us. To further ensure a clean back end, the number plate now sits down over the back tyre, with a neat swingarm-mounted carrier that includes a tiny light. Speaking of lights, PBM’s own Omni lights are then moulded into the tail hoop, with their small size and 3 in 1 functionality making them uber discreet. At the front of the bike, a small front fender has been hand-formed out of aluminium and is beautiful in fit and finish.
But the visuals don’t stop there, this is a true transformer! “Jeff had a request: two trim types for the bike. One would be fully faired with the Paul Smart-style side fairings; the other would be more naked, with a bikini fairing and the engine exposed. With just 20 minutes and a few tools, the look of the bike can be swapped to suit the rider’s mood. I laid out a two-tone design using Ducati red, gloss black, and accenting it with gold leaf pinstriping. This would create an unmissable paint combination that lets the form of the motorcycle speak for itself and compliments the wheel styling of the build.” Justin at Popbang Classics was given the task of bringing it all to life, and as always, his ability to translate a design into a finished painted product is next level.
Another well-known PBM collaborator, Jamason from Timeless Auto Trim, took care of creating a functional and yet visually thrilling seat. Black Alcantara ensures a high-end finish, with leather highlights and a recessed solid brass inlay to bring the design in line with the rest of the build. The good times keep on coming, with another brilliant idea coming in the way of the custom windshield, built especially for the project and tinted in yellow. This matches the PBM 7” Flashpoint LED headlight, which wears a yellow lens and sits on custom mounts. Even the engine gets a dress up, with the whole thing dropped and painted black, while “the valve belt drive system got a custom touch, with a set of laser-cut belt covers showcasing the PBM Delta logo.”
But it’s what’s inside the 1000cc, 2-valve, Desmo engine that really gets the heart pumping, a set of performance cams and high compression pistons helping to spice things up. But the big change is the incredible exhaust system, built around a handmade set of stainless headers, which run into a 2 into 1 into 2 configuration for improved performance and a brilliant sound. The mufflers, however, are no off the shelf item, these have been painstakingly built by Tom using the Hydroforming process. First, he took a pair of stainless sheets, cut them based on his own template and then welded them together with a high-pressure fitting in one end. Then a high-pressure cleaner is hooked up, and 200psi is applied, blowing the shape up like a balloon until it pops. The insides are then packed with muffler material, and the end caps are hand-formed and welded on, for a stunning, organic sculpture-like appearance.
It works too! Over at Cube Performance and with a DNA filter added to the airbox, the Ducati punched out a very healthy 95hp at the back tyre, a significant improvement over stock. To bring the handling up to spec Ride Dynamics gutted the front forks and filled them with a set of Ohlins cartridges, while the fork tubes are anodised black and the stanchions nitrided gold.
The back end sports a set of fully adjustable Ohlins TTX shocks, and the guys fitted upgraded Brembo brakes. A set of Brembo master cylinders utilise PBM’s own fluid cups, and the company’s switchgear and Black Box module ensure the wiring is first class. The end result is a Purpose Built Ducati Sport Classic that combines sensational performance with beautiful visuals that entice you to admire all the clever details. Jeff might have a tasty collection, but when he lifts the garage door, it’s hard to imagine any other motorcycle will call his name as much as this dreamy Ducati.
[ Purpose Built Moto | Photography by Tristan Tolley ]