Summary of "Westwerk Ducati - CS BBG"
Westwerk Ducati — Overview
A one-off, heavily customized Ducati-based cafe/retro racer built and maintained by Westwerk in collaboration with Biker Boys. Based on a 1990s Ducati 900 Supersport (references to a circa‑1996 900 SS), the owner has owned and rebuilt the bike multiple times over ~19 years. This is the third version, aimed at a final 1970s/80s endurance/cafe‑racer look and ride.
Main features
Chassis & engine
- Ducati trellis frame retained.
- Original Desmo timing and dry clutch preserved to keep Ducati character.
Engine breathing & fueling
- Vacuum carburetors replaced with 40 mm Dell’Orto slide carbs (improves fueling but still needs final tuning).
- Big‑bore kit discussed as a possible future upgrade.
Bodywork & finish
- One‑off hand‑formed aluminum fuel tank by Tomáš Holík (Holas), deliberately showing period welds/knock marks.
- Aluminum fenders and a custom single‑seat tail with underseat modifications.
- Upholstery by Rockers Mechanika (Tomy Los / Radek Sikora).
- Intention to keep many period details and avoid over‑polishing for authentic, handmade character.
Front end & fairing
- Donor Suzuki GSX‑R front fairing, hood and side panels adapted to fit the Ducati.
- The GSX‑R pieces create a distinctive dual‑headlight retro look and fit surprisingly well.
Wheels, brakes & controls
- Three‑spoke / braided Brembo‑style wheels sourced used via contacts (Spain/Portugal/Germany).
- Brakes partly original; some period aluminum clip‑ons/parts planned.
- Vintage Ducati controls retained; turn signals are Kellermann mini blinkers.
Exhaust, instruments & electrics
- Exhaust system not finalized — period‑style exhausts intended (may affect tuning).
- Instrumentation currently a mix (Suzuki housing + Ducati elements); planned Motogadget cluster requiring bracket work.
- Electrical/instrumentation work still required to finish the build.
Paint & livery
- Tricolor tribute livery referencing a racer nicknamed “Majka” (Mike).
- Retro styling applied throughout.
Pros
- Strong, period‑correct aesthetic: cohesive retro endurance/cafe‑racer styling that visually “works” (tank proportions, narrow knee area, twin headlights).
- One‑off craftsmanship: bespoke aluminum tank and hand‑finished details provide authentic, handmade character.
- Retains Ducati mechanical feel (Desmo / dry clutch) with tasteful upgrades (Dell’Orto carbs).
- Unique hybrid look thanks to the GSX‑R fairing pieces — reviewers praised the fit and appearance.
- Owner reports the bike “has balls” — characterful sound and feel; enjoyable on short rides and at shows.
“The bike ‘has balls’.” — owner’s short description of its character.
Cons, gaps & caveats
- Fitment compromises from mixing parts sourced from different bikes; not perfect in places.
- Engine fueling still needs final tuning — jerky at low revs, comes alive when revved.
- Instrumentation and electricals incomplete; current cluster is a temporary mixed solution.
- Exhaust and some brake/clip‑on parts still to be fitted — not fully finalized for heavy use.
- Historical MOT/inspection/regulatory constraints influenced design choices.
- Some heavier, ad‑hoc components (e.g., Russian truck taillight) are quirky and not optimized for weight savings.
User experience
- Owner fell in love with the bike immediately after purchase and rode it home; chassis and engine balance felt right.
- The bike has been used at events and shows (exhibited previously; ridden to a bison farm event).
- Current version aims to be rideable and showcased in spring, with further finishing and tuning planned.
Comparisons & styling references
- Intentionally styled after late‑70s / early‑80s Ducati endurance / supersport racers.
- GSX‑R fairing pieces compared favorably to some Ducati fairings — slimmer and visually compatible.
- Owner prefers characterful, torque‑heavy machines over modern superbikes (R1‑style).
Ratings / Scores
- No numerical ratings or scores provided.
Verdict / recommendation
This build is a strong, authentic‑feeling retro Ducati custom that succeeds visually and emotionally. Recommended for collectors and riders who value handmade, period‑correct styling and Ducati character rather than turnkey modern performance. It still requires final carb/exhaust tuning, instrument/electrical finishing, and some brake/fitment work before being a fully finished, trouble‑free ride.
All unique points (concise list)
- Base: Ducati 900 SS (circa 1996 references) with trellis frame and Desmo/dry clutch.
- Owner has owned and rebuilt the bike over ~19 years; this is the third rebuild.
- Custom aluminum fuel tank by Holas / Tomáš Holík — visible period welds and hand‑formed shaping.
- Aluminum fenders and period styling by Holas; tank kept narrow at the knees.
- Front fairing, side panels and some hoods sourced and adapted from a Suzuki GSX‑R donor.
- Carb upgrade to 40 mm Dell’Orto slide carburetors; improved feed but needs tuning.
- Wheels: three‑spoke / braided Brembo‑style wheels sourced used via contacts (Spain/Portugal/Germany).
- Vintage Ducati controls retained; instrument cluster currently mixed and planned Motogadget replacement.
- Mini Kellermann blinkers; taillight repurposed from a Russian truck (heavy, used as a weight/balance).
- Seat and underseat reworked; rear subframe reinforced; upholstery by Rockers Mechanika (Tomy Los / Radek Sikora).
- Some period aluminum clip‑ons / handlebar parts planned; original bar height largely retained.
- Exhaust not yet fitted; period exhausts planned (may affect tuning).
- Intention to preserve period authenticity (no over‑polishing).
- Paint: tricolor tribute livery to “Majka” (Mike).
- Owner’s riding philosophy prioritizes character and “balls” over raw modern speed.
Speakers & contributors (roles)
- Owner (Pepa?) — owner, long‑time rider/builder, describes evolution and riding philosophy.
- Martin — interviewer / builder friend.
- Jirka Vargus (Westmot, Horní Bříza) — initial finder/introducer.
- Kaj / Eman Brossinger (Jablonec) — helped source GSX‑R donor parts.
- Tomáš Holík / Holas (Zlín) — made the bespoke aluminum tank and fenders.
- Petr Herman — sourced wheels/odd parts via local ads (Germany).
- Radek Sikora & Tomy Los (Rockers Mechanika) — saddle/upholstery work.
- Lukáš — found/manipulated the Russian truck taillight.
- Roman Hácha / Martin Hácha — local experts referenced for Desmo timing/belt service.
- Biker Boys / interview team — documenting the build and helping prep it for events.
Category
Product Review
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