Digital Directiv // Custom Ducati Sport Classic

Most people are familiar with the Ducati Sport Classic line designed by Pierre Terblanche, but they may not realize that the inspiration for these icon motorcycles was one of his earlier projects, the MH900E Mike Hailwood tribute. This was a limited edition hand-built bike that was carefully assembled in a separate corner of the Ducati factory. It featured one-off details and a fit and finish that was not available in the rest of the regular mass-produced models. My vision for the Bella project shares that ideal. This bike is what the Sport Classic would look like if it was produced today with high-tech changes, modern improvements, and upgrades that spared no expense. Given the same attention to detail and hand-built treatment as the MH900E while being indistinguishable from a bike coming from the Bologna factory, only the educated and discerning eye will be able to truly appreciate the countless subtle changes that went into building this original machine. For this reason, almost every part and feature that went into the bike was adapted from other modern, high performance Ducatis or the MH900E itself. At the same time it had to be classy and timeless; no billet parts or carbon fiber. From the featherweight 999R forged Marchisini wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli rubber, to the Ohlins Superbike front end with Brembo brakes, everything on it belongs on a Ducati.

Of course, no Digital Directiv build would be complete without some high-tech wizardry and Bella is no different. It starts with full LED lighting all around, including hidden indirect brake, tail, and turnsignals in the rear. Ignition is no longer controlled by a key. An iPhone compatible Bluetooth Smart system takes care of telling the bike when you approach and when you leave; turning on and off the bike as needed while your phone remains in your pocket. Last, but certainly not least, is a feat that has never been accomplished. A modern digital dash unit from a 1098 has been integrated into the Sport Classic electrical system using a custom made wiring harness and ECU firmware. While this may sound simple, this one feature took over 100 hours of R&D on both hardware and software. Even though an aftermarket dash could have been mounted with much less time and effort, it would have taken away from the factory feel that was a requirement of the Bella project. All of this adds up to a unique and functional work of art that blurs the lines between custom and factory but gives the best of both worlds; a truly bespoke motorcycle that begs to be ridden.