Not all custom motorcycles are created equal, and some specimens proudly stand out from the crowd. While many builders might opt for quick fixes like a new seat, exhaust, and aftermarket accessories, Matteo Massaro, the mastermind behind Overdrive Customs in Venice, Italy, took a different approach.
He transformed a 2000 Ducati Monster into a stunning monochromatic cafe racer, a project that’s as much a work of art as it is a motorcycle. Starting with a bike he’d owned since 2003, Matteo began by removing the stock subframe and replacing it with a custom-built alternative.
The new subframe features a unique bone line, extending far forward for a sleek and aggressive look. The main trellis framework was also modified to accommodate the repurposed fuel tank from a Ducati 916, which now sits atop the motorcycle.
The electronics are neatly tucked away beneath the tank, and the rear section features a minimalist tail unit and a simple, foam-padded saddle. Matteo’s Ducati Hypermotard underwent a radical transformation.
He replaced the stock swingarm with a single-sided unit from a Ducati Hypermotard and fitted the front wheel with a three-spoke Brembo hoop from a 916. Both wheels were wrapped in race-spec Michelin tires, while the rear brake received an upgrade with a wave-style aftermarket rotor.
A carbon fiber wheel hugger and billet aluminum rearsets complemented the cockpit’s new look. Instead of clip-ons, Matteo opted for a flat handlebar with minimalistic controls. A tiny aftermarket dial was mounted above an LED headlight placed on custom brackets.
The stock front and rear suspension received a revitalizing makeover, along with the brakes and engine. A custom exhaust system with a heat-wrapped pipe and an Ixil muffler on the right replaced the stock one.
Overdrive Customs painted the bike in a combination of gloss black and silver, with the latter hue borrowed from the Mercedes AMG color palette. Black was used for the frame, wheels, and forks.
