Words & photos: Ryan Carden

​

First and foremost we built our Ducati DucTracker for the track. The bike’s suspension was modified to mimic flat track geometry. The wheelbase was made to be similar to the legendary Harley XR750, we upgraded the forks/shock, and shaved off every bit of extraneous weight that we could. This bike was not just made to compete in Superhooligan races, we built it to win them. 

 

One interesting element for this Ducati tracker is the RC Assembly build model. We’ve put together a small but talented group of designers, builders, and craftsmen and given them not just the task of building a particular part, but adding their own influence and expertise on the entire design. We chose the word 'assembly' because of the two distinctly different definitions. Assembly can mean to “put something together” just as much as it can 'gathering together for a common purpose'. We have accomplished both. 

 

We wanted the bike to look like something that could be mistaken for a long lost dirt track prototype from Bologna.  Some of our favourite features on the bike include the custom made tail section, modified Ducati 999 gas tank, rear hoop (fabricated to match the tail section exactly), hand upholstered race seat, Harley XR750 inspired exhaust, and our house built dirt tracker rear sets featuring classic Bates footpegs. The front end is a modified 2009 CRF450R inverted units, borrowed from my old AMA Pro Flat Track GNC2 race bike, held in one-off triple clamps. The bike sits on 19in Sun rims.

 

For when not at the race track, we are planning a sexy but functional street version our DucTracker. The bike balances minimalism with certain functional modern upgrades. The street bike will have a air/cylinder head temperature gauge, voltmeter, USB charging, and a RAM mount for a smart phone based instrumentation system.

 

While just about every part of the bike has been altered or swapped, we tried to use Ducati parts from other models to keep the authentic Italian feel. When we had to fabricate our own parts like the rear hoop on the frame, we tried to think: what would Ducati do?

​

1994 Ducati Monster M900

Design & Build: RC Assembly

 

Frame: Monster 900 with custom rear loop

Suspension: Honda CRF450 Showa 48mm USD forks; Adjustable YSS  shock w/ride height adjuster

Wheels: 19″ Buchanan Dirt Track; Shinko SR267/SR268 Soft tyres

Exhaust: Joint Venture between RC Assembly & Darkwolf Cycles

Bodywork: Ducati 999 tank; Modified Airtech GNC Twins Dirt Track Tail; Seatpan & upholstery by RC Assembly

Paint: Curt Kicklighter 

Rearsets: Custom Tubular Steel With Bates Pegs

Dash: Carbon Fiber Dash w/ voltmeter, Air/Engine Temp & tach

Weight: 381lbs (144kg)

​

Special thanks to Anthony Carter and Lamar George for their contributions on the design and fabrication.

​

Visit http://www.RCAssembly.com for more details on the build.