Recreating A Monster
RECREATING A MONSTER
Super Sport for the `90s
E VEN IF YOU'RE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ANDY JACOBSON, you've seen his work. As the recently retired design director for Ford's Commercial Truck Vehicle Center, Jacobson and his staff determined how the company's pick ups, vans and semis looked. But while Jacobson earned his
living in the American auto industry, his taste in motorcy cles runs toward the Italian-his personal collection includes a number of Bimotas and Ducatis, most notably a rare, origi nal 1973 750 Super Sport.
"The 750 SS is a fabulous motorcycle, but it's not very practical, and it's too valuable to ride on a regular basis," the 55-year-old admits. That's where his Ducati Monster fits in. With the help of Euro-bike builder Gregg Rammel and painter Ed Orzechowski, Jacobson faithfully grafted the 750 SS's styling onto his M900, creating a fashionable-yet-func tional scooter he calls an "M944 Super Sport."
Wherever possible, the Monster's parts were modified to resemble those of the original 750 Super Sport-or to at least look as though they belonged. The frame and headlight shell were resprayed "Duck Egg" green, while the front fender, seat cowl and fuel tank were redone in silver metallic-there's even a painted replica of the SS's fuel-level window. The aluminum engine covers, swingarm and triple-clamps were polished, and the stock fork stanchions were re-anodized clear to show off their natural silver hue. Wire wheels, a shiny Staintune stainless-steel exhaust system and machined from-billet rearsets and master-cylinder covers took the place of their stock counterparts, while a carbon-fiber rear fender, sprocket cover and cambelt covers lend a modern flair.
Important as the Monster's appearance was, however, perfor mance was not overlooked. With the M900's engine receiving 944cc pistons, headwork by C.R. Axtell and twin 40mm Keihin flat-slides, there's little doubt which SS is faster.
Jacobson recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest, trading Michigan's potholes for Washington's curves. Rest assured that with his modified Monster, he'll be one happy retiree. Brian Catterson
