it takes a A healthy measure of skill and talent to successfully run a custom motorcycle workshop. But even some of the industry’s top stores regularly outsource specialized tasks—especially things like upholstery and painting. Those that can handle every last chore in the house are a rare breed.
deBolex technique count yourself among those ranks. Calum Pryce-Tidd and Des Francis’ team is currently working hard on creating examples of Ducati monster dB25 series bike based on 1200 for customer. Each bike is tailor-made for its owner, with everything from the carbon fiber construction to the saddle trim being done in a UK workshop.
The dB25 . series is a move from deBolex to offer their signature timeless style and high quality finish, at a slightly reduced cost and faster turnaround. But it took some effort to get this series going. Initially, these guys built a prototype with an aluminum body, then used it to build jigs and tools to replicate the work in carbon fiber.
It now takes Calum and Des about three months to create a dB25 build. They started with the production of 22 carbon fiber body panels that adorn the sponsor’s Ducati Monster 1200 bike, then proceeded to ‘dry’ fabrication to test the final fit. Finally, the Ducati was stripped of the paint and trim.
These two bikes are number six and seven in a series of 25. By design dB25, they share the same carbon body, polymer fuel cell, CNC machined subframe, and lots of smaller CNC and laser cut parts. But their spec sheet is different from that.
Brilliant blue, ‘No6’ [below] considered a clean and classy runner. It has the original fork and wheels, plated in black and gold, respectively, with a new Maxton shock at the rear.
The engine has been treated with a K&N air filter, with a titanium exhaust from SC-Project that the owner’s neighbors are sure to hate. It is also regulated via the UpMap ECU chip.
The cockpit features a CNC machined top yoke with Gilles Tooling clamps. deBolex reused OEM speedometer and switches, but bar end and bar end mirrors are interchangeable [not pictured] are Rizoma parts. The No6 also features Magura clutch and brake master cylinders, Motogadget turn signals and a full complement of stainless steel pins from Pro-Bolt.
The luxurious liver color is a hallmark of deBolex—and the most obvious way for each customer to personalize their dB25. The No6 looks particularly eye-catching, with Alfa Romeo’s ‘Bluette’ color on the bodywork and main frame, and a matching dark brown stripe to the Alcantara seats. The nose cone and air intakes of the apron are finished in orange, inspired by the Formula 1 BRM cars of the 60s.
The new aluminum subframe is Cerakoted, along with some smaller parts (that’s a task deBolex outsources). Each dB25 also features deBolex’s signature OEM-style seat latch system, ensuring quick access to electronic bits.
However, it’s not just their paint color that sets these two bikes apart. ‘number 7’ [above] has wild parts specs to match its fiery paint job.
It rolls on BST carbon fiber wheels, with new Maxton suspension components on duty at both ends. There’s also Toby steering damper and upgraded Brembo Serie Oro disc calipers. Calum quips: “All sing and all dance, as my father would say.
The No7’s engine has also been treated with a K&N filter, UpMap power regulator and SC-Project titanium exhaust system. But it also has a new throttle buffer and Translogic quick shifter. There’s also a full set of Pro-Bolt screws here, but all in titanium.
Like the No6, the No7 comes equipped with a Magura controller and some Rizoma parts, with the addition of a gas cap and footpeg from the Italian parts maker.
The No7’s base color is ‘Rosso Dino’—a color swatch from a 1960s Ferrari Dino, named after Enzo Ferrari’s son. deBolex also painted a ‘Dino’ logo on the tail, as an homage to this. The bright blue stripes and Alcantara seats are also inspired by early Ferraris.
The additional Cerakote finish on this dB25 includes the engine cover and swingarm, with white accents scattered throughout the bodywork. Both the No6 and No7 are sold with matching painted stands, and the No7 even has a matching helmet.
Calum and Des didn’t have time to rest, though—they’d already booked the next three dB25 builds, each geared to a different country. Seeing as No6 and No7 perform so well, is it really surprising how busy they are?
deBolex technique | Facebook | Instagram | Photographed by Simon Jessop
