That’s unlikely to happen Miguel Galluzzi knows how iconic this symbol is Ducati Monster what it would have been like when he first wrote the design for it in the early 90s. At a time when Ducati only produced sports bikes, Galluzi’s bold idea of a naked motorcycle with only basic parts necessity has attracted the motor industry and maintained its position. The monster may have evolved over the years, but minimalism remains its hallmark.
This 1999 Ducati Monster 900S fix honors Galluzzi’s original design, while subtly showcasing countless custom pieces. It belonged to Vlad Aysin, who bought it seven years ago as his first (and currently only) bicycle, in completely mint condition.
Custom projects are usually handled like one big job, but Vlad’s Monster transformation is a slow process. Based in Moscow, he works an office job and has no parking space at home—so most of the construction work is done at friends’ workshops, including countless hours spent in the shop Orange Racing Group motorcycle repair and service. Tackling one part at a time may slow down the process, but it also means that every decision must be carefully considered in every detail.
“I spent many days and nights on the Internet searching for the necessary spare parts and simulating external modifications in computer graphic design programs,” Vlad told us. The first basic rule that I immediately set for myself was not to violate the general concept that Miguel Galuzzi set when creating this Ducati.”
The classic shape of the Ducati Monster 900 is still very much present, but it’s unbelievable how much effort Vlad has put into this machine. The engine was disassembled, blown up, repainted and reassembled with new bits and pieces and a laundry list of performance parts.
You’ll find new Fast by Ferracci pistons inside, along with a lighter flywheel from Ducati Kämna in Germany. Vlad also did some light load work to the heads and installed the Tamburini Plant oil cooler. The electrical system benefits from new NGK spark plug wires, CA CycleWorks ignition coils and Aliant batteries with Exact-Start cables.
The engine now inhales through Ducati Performance’s open filter and exhales through SilMotor’s unique titanium exhaust system. The system exits through twin carbon fiber-wrapped silencers under the seat, perfectly encapsulating the classic 90s street riding feel. A tuned Ducati performance ECU ensures optimal power from Updated engine.
Although this ’90s Monster still rolls on its original three-spoke wheels, the rest of the transmission has been significantly improved. The changes start with the Öhlins forks, taken from an Aprilia RSV and held in place by new chainstays from Ima Special Parts.
A burly Metmachex Engineering alloy swingarm sits at the rear, with eccentric rear axle mounts allowing for geometry adjustment. It’s equipped with a beautifully machined aluminum connecting rod that connects to an OEM Ducati Monster Öhlins shock absorber.
Vlad has upgraded the brakes with a full set of Brembo parts, all sourced from different sponsors. The front and rear brake calipers are from a Ducati 999, the front floating disc is from a Ducati 996, and the rear brake master cylinder is a KTM motorcycle part. (Vlad chose the KTM master cylinder because its integrated fluid reservoir makes it easier to stow, and reports that the 996’s cast-iron discs “ring happily” when ridden.)
Brembo brake and clutch master cylinders do duty in the cockpit, clamped to a set of tapered handlebars held in place by Rizoma clamps. New grips and Rizoma mirrors also adorn the handlebars, along with a Quad Lock phone mount that suggests this bike is an everyday rider. The Aviacompositi EVO2 console is located a little further forward, mounted on a custom bracket.
For the headlight, Vlad used an adaptive LED unit from Motodemia and housed it in a carbon fiber housing. The taillight is a Motodynamic part and the tiny LED turn signals are from Motogadget.
The closer you get to the bike, the more interesting things reveal themselves. The clutch lever connects to CNC Racing’s limited edition ‘Pramac’ slave cylinder, while on the other side of the engine an EVR clutch ensures that Vlad’s Monster makes all the right noises. You’ll also notice the Ducabike foot controls, Aviacompositi carbon fiber belt cover and fairly decent Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires.
The Ducati Monster 900’s unmistakable tank is unchanged but is equipped with a set of TechSpec tank pads for protection and traction. A Sargent seat sits behind it, with some OEM carbon fiber parts finished off.
This highly rated mod kit is complemented by a flawless paint job. Vlad painted the tank a deep black with just a little flaking, then painted the frame and wheels to match. Ducati has released a number of black Monster models over the years, but none of them have looked quite as aggressive.
Vlad is also happy to report that the Beast now rides as good as it looks. The engine is more powerful than ever and chassis tweaks have made it significantly more agile.
More importantly, Vlad enjoys the process as much as he enjoys the fruits of his labor. “I have been living with this project for seven years now,” he added. “During this time, I met many good people and accumulated many stories related to this motorcycle and its creation.”
“It’s an official member of my family and I really love how great it turned out.”
Instagram of Vlad Aysin | Image by Dee Troy
