Designed by the renowned Pierre Terblanche, the Ducati Multistrada 1000DS was a truly bold creation, combining the company’s dual-spark 1000cc air-cooled Desmo V-twin with chassis dimensions, suspension, and ergonomics more akin to a multi-cylinder dual-sport / adventure bike like the BMW GS.
While the Multistrada (“Many Roads” in Italian) was not really intended or suitable for real off-road use, the 85-hp “street trailie” did prove itself a highly versatile, entertaining machine:
“On face value, the Ducati Multistrada 1000DS shouldn’t work – monster trailie motorcycle dimensions and posture mixed with street brakes and tyres should equal boingy mess – but it does, thanks to clean sheet design and street calibrated suspension…. Overall it slaughters other ‘upright’ motorcycles.” —MCN
Most riders and reviewers lauded the bike’s fun factor in both town and twisties, but the design remained highly polarizing. Fortunately, Jeremie Duchampt of France’s Jerem Motorcycles has completely transformed this trailie into one stunning café racer.
This Ducati now boasts reworked subframe and custom saddle, Ducati 749 tank, an array of handmade carbon elements, and a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust with low stainless steel/carbon outlets.
With the installation of custom intake funnels, the airbox was transformed into an electrical storage box, and the bike is now running LED lighting and Motogadget 3/1 lights in the tailor-made fiberglass rear cowl.
Up front, there’s a sports oil cooler for the air-cooled engine, and our friend Paolo Tex provided the custom fork yokes.
Jeremie nicknamed the bike “Cetonia” after the metallic green-gold beetle — he says the actual paint is Lamborghini Sian FKP 37, laid down by FFPro Design.
Overall, this is quite the transformation from a funky standard to a super sleek racer. Below, we talk to Jeremie himself for more details on the build.
Multistrada Café Racer: Builder Interview
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
As always, my café racer spirit.
• What is the meaning of the nickname “Cetonia”?
It’s the color of this green and gold beetle.
• What is the riding experience like?
An ultra light and super powerful motorcycle, a delight.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
– Tubular frame reworked on the entire rear part.
– Change of the tank to a Ducati 749 model, with custom supports.
– Rear arm and engine repainted in satin black.
– Gold rims and frame matching the Ohlins equipment
– Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres.
– Tailor-made engine spoiler covered with matte carbon.
– Several carbon elements: the two mudguards, engine cover, tank protection, and cover under the rear hull.
– Tailor-made stainless steel exhaust with passage through the engine fairing with low stainless steel/carbon outlets.
– Airbox transformed into an electrical storage box and installation of intake funnels.
– Oil radiator changed to a sports one and moved into the fairing.
– The dashboard was modified (new custom-made support).
– Fork yoke (Paolo Tex) modified on the lower part to have the desired line.
– Tailor-made fiberglass rear cowl with the continuation of the line of the tank, and the integration of Motogadget 3/1 lights.
– Custom saddle in leather and Alcantara by Irina from “Point Saddlery 34”
– Modified foot pegs with custom carbon protections.
– Headlight and LED lights.
– Custom plate support in steel with carbon protection.
– Iridium screen – small mirrors – RIZOMA handles and jars.
– Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 “FFPro Design” matte green paint.
