There are a few motorcycles in Ducati’s back catalog that would ruffle feathers if they were customized. Depending on how much of a purist you are, the 998 might just be one of them. It was the last model to carry the iconic 916’s aesthetic, but was powered by Ducati’s new, and much improved, Testastretta motor?making it kind of special.
Johhny Nguyen isn’t too fussed though. He’s a relatively young custom builder with a sharp eye and penchant for urban style, and isn’t afraid to buck tradition. He once built a Ducati 900 SS to match his BMX [below, left], and took inspiration from his favorite snowboarding sweater for the paint job on this eye-popping Ducati 998.

Johnny runs Upcycle Motor Garage part-time from his new workshop in Huntington Beach (he’s just moved there from Anaheim). He works alone most of the time, but friends regularly stop by to lend a hand. And since Upcycle is a hobby, Johnny’s more likely to build a bike to his taste and sell it later on, than take on commissioned work. That’s exactly how this 2002-model Ducati 998 ended up on the bench.

A friend had spotted it on Craigslist in mint condition, and nudged Johnny to buy it?which he did. After riding it around in stock form for a while, the urge to modify it took over.
With 123 hp on tap, Showa and Öhlins suspension, and Brembo brakes, Johnny wisely decided to leave the 998’s bones alone, opting for a cosmetic overhaul instead. That mean...