The Ducati 750 SS is criminally underrated as a candidate for customization. Sure, the oft-maligned Supersport is unlikely to win any beauty contests, and its 748 cc L-twin motor manages a barely adequate 64 hp. But it also weighs a paltry 183 kilos [403 pounds], comes with decent suspension and Brembo brakes, and has a suitably Italian trellis frame lurking beneath its podgy fairings.
It’s the iconic Ducati trellis frame that attracted Chiel Nipius to the 750 SS in the first place?that, and the fact that his friend was selling one for just the right amount of money.

Based in The Netherlands, Chiel is the creative force behind the custom shop Nius Moto, launched just two years ago. Now in his mid-20s, Chiel got his start working at Arjan van den Boom’s shop, Ironwood Custom Motorcycles. He’s been flying solo since leaving there?and so far, he’s impressed at every turn. The idea behind this particular project was to showcase Chiel’s skillset, and to have something to take to custom bike shows, before eventually selling it and moving on to the next build. ?I wanted to create a naked race bike with a bit of streetfighter spirit,? he tells us. ?I bought the Ducati because I wanted to build something with a more modern vibe than the vintage Hondas I’ve done.?

Chiel adds that the 2002-model donor bike was in fairly good condition?but that didn’t stop him from binning almost all of its plastic bodywork. The deeply contoured 750 SS fu...