Jim's collection of motorcycles all get ridden on a regular basis, are kept in pristine condition. (Photo: Neale Bayly)
Passion for Ducati motorcycles exudes through every pore of Jim Calandro’s skin, and within minutes of uncovering the first object of his Italian moto lust it is apparent he is intimately involved with every nut, bolt and washer of each one. As a collection of motorcycles that all get ridden on a regular basis, the word pristine is not going to enter this article, but if you value attention to detail and sensible upgrades, get ready to drool as we go for a ride.
Like a sixteen-year-old writing for the school newspaper, I overcame my performance anxiety and chose the 916 for our first discourse. As probably one of the most iconic motorcycles ever produced how could I take anything else? From the first glance all appears basically stock, but getting closer as I set up for photographs, it didn’t take long to realize that Jim has made a lot of subtle modifications during the three years he has owned this 1998 model. With over 16,000 miles on the clock he obviously likes to ride the beast, so a Sargent seat was added to keep his delicate parts comfortable. A set of LSL clip ons gives him something to hang on to and talking about them afforded Jim the opportunity to bring the top triple clamp to my attention. Looking distinctly as if it came from a 999, I found out my thoughts were correct. Jim liked the way it looked better than the stock item, and when he found out it would bolt right on he couldn’t resist.
Giving that deep bass boom we have come to love from the Bologna V-twins, the de rigueur Termignomi carbon mufflers have been installed at the end of the stock header pipes. To ensure the correct amount of fuel and air make it into the cavernous cylinders, a Ducati performance chip was added. Other changes are more subtle, with front rotors sourced from an Aprilia Mille, braided steel brake lines, and race compound pads up at the front end. Jim has also added some carbon fiber to spice up the bike in the looks department, with a heel guard, shock shield, and chain guard in place. The front fender has also been replaced with a carbon fiber piece, as have the air box and the front-runners.
There is a fender eliminator kit cleaning up the rear end, and to compliment the LSL clip-ons a set of Ducati performance rear sets are in place. The stock mirrors were also junked in favor of bar end jobs, and while Jim was at the personalizing business he had a white number plate painted on the front fairing. This resulted in a near stock looking 916, but one that has had its performance and looks nicely tweaked, Jim has definitely not overdone it, improving one of the most desirable stock motorcycles on the planet along the way.
Wiping up the drool, it was time to roll out the 1993 888 SPO. As a machine that the 916 has overshadowed over the years, Jim came across this very clean example for an unprintable price. Benefiting from his need to tinker and modify, it wears a pair of Giacamoto carbon mufflers, and has had its chip replaced. Carbon fiber fenders are used front and rear, and a pair Cycle Cat ventilated covers have found their way onto the bike in place of the stock clutch and sprocket covers. Cycle Cat is also responsible for the clutch pressure plate, springs, and retainers, while a Yoyodyne slave cylinder and braided steel lines compliment the upgraded parts.
Jim likes his Corbin seats, so “no sense in leaving the stock 888 plank in place,” he told me. He also upgraded the brakes with stainless lines and new pads. Peering around the blood red beauty, I spot a steering damper and a carbon fiber tank protector before Jim draws my attention to the master cylinder. Apparently, the stock unit was a bit of a rogue, so the hot fix back in the day was to use a Kawasaki ZX 7 unit. Needless to say, Jim made the change and has been very happy with the results. Grabbing a handful of front brake while moving the bike for photos it certainly has bite.
Rolling the 888 of to the side, it was time for my new personal favorite: The 1987 F1B. As one of the most diminutive motorcycles ever made, this bike is wafer thin and exemplifies the Ducati tradition of minimalist thinking. A trellis frame, an engine, and the bare minimum of cycle parts, Jim confides that this one actually could be the only one, if the need arose. It is so raw, so unique, and so unrefined; it is the pure essence of what he loves about Ducati as a brand. Of course, he hasn’t left it alone, and it now features a Showa rear shock from a 916 and front brake calipers from the same. This modification required using adaptors from a Montjuich, so a set of braided steel lines was added while he was making the changes.
Unlike the rest of the bikes in Jim’s collection, the F1B has been breathed on some, with larger 40mm carburetors, degreed Montjuich cams, and a lightened, balanced crankshaft. Net result is around a 15 horsepower gain over the standard machine. The extra power is now taken to the rear wheel via a 520 “O” ring chain and sprocket set. Dzus fasteners are used, as are flush mounted turn signals, and Jim’s favorite bar end mirrors. In an interesting twist, the jettisoned 888 master cylinder found its way onto the 750, as did a carbon fiber ZX 7 front fender. When it comes to sourcing parts Jim certainly doesn’t discriminate.
