Rebuilds and restorations aren’t something we typically do at KikasDesign — our main focus is creating tailor-made modern Ducati builds. But some bikes deserve a second chance, and the iconic 996/998 body style holds a special place in our hearts. So when this tired old 996 arrived from Japan, we knew we had to bring it back to life.

The bike came in with dull paint, worn plastics, and an overall neglected look. Rather than strip it down to the last bolt, we focused on refreshing and reviving — keeping its soul intact. Key parts were disassembled, cleaned, and serviced. The mechanical systems were inspected and repaired where needed.

Many smaller elements like indicators, trim, and side plastics were replaced with new ones to sharpen up the appearance. The wheels were repainted and the bike was finished off with a custom old-school Ducati Performance racing livery, giving it that classic race-inspired edge.

Importantly, we didn’t aim to erase its history. Some original parts were intentionally kept, with light patina showing through — a nod to its journey and age.

The result? A refreshed Ducati 996 that feels alive again — not overly restored, but carefully rebuilt with respect and purpose. This project was a one-off passion build, not a product, but it reminds us why we love these bikes in the first place.