Paolo Tesio got our attention with the simple act of posting a stunning photo on the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club Facebook page. At first we didn't realise it was his own photo, and wondered what piece of universally acclaimed exotica he had re-posted for our enjoyment, but after an exchange of emails we discovered that the work was all his. What you see before you, is not really a shed build, nor is it a pro custom build, in fact is better than either of these - it's a kit you can buy for your Monster S4R. Got your attention now have we? Good. The humble donor, with 996 engine and performance suspension, but distinctly dated looks: The body kit as she comes, in laminated fibrelagss, plus quality billet brackets: Paulo is a car designer with a passion for two wheels, and after a project he built as part of a Ducati contest - the S2 Braida - he put together Tex with his friends and created this styling kit for the S4R, which along with a few other tasteful mods transforms the original flagship 916-engined Ducati Monster into a machine that leapfrogs their new line-up in terms of looks. It all started with a simple carb swap before Paulo decided to jump-in at the deep end and put together this "affordable upgrade". Initially he began by 3D modelling the new streamlined rear end (which can be switched back to a biposto) along with a set of fork covers that emulate the fork 'blades' used by the likes of Kiwi John Britten and more than a few concept bikes. The headlight was switched out for an MH900 unit that snuggles deep into the recesses formed by the fork blades to give a very mean and modern look at the front, complemented by a pair of clip-on bars, while a Quad exhaust was used at the back to leave the single sided rear swing arm and brand new seat completely exposed. (They also sound loud as hell).

And this how the MS4R should be ridden at all times!

The graphics are designed to emphasise these new sleek shapes, especially those fork shrouds that look as though they literally slice through the air at full-tilt, emblazoned with the 1970s double-line DUCATI marque. Check out the location of the rear light, while the Quad silencer keeps the 180 rear clean and clear of visual interruptions. The promo poster for your workshop wall, while you wait for all the parts to arrive: It's fantastic to see this kind of ingenuity at work, and while we love to celebrate individuality and the bike-shed ethics of bloody knuckles and home made brackets, we really love this transformational kit, and wish Paulo and Tex every success. For information contact Paulo at tex.design@libero.it or Facebook or follow his blog (in Italian)

Paolo Tesio