La Guapísima: Pepo Rosell’s Radical Ducati Pantah - Cagiva Elefant Hybrid — A Track-Focused Custom Masterpiece

Overview: A One-Off Fusion of Ducati Pantah and Cagiva Elefant

Pepo Rosell of XTR Pepo in Madrid has built another standout machine: La Guapísima — Spanish for “the gorgeous one.” Commissioned by Irons Cafe Racer, this bespoke motorcycle starts from a 1986 Ducati 600TL Pantah frame but evolves into something wholly different. With nearly every component replaced or reimagined, La Guapísima is less a restored Pantah and more a purpose-built, track-focused custom that blends Ducati heritage with the robust L-twin heart of a Cagiva Elefant 900 Marathon.

What Makes La Guapísima Special

Pepo’s signature approach—bold liveries, uncompromising craftsmanship and a raw, functional aesthetic—drives this project. The build centres on a full engine swap and extensive performance upgrades, marrying classic V-twin feel with modern controls and race-oriented hardware. If you follow custom motorcycles, this XTR Pepo creation is an instant highlight in the world of cafe racers and track specials.

Specifications

Donor and Core Components

- Donor chassis: 1986 Ducati 600TL Pantah frame (retained).
- Engine: Cagiva Elefant 900 Marathon L-twin (extensive modifications).
- Rear swingarm: Cagiva Elefant 350 unit.
- Wheels: 17-inch aluminum front and rear; front wheel sourced from a Hyosung GT650.
- Tyres: Continental ContiSportAttack 4 track rubber.

Engine & Ignition Upgrades

- Ported cylinder heads and high-compression pistons.
- Silent Hektik programmable ignition for modern timing control.
- Lightened flywheel, Ducabike slipper clutch and aftermarket quickshifter.
- Keihin FCR carburetors with DNA air filters.
- Handmade two-into-one stainless exhaust and high-efficiency oil cooler for temperature management.

Chassis, Brakes & Suspension

- Front forks: Upside-down Hyosung GT650 units, secured by custom billet triple clamps.
- Rear shock: High-grade Öhlins monoshock for improved traction and tunability.
- Braking: Brembo master cylinders front and rear; front caliper from Hyosung upgraded with premium pads and NG rotor, lines routed through Frentubo hoses.
- Final drive: Gold Regina chain with solid disc covers and checkered-flag motif.

Design and Craftsmanship

Pepo’s aesthetic choices are as functional as they are striking. The bespoke bodywork includes a carbon-fiber belly pan, a small fork-mounted front fender, and a sharp custom fairing capped by a clear windshield. The fuel tank and the pointed tail section were both fabricated from scratch and mounted on a tailor-made subframe with minimal seat padding, reflecting the bike’s track-first intent.

Cockpit & Ergonomics

The cockpit is stripped to essentials: an Aviacompositi tachometer serves as the only gauge, with clip-on handlebars, adjustable levers, Rizoma fluid reservoirs and a Domino quick-action throttle. New rearsets put the rider in an aggressive, race-ready position. There are no mirrors, lights or license plate fittings—La Guapísima was built to perform on closed circuits rather than for road legality.

Performance: Power Delivery and Engine Character

The transplanted Cagiva L-twin, combined with porting, higher compression, and the programmable Silent Hektik ignition, yields a punchier powerband and livelier throttle response than the original Ducati 600TL motor. Keihin FCR carbs deliver crisp attack and the handcrafted two-into-one exhaust improves torque while keeping weight down. The Ducabike slipper clutch and quickshifter not only improve lap times but also make downshifts smoother and safer under aggressive braking.

Heat, Cooling and Reliability

Recognising that a swapped and tuned L-twin can run hot, Pepo fitted a high-capacity oil cooler and optimized intake and exhaust plumbing to manage temperatures on track. Lightening the flywheel improves throttle response, while the ignition mapping capability from Silent Hektik allows for precise tuning across operating conditions.

Handling, Braking and Track Behavior

Chassis balance received careful attention: a Cagiva swingarm, Öhlins shock and Hyosung USD forks (secured with machined billet clamps) give the bike a planted feel. Brembo master cylinders and high-quality lines ensure consistent braking performance, and the solid-disc aesthetic paired with the gold Regina chain underlines the build’s attention to detail. Continental ContiSportAttack 4 tyres provide modern grip levels for spirited circuit use.

Market Positioning and Comparisons

La Guapísima sits firmly in the high-end custom motorcycle niche, aimed at collectors and riders who value show-stopping design paired with genuine track capability. Compared to other cafe racer and custom builds, this bike leans more toward performance-focused track specials like bespoke sport customs from boutique shops, rather than leisurely retro café restorations. If you’re comparing it to other XTR Pepo builds, La Guapísima stands out for its engine transplant and racetrack-specific setup—moves that push it beyond cosmetic custom into the realm of engineered performance bikes.

How It Compares to Stock Models

Against a stock Ducati Pantah, La Guapísima delivers markedly different character: greater midrange torque, sharper throttle response and modern braking and suspension components. Compared to a stock Cagiva Elefant, this build is lighter, more focused and substantially more track-capable due to the bespoke bodywork, suspension recalibration and performance-focused component selection.

Conclusion

La Guapísima is a testament to Pepo Rosell’s vision and technical skill. It’s a daring hybrid that honors two Italian motorcycle lineages—Ducati and Cagiva—while clearly wearing XTR Pepo’s signature style. For riders and enthusiasts looking for a custom that blends vintage roots with modern performance, this project highlights what’s possible when a master builder treats every component as both functional and artistic.