Ducati Hypermotard : In the world of custom motorcycles, some builds stand out for their performance and ingenuity — and this one from South Korea’s Crazy Garage is a prime example. Chi-hyun Kim, a veteran racer and the mastermind behind Crazy Garage, has turned a 2011 Ducati Hypermotard 796 into a lightweight, track-ready machine that’s as fast as it is fun.
Kim’s goal was simple: create a bike that sits perfectly between the Monster and the Streetfighter in terms of handling and performance — but with a focus on track riding. The starting point was the Hypermotard 796, which is known for its sharp handling and nimble nature but wasn’t quite the track beast Kim had in mind. So, he stripped it down and got to work.
One of the first upgrades was swapping out the stock suspension for Öhlins front and rear, ensuring top-notch handling and stability on the track. Kim also modified the frame pivot to improve geometry and installed a custom subframe. This was all aimed at getting the bike dialed in for track use, and multiple test runs helped fine-tune the setup to perfection.
The visual transformation was just as impressive. Taking inspiration from classic 80s AMA superbikes, Kim mounted the oil cooler in front of a small bikini fairing, evoking the old-school racer vibe. He also swapped out the stock fuel tank for a 1098 unit, added a fiberglass single seat cowl, and teamed up with Factory M to create a lightweight carbon bellypan. The result is a stripped-back, aggressive look that’s all about performance.
But Kim didn’t stop there — he was all about performance gains. To boost power, he installed a full 2-1-2 exhaust system, modified the airbox for better airflow, and tuned the bike using a Rapid Bike EASY module. The brakes were also upgraded with Brembo calipers and Sunstar discs, ensuring the bike could stop just as well as it could accelerate.
In a nod to the true analog nature of motorcycling, Kim left out the quickshifter, instead opting for the raw thrill of shifting through the gears manually. A gear indicator and remote brake lever adjuster were added, but this build is all about getting back to basics and enjoying the ride.
After putting the bike through its paces in a 7-hour endurance race in South Korea, Kim’s hard work paid off. His team finished the race without any issues and even took home the class win. Not bad for a bike that started life as a street bike and got a complete overhaul for the track.
This build from Crazy Garage is a testament to the art of motorcycle customization, proving that with the right modifications, a bike can go from a street cruiser to a high-performance machine. Hats off to Kim and his team for creating a bike that blends the best of Ducati’s design with a true racer’s spirit.
