Spiced up Paprika by XTR Pepo

PEPO ROSELL IS A REGULAR on the pages of Bikebrewers.

We have given XTR Pepo a lot of attention over the past years and rightfully so.
Every time the former biologist comes to us with a new creation from his Spanish workshop it invariably gets us excited. This build is no exception.

It does not really matter which brand he lays his professional hand on, Pepo invariably comes up with a design so different and radical from his peers that each bike stands out from the crowd. His clients must surely be amongst the broadest smiling bikers in the world when they ride these creations.

The spiced up ‘Paprika’ is no exception to the rule.
The 2004 Ducati 999 is a nice bike to start off with, although it has not been among the most popular models from the factory in Modena.

Still it had all the elements Pepo needed to turn it into quite the head turner is has become.

Digging a bit deeper in the personal history of the builder unearthed hints of his secret ingredients. He grew up in the village of Erguy in the Northwest of France. For many of you this name may not mean much, but if you consider the fact that this village on the ‘côtes d’Armor’ was the home of Asterix and Obelix, the link to the secret power drink becomes clear.

As with the two famous protagonists of the comic series, the bikes of XTR Pepo seem to be sprayed with a bit of this elixir too.

In this particular case Pepo took the Ducati by its Italian horns and swung it around shedding all unnecessary weight and polyester fairing in the process.

After the dust had settled a super aggressive bike was challenging us to try and ride it. The original front fairing was adapted to fit the XTR endurance light and with the rest of the package gone, its drooping front breathes speed.

“Why cover up the wonderful Ducati technology if you can find a way to expose the inner works?” Pepo must have been thinking. On both sides the Ducati now presents itself to the world in all its bare beauty. There is so much to enjoy, so why not?

Still, we think the bike would look even better with a little bit more of tidying up. There are a few patches in the frame that could have used a bit more ‘TLC’ before the photo session.

But then again, looking at the overall picture, the 999 is an animal that likes to get dirty, so let’s not dwell on those minor details and enjoy the eye candy presented us from the Madrid based workshop. The colour scheme selected for the Ducati raised a unanimous cheer among our editorial team. We absolutely love the ‘Lotus reminiscent’ British racing green and yellow.

The red belly pan with the Castrol logo just adds to the excitement. Very nice.

Details & Modifications

PAPRIKA by XTR (2019)

Technical Schedule :
• Donor bike : Ducati 999 (2004)
• RAD fuel tank.
• Lightech ergal gas cap.
• RAD solo seat.
• XTR upholstery
• RAD bellypan modified.
• RAD Front Fairing modified for mount XTR endurance light.
• RAD front bracket modified .
• MRA windshield.
• XTR cnc machined regulable footrest.
• XTR clip ons.
• XTR carbón fiber rear mudguard.
• RAD alumium subframe modified.
• XTR licence plate holder .
• XTR rear light .
• XTR Led blinkers.
• Fresco 2 in 1 exhaust system.
• Spark megaphone .
• Repositioned wiring.
• LIPO Battery.
• XTR light.
• PT radial clutch pump .
• Brembo PR19 radial brake bump.
• XTR carbón fiber wáter pump protector .
• EVR cnc machined pinion cover.
• Regina Gold Chain.
• 520 PBR sprocket conversión kit.
• Artenruta painting.

photo credits: Sergio Cardeña