French custom bike builder Holographic Hammer has unveiled the Ducati Scrambler->ke4393 “Hero 01”, a reimagined take on what the Scrambler ought to look like. It doesn’t have the all-encompassing changes you’d expect from a custom build, but for the purposes of keeping the spirit of the Scrambler intact whilst still making nips and tucks here and there, Holographic Hammer accomplished what it wanted to do with the Hero 01.

As I said, if you’re thinking about an overhauled Scrambler, the Hero 01 might disappoint you. Holographic Hammer’s work on the bike isn’t grounded on the belief that overwhelming changes needed to be made to make it look better than it already is.

Rather, the French builder went about giving the Scrambler a few tweaks to resemble those street racers from yesteryear. It removed close to 45 pounds by cleaning up the tail section by shortening it and taking out the rear mudguards. The standard two-up saddle of the Scrambler was also replaced with a one-up stitched seat, creating a more purposeful look that brings out more of that cafe racer->ke3530 DNA the original Scrambler.

A closer look at that section also reveals the presence of a Werkes USA shorty exhaust muffler and new forks from Cognito Moto. The belt covers were also taken out and the standard wheels were replaced with carbon fiber Rotobox versions that are probably the closest things to a posh upgrade over the standard Scrambler.

Up front, a more traditional headlight was installed, same with the handlebars, which now looks more natural with those leather-clad grips.

Flashy isn’t the best word to describe the Hero 01, but with the changes Holographic Hammer did to it, there’s no denying that we’re all looking at a more streamlined version of the cafe racer that imbibes the essence of what a daily ride should be.

Continue reading to read more about Holographic Hammer’s Ducati Scrambler Hero 01.

Why it matters

I can already hear the collective groan of Ducati fans who are up in arms over what they believe to be the besmirching of the Ducati Scrambler, the Italian motorcycle brand’s new showpiece motorcycle.

I suppose that some of them have their valid points, even though I think that they’re missing the point of Holographic Hammer’s intentions with its aftermarket work on the Scrambler. The French custom bike builder didn’t change anything about the Scrambler that led to the bike losing its roots. What it did was make subtle changes to enhance the bike’s no frills character. That’s a big difference from completely altering what made the Scrambler the bike that it is today.

Besides, isn’t this what keeps custom bike builders like Holographic Hammer in business? It’s job isn’t to reinvent the wheel, but give it a different look from a unique perspective.

I personally love what it did with the Scrambler. The changes are noticeable but not overwhelming to the point that it loses its “Ducati-ness,” if you can even call it that. Plus, you can argue that the Hero 01 has the capacity to ride better than the standard Scrambler. It’s more nimble now thanks to the weight savings. It’s got refined materials taken from some heavy-hitting suppliers. And, God forbid I forget, carbon fiber wheels! You can’t go wrong with those!

If you’re like me who is excited to see and hear more about the Hero 01, Holographic Hammer will be showcasing the bike at the the Wheels & Waves 2015 event in France from July 13 to 16, 2015.