Picture 1,2: I needed a donor bike. Nothing better than a 1990 RC600 (COBRA) even though it would have been better to start with the RC600R because of its better suspension and more preppy engine. My goal was to create a bike which could resemble at high level the racing Moby Dick (pic 2)

Picture 3: My luck, can you call it 'luck?" it all began when I was to able to find some bits and pieces for one of those bikes. This would work perfectly for my replica (at least I thought first). The parts included the back tank, the 2 front tanks, the full fairing, the seat base, the filter box, the front fender and other miscellaneous bits and pieces

Picture 4, 5:  The project was initiated but not completed in Italy by a motorcycle customs maker. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't wait any longer for the slow progress and finally took the project over. The custom ss collector and exhaust were built, the pegs relocation mounts, the main frame mods executed, the tool boxes built , and the water canister constructed, last the back tank mounting frames done.  

Picture 6:  Other parts I got form the Mandelii bike were the 2 magnesium  hubs for the racing Gilera bikes. My good friend and riding buddy Jim at M.A.P Engineering  machined the Nissin caliper mount for the front wheel. A Ducati Monster  300 MM front rotor was used on the 45 mm marzocchi forks. The extremely complicated back wheel and its adapter are is still a work in in progress.  

Picture 7:  The stainless steel exhaust with spring retainers was installed 

Picture 8:  The air filter box is installed with fast rubber mounts handles on the top. This will allow the quick inspection and clean of the air filter during my desert rides. The air filter is from the automotive market -Lancia delta Evo-...what a coincidence!

Picture 9, 10, 11, 12: This is how the bike looks like at its current stage. I first  fabricated the rubber duct that connects the air filter to the carbs. It is not the perfect solution but it is definitely a start. Later through the help of a great Gilerista I got the real Dakar duct. I have included a pic of the 2 side to side. 

Picture 13,14, 15: Pictures of the back tank and of its custom frame mounts. Such mounts have been drilled to save some weight. You may notice the space for the small battery and the hole for the gas lid 

Picture 16: The back tank is installed. This gives me a better idea where to place the electric wiring since the bike has changed a lot from its original configuration. 

Picture 17: Seat base adaptation. It flushes well with the filter housing. I have been waiting for a battery to then make the final decision and trim the seat before the upholstery work.  

Pic 18 : Regarding the instrument panel, I opted for simplicity. The pic says it all. Notice the gorgeous forged triple trees and the fully adjustable marzocchi forks

Pic 19 :The back wheel of the 750 Dakar bike was first installed on the bike. Unfortunately I have realized that the sprocket carrier I had was the one for the 600 Dakar bike. The two hubs are different as the diameter of the housing for the sprocket carrier is different. See pictures.  After 4 months I was to able to secure a 600 Dakar hub. I am currently having the new wheel laced to complete the back tire installation. Again here the great help of other gileristas that came to my rescue made this possible

Pic 20: It is coming together. Very slowly but it is moving forward