Ducati's Scrambler Maverick is designed by tattoo artist GRIME

And while a tattoo is an entirely personal pursuit with long-term consequences, the Scrambler is a bike screaming for the personalization Ducati's initiative would seem to celebrate.

"We've created the Scrambler Maverick project to empower unique mavens by embracing their creativity and individuality," said Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America. "By choosing GRIME as the first Maverick, we hope to establish a precedence for all future recipients. GRIME has always carved his own path, and as a result, he's become one of the most respected tattoo artists with a distinct style, embodying free-spirited creativity, and the Ducati Scrambler represents these same attributes."

The Ducati Scrambler Maverick program will select two candidates each year. And both builders will be charged with modestly modifying the Scrambler Icon, using only Ducati parts and sticking to a 'modest' budget. Ducati admits that customizers such as GRIME (and why all caps?) will bring a non-traditional approach to the assignment. In at least this instance it's easy to like the non-traditional.

GRIME worked with Marin Speed Shop in Marin, CA, the team using a blue color palette on 80's-style motocross cues. The end result is not unlike Ducati's own Desert Sled, albeit with street-specific rubber. Given the interest in the ADV subset, that similarity is no bad thing. The Scrambler Maverick made its debut at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, while additional showings are planned for this summer. Utlimately the Scrambler will be sold through eBay for Charity to support the Shriners Hospital for Children, a charity chosen by GRIME.

We'd guess, as America rolls into what is the traditional motorcycling season, Ducati wants to inject some excitement into the Scrambler franchise two years after it was first launched. Ostensibly the project is to inspire civilians to join in the customization of Ducati Scramblers; more obvious is Ducati's simple desire to sell more bikes. We like what GRIME has achieved, and for that we give him – and Ducati – a shout-out; a lower case shout-out.