1979 Ducati desmo 350cc - £6,495.
|
This great motorcycle was bought as an import via a classic car dealer who imported it from Italy as a job lot of vehicles. A very rare bike on UK roads. We bought 'as-seen' and a non-runner. We went through the process of getting it registered in the UK with the DVLA and it has a V5.
The bike went through a light restoration keeping as many of the original parts as possible. Including purchase it has taken £11,000 to get this Ducati to this standard. All original parts that were swapped out have been retained and come with the bike.
|
|
Work undertaken
This Ducat had a good engine service, the carburettors were rebuilt, the plastic side panels were replaced with new steel fabricated panels as they are much sturdier and won't crack like the plastic ones do.
A cafe fairing was fitted and the bike was treated to a repaint in Chanel colours. The seat was re-trimmed in black leather. New gauges were sourced from Germany as the originals had seized. The original clock showed 9950 miles although the gauges are in KMH as this is an import.
The Ducati name has been sign written by hand to an exceptionally high standard on the tank. There is one small area of paint that needs attention. We can discuss a remedy to this with the new owner and is of no real consequence. There are marks here and there as a result of use and age (This Ducati is 44 years old). We took the view that it was better to leave them and keep the patina of age and use than polish them all out as the bike is very presentable.
A cafe fairing was fitted and the bike was treated to a repaint in Chanel colours. The seat was re-trimmed in black leather. New gauges were sourced from Germany as the originals had seized. The original clock showed 9950 miles although the gauges are in KMH as this is an import.
The Ducati name has been sign written by hand to an exceptionally high standard on the tank. There is one small area of paint that needs attention. We can discuss a remedy to this with the new owner and is of no real consequence. There are marks here and there as a result of use and age (This Ducati is 44 years old). We took the view that it was better to leave them and keep the patina of age and use than polish them all out as the bike is very presentable.
How does it run?
|
Brilliantly. The engine pulls very well with more grunt than its 350cc suggests. the gearbox is smooth and the suspension gives a good feel of the road yet remains comfortable. The riding position is relaxed and it is a real joy going into bends with your knees tucked in thanks to the tank ergonomics. The brakes are positive.
The Ducati comes with the very rare Owners Manual and is in English. there are 2 folders of documentation with a dating certificate from the Ducati owners Club. All correspondence with the DVLA is also in the folder.
|
|
Ducati Desmo video
A short video showing a cold start using the choke featuring a run through the electrics.
More pictures
This is a gallery. Click any picture to see a larger one.
