For Sale: DUCATI SD900 Darmah
From the green hills of Connecticut comes this wonderful period sportbike. One of the last of the bevel line, the Sport Desmo 900 embodied the segment known today as the naked bike. Intended to be unencumbered and less complicated – not to mention lighter – than a fully faired bike, the 900 Darmah was a good “all ’rounder” and equally at home in the canyons as on the boulevard.
Built in the day when men were men and bikes were started with a forceful kick, this classic Ducati shows what the brand was all about: good looks and great components. The bike is a veritable who’s who of the respected: Brembo brakes, beautiful Campagnolo wheels, and Conti mufflers working in conjunction with the latest 90 degree vee twin Bologna had to offer; a true taste of Italy.
From the seller:
Up for Auction is a DUCATI SD900 Darmah, Sport Desmo, 1978. I purchased this bike a year ago in the condition that is shown in the photos.
It is currently registered and insured by me in Connecticut. It runs very strong and shifts in all gears. Kickstart. Front Light not working. Will need rear brake pads.The following was performed on the Ducati:
-Gas tank was removed and cleaned.
-New Fuel Petcocks installed, Have the original.
-Twin carbs were dismantled soaked and rebuilt.
-New Fuel Pump Diaphrams.
-Changed Engine Oil.
-Rear Brake Master Cylinder rebuilt.
-New Handgrips.
-New Clutch Cable.
-New Brake Pedal Spring.
-New Brake Fluid.
This bike has survived quite a few years to come to you in this condition. The seller notes that there are some minor issues to correct, but the bike presents well and provided that the mechanicals are in decent shape this could be a keeper for years to come. While we have not see prices on the “standard” bevels climb too high in recent years (price inflation has primarily centered around the green framed 750SS models and the Hailwood replicas), there is no reason to believe the SD models cannot achieve collector status from a monetary perspective. Until then, ride the heck out of it just like the Italians intended!
This auction is going on now and the opening bid is a cool $5k. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts to this one; there are not many clean Darmahs still around, much less in stock (or relatively stock) condition. As we know, condition drives the price – especially with the older bikes. While this is not one of “the” collectable models of the era, this is a nice model in presentable condition. Take a look and then share your thoughts!
MI
