Posts tagged as “desmodue”

Cherry Filling – 1996 Ducati 900SS

Published December 19, 2022 by Donn

Without a numbered plaque or extra letters, this might just be a plain vanilla 900SS. But it appears remarkably original and in excellent shape for 33K miles.

1996 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

Special models such as the SuperLight and SS/SP get most of our attention, but the base 900SS is most of the way there. The air cooled 904cc twin put out a respectable 84 hp, and 38mm Mikuni’s were tuneable if not inspired. The dry clutch and inverted Showa forks added to the sports-oriented theme. Exhausts on the two-seater were upswept, but not as sharply as the monoposto.

With all those miles it’s a safe bet there have been at least a few owners and plenty of maintenance, but history or no, at this stage of life most bikes are on the IRAN (inspect-and-repair-as-necessary) plan. At least no apparent faux pas, and just as hard to find a mod – maybe the tail looks a bit tidy but that’s about all.

The SS were Ducati’s all-rounders until the Monster and then Multistrada arrived, and they took a little commuting and cross-country in stride. The dry clutch and air cooling set a rider apart these days, and there’s probably a manual transmission car home in the garage. Toward the end of the model run, this example is certainly worth a more in-depth look.

-donn

8 Responses.

Pandemic Puppy – 1995 Ducati 900 SS/SP Supersport with 3,886 Miles !

Published August 16, 2022 by Donn

Seems like quite a few Supersports changed hands over the past few years, but today’s might have some of the lowest miles and best condition around – plus the number 131 SP badge.

1995 Ducati 900 SS/SP Supersport for sale on eBay

Ducati was able to put some Cagiva development lira into the 900SS, and presented a pretty together 84 hp package. Targeting the North American market, the SP had the aluminum swingarm and carbon mudguards, plus adjustable Showa suspension. The trellis frame and cast wheels were dusted in gold, and the lightweight fairing kept the weight from getting too much over 400 lbs. ready to ride.

This SP looks to be part of a larger collection, and is more stock than usual with original exhaust. What seem to be aftermarket brake lines caught my eye, and hopefully the carbon trim on the triple tree is preventing rather than covering keychain patina. The owner might have been too busy shampooing carpet to write more notes for the eBay auction:

All Original. Fluids just done. Belts and carbs done in November of 2019. Runs and looks great.

Ducati took their eyes off the Supersport segment to bring the Monster to life, and yearly sales waned to just a few hundred in the late 90’s. Pierre Terblanche penned a 1999 update, but the complex bodywork couldn’t claim the race-derived style of the earlier model. This collector might have missed the peak of the market, but this example should still do well.

-donn

2 Responses.

Trackday Tuesday Feature – 2013 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO Race Bike

Published August 11, 2022 by Donn

Update 8.11.2022: Jonathon has renewed his Featured Listing and is now available on eBay with an updated description and pictures. Buy-it-now is $13,500. Please note BST wheels are no longer included. Thank you again for supporting the site! -dc

Ducati packed a host of worthwhile changes into the 4th Generation Monster, and RSBFS reader Jonathan has modified his extensively for the racetrack. With its Paul Smart style fairing, NCR look belly pan, and custom race-prep for just about everything else, this Monster race bike is ready for this season’s Battle of Twins.

2013 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO Race Bike for sale on eBay

Ducati massaged the air-cooled desmodue and achieved 100 hp for showroom machines, and was able to stretch valve adjustment intervals for the dual-spark motor. Accompanying the big power was a heavily triangulated trellis from headstock to engine, and a cast aluminum subframe holding the single-sided swingarm. Its high gear ratios are a natural for the race course, and the 43mm Marzocchi forks can handle the force of the 320mm cross-drilled brakes. A plastic fuel cell hides under the tank covers, and the stock seat fairing has a remarkably similar shape to the racing seat.

Jonathan works in a Chicago motorcycle shop when he’s not practicing his AHMRA or BoT craft, and has raced and wrenched many different bikes. The Monster has had the engine done by MotoCorse in Fort Lauderdale, and shows a dyno sheet with 90 rwhp. There’s a long list of mods for the track, with a custom exhaust and seat subframe. Here it is single-spaced:

2013 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO

This is a racing motorcycle for competition use. Built to run in the AHRMA Battle of the Twins 1 class. This machine is in a great condition and has been meticulously maintained. It has some blemishes and wear from normal use which can be seen in the photos provided. This includes seat foam pad has cracking, the rear tail section as a hairline crack roughly 2-3mm long, the front fairing has some light scratching, and the clear coat on the front fairing has been retouched. Overall the bike is in excellent overall condition. Monster 1100 EVO BOT1 Bike with PS1000 style fairing, Custom Aluminum Fairing Stay, Custom Aluminum Subframe Mounts, Custom exhaust, NCR style belly pan, race tail, and blueprinted engine from Motocorse Performance.

Has the following components and modifications:

Yoyodyne Slipper Clutch
Andreani Fork Cartridges Sprung for 180lbs rider
Penske Shock
Ohlins Steering Damper
Rapid Bike with Quickshifter
Zullo ECU Flash
Woodcraft Rearsets
Woodcraft Clip-Ons
Woodcraft Lever Guard
Throttle Tamer Tube
Brembo GP Mk2 Front Brake Master Cylinder
GP routed Brake lines (ABS deleted). The dashboard does not indicate vehicle Speed with this modification. This also means the odometer is not accurate.
Shift Tech Muffler with Custom exhaust
Driven Keyless Fuel Cap
Woodcraft Clutch Cover Guard
Pro bolt Race Spec Caliper Bolts
Motocorse Performance Adjustable Camshaft and Layshaft Pulleys
Pitbull Rear Paddock Stand Included
New Rain Tires (currently mounted)

Built on a Salvage Title. Mileage is not accurate as the dashboard does not record mileage with ABS removal.

Just had major service, fluids, belts, valves checked.

Video Walk Around:
https://youtu.be/q30BHwwhtwQ

Video Fly By NJMP:
https://youtube.com/shorts/NgyT4CIj-aA?feature=share

Video Of Corner Exit:
https://youtu.be/C2RGfpmFbZI

Just had major service, fluids, belts, valves, fork oil, etc
Fresh and Ready to ride!

Jonathan can be reached via email here – Tecnicomoto729@gmail.com

A short corner exit video shows the torque – 20220115 2012 ducati monster race bike on track

This Monster road racer is up-to-date gear for a track day or club racing. Race bikes always need more maintenance than their road cousins, but the 1100 dual spark is as reliable as they come, and apparently free of any major mishaps. Spring is on the way and the calendar is already filling in. Contact Jonathan to discuss this special Monster – Tecnicomoto729@gmail.com

-donn

That Is – 1992 Ducati Paso 907IE

Published May 27, 2022 by Donn

Ducati toughed it out with the original Paso, making small improvements until the fuel injected 907 I.E. was introduced in 1991. Today’s has miles but a recent restoration and a couple of nicer add-ons.

1992 Ducati Paso 907IE for sale on eBay

With water cooling and Weber injection, the 907IE’s 904cc’s claim a robust 90 hp, and torque giving a wide range of 3,000 to 8,500 revs in the power band. The square tube chassis is all but invisible under the full Tamburini bodywork, with Marzocchi suspension adapted from the 851 superbike. 300mm Brembo brakes and 120 front / 190 rear tires were more sport than touring. Behind the body-color windshield, the cockpit reviewed as roomy and even a pillion wouldn’t look out of place.

Parked in the lounge area of some kind of motoring workshop, this 907 I.E. looks great with pretty correct decals and white wheels. Guessing those are period Staintune silencers, and the Corbin saddle appears to give a slightly lower and more supportive seat. Looks and sounds like the restoration was substantially cosmetic, with just a couple of maintenance items discussed in the eBay auction –

This is an excellent running and looking 907.. No Problems .. Restored about 5 years ago .. Repainted, decals , had white rims powder coated . Corbin seat .. mechanically all I have done is a water pump, brakes and battery .. put less than 1000 miles in my ownership and less than 100 in the past 3 years .. Have many other bikes .. Plenty of parts availability on eBay if you need but a very reliable fun bike .. Amazingly comfortable ..

All the Paso variants were priced a little higher and had a quirk or two more than the competition, and sales never seemed to exceed 1,000 per year. Still fans who liked the sound and the chassis ( and hung soft bags over the pillion ) lamented its early retirement. These days it’s a sensible entrée into the red bike spectrum and this one has a very low starting bid.

-donn

One Response.

New Heritage – 1981 Ducati 500SL Pantah

Published April 8, 2022 by Donn

Fabio Taglioni designed a new valve train for the next generation of Ducati’s and with it, a revised future for the company. Here’s a classic rider that shines up beautifully for its nearly 35K miles.

1981 Ducati 500SL Pantah ( England ) for sale on eBay

Bevel drive desmodue’s were expensive to build and the easier “rubber band” proved a reliable way to turn the single overhead cams. The engine worked within the new trellis frame for a solid chassis, and the swingarm pivot was cast in the back of the crankcase. 35mm forks and dual rear shocks were in-keeping with the sub-400 lbs. dry weight. New 18-inch alloy wheels and 260mm disc brakes completed the running gear. Though the eyes stumble over it, the fairing allowed the 45 hp bike to slip through the air at 120 mph.

This offering appears to be from a private seller in southern Britain, and looks quite excellent. Long past any worries of a maintenance schedule, only the age of the tires and belts ( and maybe the fuel ) would be something the next rider would want to know. For the condition, the ask is more than reasonable, as this original Pantah hovers somewhere between classic and vintage. A short summation of the model from the eBay auction –

The first of Ducati’s ‘new generation’ desmodromic v-twins, the 500 Pantah made its debut at the 1978 Cologne Show. Designed by Fabio Taglioni, the Pantah engine abandoned the Bologna company’s traditional shaft-and-bevel-gears camshaft drive in favour of toothed rubber belts. With 46bhp available at the back wheel the Pantah was capable of close to 120mph, which was some going for 500cc four-stroke in those days. A straight-tube trellis frame and triple Brembo disc brakes ensured that Pantah handled and stopped as well as it went in a straight line.

Pantah’s went on to 600, 650, and 750 cc models, but this would be one of the most original. Reviewers found power and torque adequate in the upper third of the rpm range, and the overall package nimble. Many of the concepts introduced on the Pantah are still in use, as this lovely example could be for the next owner.

-donn

5 Responses.

More M than XL – 1984 Ducati 350XL in England

Published January 10, 2022 by Donn

No superbike aspirations, but trying to fly the brand’s flag in developing markets, Ducati’s 350XL was strictly for more carefully licensed countries. This one has some km’s but the 350 desmo shows very nicely.

1984 Ducati 350XL ( Britain ) for sale on eBay

The 349cc two-valver was a 600 Pantah re-cylindered for under 21 ridership, but with 10.4-to-1 compression, Dell’Orto carbs and 40 hp. Adapted from its big brothers were the 5-speed, dual Brembo disks, Paoli suspension, and more than a fairing’s worth of bodywork. With lightly raised handlebars, the riding position was multi-purpose, and the bar-mounted fairing gave some protection.

Maybe not restored, but this 350 is awfully clean, with polished cases and forks. Km’s or miles, 44,555 seems way too many for the condition. Might need a few things but nothing very exotic here, though hard parts might take some research. Comments from the eBay auction:

A beautiful untouched Ducati XL350
Starts runs and rides, been part of a private collection for many years
Slight check over will be needed before use
Full v5 lots of history

As a downsized middleweight, the 350XL carried extra pounds that it couldn’t shed, and gave away market share to pure-bred small sports. Sidecovers that hid the vertical cylinder were stylish, though compromised the brand’s sporting cachet. Likely just for a fan with a garage-ful of red bikes, this one might occupy a niche. And except for shipping, this one’s a can’t bust a hole in the budget and might really be a crowd pleaser on bike night.

-donn

2 Responses.

Sunnyside – 1995 Ducati 900SS

Published January 4, 2022 by Donn

The bright courtyard pictures of this 900SS must’ve been taken last fall, because at 6,349 ft., it’s a bit wintry in Santa Fe. But a little warmth awaits the new owner when the truck drops off this very nice Supersport.

1995 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

In the days before the Monster and Multi, Ducati’s Supersport was the do-all bike – built sporty but comfortable enough to take on a commute or weekend. Air cooled and with belt-driven cams, the 904cc desmodue made 84 hp via 38mm Mikuni carbs and a dry clutch. Showa supplied the inverted fork and adjustable monoshock, and Brembo the 320 mm brakes. Dry weight was right around 400 lbs. even with the full fairing.

Never seeming to have been fawned over, this 900SS looks very good and just a few rubs interrupt the flow. Termignoni mufflers and Superlight monoposto seem to be the majority of the mods. The seat cover is a little crispy but could easily be re-covered or Sargent-ized. Comments from the eBay auction:

Very nice example with patina from regular use as expected of a 27 year old bike.

Looks and sounds fantastic. Pulls strong. No smoking or obvious mechanical wear.

Belts replace 4 years ago but have only ridden about 1500 miles since then.

Tires are virtually new having been installed a year ago and have only about 400 miles on them max.

Rare Termignoni high rise pipes and brackets from a superlight.

Superlight solo tail.

Correct factory vented clutch cover.

Battery always on a tender and is strong.

With nothing aboard that isn’t required, even lunch on a 900SS will require a backpack. And though the handling won raves, U-turns with the chassis geometry can be a dab-fest. But if a splash and a snack are available at the turn-around point, then the 90’s SS can be a grand day out. The example gives up SP credentials and static display perfection for a very sensible starting bid and a not-bad buy-it-now.

-donn

Black and Gold Tiger – 1979 Ducati 900SD Darmah

Published December 11, 2021 by Donn

Ducati called in stylist Leopoldo Tartarini to help them back from the 860GT mis-step, and beside the 900SS bevel, and he penned most of the sporty SS attributes into the unfaired SD Darmah. Here’s a very original SD with a recent powertrain rebuild, and very presentable survivor cosmetics.

1979 Ducati SD900 Darmah for sale on eBay

Ducati wasn’t ready to abandon their 864cc L-twin, which laid down a torquey 65 hp, featuring 32mm Dell’Orto carbs with individual airboxes and single overhead cams. The 5-speed and frame were fairly conventional, though the transmission got good marks for smooth shifting. Marzocchi forks and monoshock provided a firm but not harsh ride, tailored well to the centrist performance. Triple 280mm disks put a hurting on the 18-inch tires, but got the job done. The factory seat was way over on the sporty side, but easily upgraded. Nippondenso instruments and controls eyebrows some eyebrows, but worked every time.

The seller delves into patina issues when the survivor condition is really quite good. Darmah’s pre-date all the age-proof paints and finishes we almost take for granted, but the originals here look great. Longer stalk mirrors have been fitted and the factory seat re-stuffed. The drivetrain rebuild is more of a story than the odometer change, and probably will account for quite a bit of the strike price. Comments from the eBay auction:

The last affordable Bevel Head. Prior owner acquired the bike in 2012 and the speedo was inoperable and replaced with a NOS unit. By 2015 the prior owner had put 2,600 miles on the engine and that’s when the motor was rebuilt. Odometer shows less than 5,000 miles now. What’s wrong with it?

It’s a great original bike with with patina that comes with something that has always been cared for rather than something fixed up from a wreck. Clear coat by the gas cap peeled when the PO purchased the bike and has not progressed (maybe US gas ?), There is also clear coat peeling right side under brake fluid reservoir – maybe spills/ leaks at some time. Clear coat peel near rear seat lock. Hasn’t been run by me in nearly 9 months. Mirrors aren’t original although they are Ducati. PO had replaced originals with little “racy” ones. The ball end on front brake lever is snapped off. (I have replacement and haven’t installed yet.) Seat has been recovered and padded. Anyone who has ridden on one without this “mod” will know why this was done. This was going to be my “forever bike” but plans changed…as they do.

Complete engine rebuild in winter of 2015 by Karl Engelenner (MMS – Sacramento CA).

New rods and crank pin

New 88mm pistons and rings

New valves and seats

New bearings, all of them in the motor and trans

New Surflex clutch

Vee Two high flow oil pump

All rocker arms reconditioned

All transmission shafts and gears reconditioned

New 36mm Dell’orto carbs/Originals available

Original Paint

Campagnolo wheels

Braided steel brake lines

New Rubber brake lines

New Avon Roadrider tires

Tomaselli 2C throttle

K&N filters

Serviced 90 days ago by the Zen House of Point Arena

new Starter Sprag Fitted

The Darmah has a page or two in Msgr’s Tartarini and Taglioni’s history, but Ducati is still not done with the desmodue. The stately black and gold had a European sophistication, and the saddle’s relationship with the tank may have advertised a different sportiness than the chassis wanted to deliver. But the torque and stability made the Darmah a signature Ducati. Just one day to go and plenty of bids, but none satisfying the reserve.

-donn