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1978 DUCATI 900 SD Sport Desmo Darmah "Cafe Corse" Custom built Special
Asking $15,700 USD obo

SOLD  SOLD  SOLD  SOLD

This "Special" Ducati was built by and for a Ducatisti and collector as his personal road bike. This is one of the quickest Bevel Drive Desmo Ducatis ever built, registered and titled for the street and is offered with a clear NJ title. Only 80 miles since restoration of an early Ducati SD (Sport Desmo) "Darmah" with 22984 total miles at time of this listing.  Countless hours and an extensive list of period correct performance, handling and cosmetic upgrades were employed in the building of this special classic Ducati.

No "modern" parts (with the exception of tires, battery and mirrors) were used intentionally to preserve the ride, handling and experience of riding this period Italian Superbike / Cafe Racer.  This bike was inspired by race and road Specials, racers, customs and hot rod Ducatis like "Overdog" (Old Blue) and BevelTech's Bathurst 905, Bracken's Bevel, and Cafe31. The design brief was a period look "wolf in street clothing" quicker, better handling, safer and more reliable than the original.  The (glass fibre not plastic) fairing, tail section, seat, Custom paint etc. are period "SS" or Super Sport style however this is a "special" or "Custom" build based upon a SD Sport Desmo and not a Factory SS or Super Sport.  This is one of the nicest, best running and looking and quickest bevel drive Ducati Desmo specials ever built for the street and worthy of a place in any collection. This motorcycle starts usually on the first or second kick and the idle is set for a warm engine.

Some but not all of the features, benefits, upgrades, special parts, (period, NOS or new) are as follows:

• 905cc "endurance displacement" engine - 88mm x 74.4mm pistons (standard displacement was 864cc)

• (1978 and newer models had improvements which support higher horsepower and torque and are generally more reliable which is why a 1978 was used for this build)

• Better Bosch ignition

• "Imola" race or "up-rating kit" cams that get the most out of Fabio Taglioni's desmodromics. (note: this is a real DESMO)

• Final drive changed to 43/15 with with new sprockets and 520 gold chain. which adds additional quickness to the other performance mods. This also makes the otherwise "race only cams " usable on the street and comfortable in traffic. It is also suitable for Mulholland drive or Snaefell Mountain or Sunday rides. The engine "pulls like a freight train".

• 40mm Delorto "Pumper carbs" were rebuilt.  These are the larger more desirable carbs.

• 38mm Ceriani front forks...also rebuilt with new seals and wipers.  The forks were then reversed and polished (like Mike Hailwoods #12 IOM Bike) for better handling and a cleaner look.

• Period Marzocchi "Strada" rear shocks.

• A Custom Verlicchi style 280mm rear "jawed" swing arm is mated to the Darmah frame's eccentric adjustable swingarm pivot.  (this provides a quicker and more adjustable rear wheel set-up if raced or in need of a tire change /repair.

• All (3) Brembo discs were blasted and centers re-painted.

• New Avon tires , only (80) miles

Early Ducati light weight glass fibre fuel tank was restored and (2) coats of Caswell Phenol epoxy added to the inside to protect it from most types/brands of ethanol blended gas . (however this motorcycle has had only ethanol free fuel in it since restoration). New black paint by Greg at Black Label & all stickers/decals were clear coated except for Cafe Corse on the sides of the tail section. The Isle of man on the rear fender is a badge. Stickers/decals and many misc. items from Steve at Bevel Heaven.

Custom cored stainless conical exhausts for that great bevel Ducati sound... Not too loud, not too quiet.. just right. (restrictor blank removed). Brembo brakes serviced (note; if you are used to modern brakes you may want to consider changing brake pads to a higher friction pad from EBC or another MFR).

Many additional parts: period turn signals (US with side reflectors) sealed battery, new tray and strap. K&N XL air filter pods and breather. New Grips on the original period clip-ons and twin pull throttle & new steering head bearings. New tinted windshield from Gustafsson and new green fuel lines. Real "early" Campagnolo magnesium wheels (not re-makes).

Note: new custom matching bell helmet as shown in photos is included with the purchase of the Ducati.

The battery was charged and the Ducati was just ridden 2 miles to insure its excellent running condition at beginning of this listing. This Ducati shows and goes very well and would easily cost twice the price to try to replicate this rare and appreciating custom classic. This Ducati was built to be ridden and enjoyed ...however it is attractive enough to be displayed as a welcome addition to any collection or museum.

**This Ducati is being sold for medical reasons so please only bid or inquire if you are a serious interested buyer and have the the funds available to complete the sale in a timely manner without complication or delay.** (This includes brokers or other qualified representatives so please confirm with your customer before making an offer). International bidders using a bank to bank wire transfer for deposit or the balance or cash are welcome. Scammers consider yourself warned. This motorcycle will be shipped when all funds have cleared and the purchaser's information is verified.

The Ducati is available for inspection by appointment at Robb Francis Sports Cars (located at 163 Main Street, Peapack, NJ 07934).

Shipping is the complete and total responsibility of the Buyer . I can assist with meeting your shipper for loading purposes and drain the gas if required.

Asking $15,700 or Best Offer  SOLD  SOLD  SOLD

Daily Direct is one (motorcycle only) shipper that has a good reputation for shipping door to door in the USA (AK &HI excluded) and you may contact Steve Allen at Bevel Heaven for a quote at (925)798-2385.