HIGHLIGHTS
- Single-cylinder Desmodromo
- Original 1975-registered UK bike
- One of the last Desmos imported
- From long-term ownership
THE APPEAL
With its distinctive yellow colour scheme, hints of café racer and fascinating mechanical layout, the Ducati ‘Desmo’ was one of the more unusual and desirable bikes of the 1970s.
Derived from the Ducati singles of the 1960s, the Desmos used reciprocating, unsprung valves and were both sophisticated and lively for their day.
Available in 250, 350 and 450cc layouts, this one is the entry model, but no less appealing for it as it’s still a very lively bike, with eager performance and a highly distinctive soundtrack. It has been in the care of its current owner for 19 years, but with advancing age he’s decided it’s time to let someone else have the fun of what is a wonderful bike. “I was never it’s owner – just its custodian,” he told us. “Now it’s time for someone else to look after it and keep it in good condition.”
It’s a credit to him that the condition it is currently in is superb, helped by the fact it has been kept garaged with its own cover throughout his ownership.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Owned by vendor since 2004
- Five previous keepers
- First registered in May 1975
- UK registration document
- Tax and MOT exempt
- Only 8,611 recorded miles
- Matching numbers bike
- Original owners’ manual
- Two keys
THE CONDITION
- Lovely original colour scheme
- Body and frame in superb order
- Tank in excellent condition
- Good frame with no apparent issues
- Smart polished Spanish alloy wheels
- Very good saddle with no marks or damage
- Excellent presentation with no major ageing or deterioration, other than very minor marks
THE MECHANICS
- 250cc single
- Desmodromic oscillating valves
- Stainless steel ‘Silentium’ exhaust
- Very good tyres all-round
- According to the vendor, the bike is in full working order and is tremendous fun to ride
SUMMARY
If you’re looking for an iconic bike to add to your collection, then the bumble-bee coloured Ducati Desmo has to be worthy of consideration. It’s a great-looking bike, a proper enthusiasts’ machine to ride and a fascinating collectors’ item, not only evocative of its era but also wearing the name of one of the most famous and passion-inspiring names in motorcycle history. A fabulous find.
Notice to bidders
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