Description
MIS 2023 Stock
Ducati Darmah
1980 model
Superb condition
The bike that 'made Ducati great again'
Wonderful investment
Realistic price
Supplied fully serviced
Fresh MOT at point of sale
The introduction of the 860 GT didn’t bring Ducati the success it was hoping for. The design, although very modern in its day, was a not well regarded. Ducati learned from the 860 GT, shown by the introduction of the 900 Sport Desmo ‘Darmah’ or 900 SD in 1977. Although the two models were available simultaneously until 1979, the Darmah is regarded as the better sport-touring bike of the two.
Several improvements were introduced on the 900 SD Darmah in 1977. The crankshaft bearings were updated, the crankpin was enlarged and desmodromic camshafts were now standard like on the 900 Super Sport. Perhaps the biggest improvement was the new gearshift selector drum now located on the left side. This meant an end for the rather crudely constructed crossover rod to make left-side gearshift possible in 1976. Bosch ignition replaced Ducati’s own and an electric starter motor was standard.
The technical improvements of the 900 SD Darmah saw their way to all other Ducati bevel twins of 1978. Although the frame was much like that of the 860 GT, all bodywork was new. The fuel tank and seat formed a nice partnership by sharing a line all the way over the ‘ducktail’ end of the bike. Instruments were now Nippon Denso and the 900 SD was fitted with gold finished Campagnolo magnesium wheels. Leopoldo Tartarini’s design worked well and reception looked promising in 1977.
The anticipated success came and in 1978 some minor updates were introduced. The 1977 Darmah had a Ceriani front fork, replaced by a Marzocchi front fork in 1978. The wheels were now Speedline. During 1978 the Lafranconi exhaust mufflers were replaced by Silentiums and the kick-start lever was removed.
Back to Classics - thanks.
