1975 Ducati Desmo Sport

Lot details
Registration No: HFC376N
Frame No: 104014
Engine No: 111879
cc: 249
MOT Expiry Date: Aug 2012

1968 marked the realisation of a dream for Ducati's designer Fabio Taglioni when he achieved his goal of marketing the first production motorcycle with desmodromically controlled valves. The new models, initially available as a 250cc and 350cc, being joined in 1969 by a 450 version, were visually hard to differentiate from the over head cam Mark 3's, sharing that series of machines cycle parts. The two model ranges diverged in 1971 when the "Desmo's adopted more sporting, "café racer" styling with a fibreglass fuel tank replacing the metal item fitted to the Mark 3, a new racing style saddle with a fibreglass tailpiece and a fibreglass front mudguard, all of these items being finished in a silver metal flake finish. Known as "silver shotguns" the machines had benefited from a number of improvements to the cycle parts in addition to the cosmetic alterations. Borrani 18 inch alloy rims were employed and a double sided single leading shoe front brake from Grimeca was installed in the Marzocchi front forks, which had 35mm stanchions instead of the 31.5mm items previously used. The model underwent a further revision in 1973 when Leopoldo Tartarini refreshed the styling. A new fibreglass saddle and tail unit which now incorporated the rear light and also served as a rear mudguard combined with revised side panels. The metal flake paintwork of the "silver shotgun" gave way to a striking yellow and black livery similar to that employed by the 750 Sport models.

This machine was originally owned by a Mr Chris Wheeler who commissioned Tony Brancato of Brancato Engineering to restore the machine with work commencing in November 1984 and finally being completed in April 2001. Copies of invoices accompany the motorcycle that account for £5391-75 worth of parts. In a number of instances parts that were not available were fabricated in stainless steel by Tony Brancato, these include the exhaust system and silencer, the rear sets and swinging arm pivot, which is supplied with grease nipples. The electrical system has been upgraded to 12 volts and a Lucas Rita electronic ignition system has been fitted. A Honda handlebar mounted switch block for the lights and horn has replaced the unreliable original item and a CEV rear lamp has been fitted. Hagon rear shock absorbers are employed and a 32mm Amal Concentric carburettor with an alloy bell mouth has replaced the standard 29mm Dell'Orto unit. The clutch is now fitted with a 2mm thick plain steel clutch plate, a modification adopted from the race track, where it was found to prevent slip and drag that manifested itself as a result of the standard plates warping.

Presented to a very high standard throughout this desirable and well sorted machine is offered with a Swansea V5C, an MOT certificate valid until the 23rd August 2012, a road fund licence that expires at the beginning of April 2012 and the invoices reflecting the work carried out during the restoration.