1981 Ducati 900 SD For Sale (picture 1 of 126)
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1981 Ducati 900 SD For Sale (picture 1 of 126)
1981 Ducati 900 SD For Sale (picture 2 of 126)
1981 Ducati 900 SD For Sale (picture 3 of 126)
1981 Ducati 900 SD For Sale (picture 4 of 126)
1981 Ducati 900 SD For Sale (picture 5 of 126)
1981 Ducati 900 SD For Sale (picture 6 of 126)

1981 Ducati 900 SD

Winning bid
£11,650

Highlights

  • In current ownership since 1989
  • Extensive restoration with over £14,000 reportedly invested
  • Engine rebuilt by Glasgow-based bevel twin specialist Denis Denney
  • Fitted with Sachse electronic ignition and Koni dial-a-ride rear shocks
  • Comes with original electric start components and a spare gearbox cluster

The Appeal

The Ducati 900 SD Darmah holds a special place in the Ducati lineage. Combining the mechanical character of the bevel-drive twin with more refined road manners, the Darmah offered a compelling blend of Italian sporting intent and real-world usability. With its angular styling and that unmistakable L-twin rumble, it remains one of the most sought-after Ducati twins of its era.
This example has been in the hands of one dedicated owner since 1989 and has recently emerged from a thorough restoration, with the vendor reporting over £14,000 invested. The engine was entrusted to Glasgow-based bevel twin specialist Denis Denney, while the remainder of the work was carried out by Devon-based professional restorer Ian Johnson. The electric start has been removed in favour of a kick start conversion, shedding considerable weight and improving the bike's aesthetics. Fresh paintwork in the original black and gold livery, a powder-coated frame, rebuilt wheels, new fork internals, Koni rear shocks, and a comprehensively refurbished braking system round out the work.

The vendor states the finished result is, in several ways, better than new.
image.png 1.38 MB

Key Information

  • Mileage: 100 miles indicated (odometer reset during restoration; instruments were professionally refurbished: last recorded MOT mileage was 33,680 miles)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
  • Technical specs: 864cc L-twin petrol, five-speed manual
  • Paperwork: restoration photographs accompany the bike (see selection in gallery)

The Detail

  • Engine stripped, cleaned, and rebuilt by specialist Denis Denney with new valve guides and bearings inspected and replaced as necessary
  • Kick-start conversion carried out with electric start removed; earlier non-electric-start engine casing fitted
  • Sachse electronic ignition installed
  • Breathing through 32 mm Dell'Orto carburettors
  • Braking system refurbished with new seals, pads, brake lines, discs, stainless steel retaining pins, and bleed nipples
  • Front forks fitted with new stanchions and seals
  • Frame powder coated with new bearings and seals throughout
  • Wheels stripped, powder coated, and rebuilt with new bearings and tyres
  • New Koni dial-a-ride rear shocks fitted
  • Fresh paintwork in original black and gold livery; the vendor states the finish presents very well
  • Stainless steel Kehin silencers and stainless steel header pipes
  • Almost all fasteners were replaced with stainless steel items
  • Instruments professionally refurbished
  • Original electric start components included, reported to be in working order
  • Spare gearbox cluster included
  • The vendor states the bike starts easily on the first or second kick with no kickback
  • The vendor states they have not seen a better example
image.png 1.45 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 
Winning bid
£11,650
Sold

Auction Details

  • Year1981
  • MakeDucati
  • Model900 SD
  • ColourBlack
  • Odometer100 Miles
  • Engine size864cc
  • TransmissionManual, 5 speed
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownLondon
  • CountyGreater London
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

18 Bids

Nplus1a••••
Bid
£11,650
30/09/26
oliver_••••
Bid
£8,900
30/09/26
carter_••••
Bid
£8,500
30/09/26
oliver_••••
Bid
£8,050
30/09/26
denisco••••
Bid
£7,600
30/09/26
oliver_••••
Bid
£7,500
30/09/26
denisco••••
Bid
£7,100
30/09/26
oliver_••••
Bid
£7,000
30/09/26
quill-h••••
Bid
£6,000
30/09/26
oliver_••••
Bid
£5,000
30/09/26

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