Highlights
- Restored and engine rebuilt by a known Ducati specialist
- In the care of a Ducati specialist from approximately 1990 until passing to the current seller
- Both the Conti and original Silentium exhausts included in the sale
The Appeal
The Ducati 450 Desmo is one of the most characterful Italian singles ever produced. Its desmodromic valve train, mechanically closing the valves rather than relying on springs, lent it a sophistication that set it apart from its contemporaries, and these narrow-case singles have become increasingly sought after by collectors and riders alike.
This 1975 example has been in the UK from new and spent many years in the hands of a known Ducati specialist, who had the bike from approximately 1990 before it passed to the current seller. During that time, it was fully restored and its engine completely rebuilt. The work was carried out with usability in mind rather than concours perfection, the vendor describes it as a working restoration in great clean shape. Thoughtful modifications have been made to improve starting and daily rideability, and the rims and most other parts are reported to be original. The vendor describes it as a solid road bike with plenty of torque and, in their words, handling that is in fine fettle.
Key Information
- Mileage: 194 miles indicated
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- MOT status: exempt
- Technical specs: 450cc single-cylinder desmodromic four-stroke engine, five-speed gearbox
- Paperwork: no specific documentation mentioned by the vendor
The Detail
- Engine has had a mild port
- Fitted with a Mikuni 34 carburettor in place of the original
- 12v Electrex ignition system fitted
- Cylinder drilled and tapped for a decompressor to aid starting
- Non-original gear linkage fitted; described by the vendor as easier to use and more precise than the original
- Conti exhaust currently fitted, showing some wear; original Silentium exhaust also included in the sale
- Original engine casing was replaced many years ago due to a crack, believed to have been caused by racing
- Rims are original and most other parts are reported to be original
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ 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..
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