Description
This motorcycle is Lot 287 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 287
1980 Ducati 864cc Darmah 900 Sport Desmo
Registration no. DFL 814V
Frame no. DM860SS* 900110*
Engine no. 900102 DM860
Work by Ducati Technical Services
Affordable Ducati V-twin from the classic era
In 1970 it was apparent to Ducati that the future of motorcycles lay in larger capacities and the modern era of Ducati twins began with the round case Fabio Taglioni-designed 750 twins of 1971. With their bevel-driven overhead camshaft layout, the 750 v-twin became the 750GT, and thus began a line of, arguably, some of the most beautiful motorcycles of the nineteen seventies. Propelled by their racing victory in the 1972 Imola 200, the GT was joined by the 750 Sport in 1972; with its streamlined looks, and high performance engine, it was a machine of pure beauty, one of the most visually balanced of all time, possessing all the attributes of a thoroughbred. Hard to beat it may have been, but Ducati managed it with its next creation, the 750SS with even more power and, arguably, better looks. The obvious next step was an increase in capacity with the introduction of the 860 engine, but perhaps inevitably, the new machine's appearance was criticised and unpopular by comparison with the sublime 750s. Fortunately, they continued the 750 Sport, and the 860 engine was adapted for the new 900 Super Sport which carried on the great Ducati looks into the next generation. The touring 860GT and GTS lasted only until 1977 when new models 900GT, 900GTS and Darmah 900SD appeared.
DFL 814V was purchased by the vendor in October 2012, and has been used regularly since, along with other machines in his stable. Paperwork and notes on file indicate that the last owner maintained the machine, and had restored it over a period of 2 years. During the present ownership, the vendor had work carried out with a local Ducati specialist, and latterly had Ducati Technical Services attend to shimming the valve clearances and stripping and cleaning the carbs (invoice on file), since when the bike has covered only 227 miles. Now advancing in years, the vendor feels it is time to pass the 900SD on to a new owner who can use the bike on a more regular basis.
Documentation comprises a current V5C, some expired MoTs, copy workshop manual and spare parts books, Ducati Bevel Twins book, the aforementioned invoice, and sundry papers.
£4, 000 - 6, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
