Description
WHAT A DREAM BIKE TO RIDE, COMING UP 50 YEARS OLD & YET SO COMFY, SUPER SWEET GEARBOX & SOLID PRACTICAL SHAFT DRIVE & QUICK ENOUGH IF NEEDED. STARTS ON THE BUTTON & IS THE BEST EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THESE I HAVE RIDDEN TO DATE. THIS UK ORIGINAL EXAMPLE WAS A PART OF A VAST COLLECTION - SORRY TO WAFFLE ON BELOW BUT PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION TO SAVE QUESTIONS THAT I MAY HAVE ALREADY ANSWERED
This UK original example was properly stored as a part of "Jack Gratton's" collection (Google him - one of the country's top DUCATI collectors) for 22 years & have an old V5 in his name as proof (hence super low genuine mileage) & then it was sold to the last owner (only the 4th!) in 2022 where he set about getting it road ready then did a few hundred miles on it before selling it to go & work abroad. His works included: New tyres, discs, pads, rebuilt calipers front & rear, new battery, spark plugs, carbs outsourced & properly cleaned & rebuilt (shows the way it runs), new fuel tap & obviously new oil/ filter & air filter. Everything else was kept factory original even down to the points ignition.
I have just spent a lot of time cleaning it (he obviously didn't enjoy that part - just the mechanics!) & she is as good as I can get her with being so original. This bike has not had an engine out, frame powder coated etc. etc. restoration and in my humble opinion is better for it. Yes it has some patina but as the saying goes "they are only original once" and she still looks very good indeed. The only points to mention that photos don't show are fading paintwork to the top of the tank & a couple of tiny marks & the front mudguard & original exhausts (like hens teeth) are showing their age in the chrome. Otherwise pretty amazing really & includes 2 keys, tool kit, clear HPI report & if paid the full price I will throw in a £300 "NOS" genuine Suzuki rear chrome rack & large top box.
As previously mentioned she rides & performs like a dream, everything works including the gear indicator & would you believe self cancelling indicators!!! One key works everything & she is ready to ride & enjoy this summer. Being the very 1st year production it also has a kick-start which was subsequently dropped & really is a piece of motorcycling history at a very affordable price & quick enough to keep up with modern traffic
