Highlights
- Believed one of only 277 final year 250s
- UK-market bike first registered in 1974 with only four keepers
- Extremely rare ‘Yellow Desmo’ paint scheme only available in final year
- Showroom condition collector bike displayed by current and previous keepers
- Stored in a heated brick built workshop in a purpose built display case
- Reportedly starts on the first or second kick
- The video is a good representation of the actual colour of the bike
The Appeal
It’s perhaps no surprise to learn that the current keeper displays this 250 Desmo in a bespoke display cabinet; this is a truly special bike. The 250 Mark 3 was built in very small numbers between 1967 and 1974, with the later models moving towards a café racer style. This is one of the final-year ‘Yellow Desmos’ of which just 277 are believed to have been built.
The term is bandied about a lot, but this is a genuine ‘collector grade’ bike that has been cherished by its current and previous keepers. The vendor acquired it in 2020 and has displayed it, as did the previous one. It is in fantastic, factory-correct condition - the yellow paintwork with its correct decals and black stripes presenting at a high level, as does the bright chrome.
Despite being a display bike, we are told that it starts and runs easily. This is a rare chance to acquire one of the best examples of these historically important and technologically advanced racers.
The vendor says:
“Handles beautifully. Admired wherever it goes. I believe you won't find a better one. Well looked after and maintained.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 5th August 1974 in the United Kingdom
- Four registered UK keepers
- Current keeper since April 2022
- Stored in a heated brick built workshop in a purpose built display case
- Previous keeper kept it in his living room for many years
- V5C
- Registered as a historic vehicle
- Odometer reads 64 kilometres but is inoperative
- Vendor states estimated actual reading is approximately 5,000 km (not verified)
- Two keys with Ducati keyrings
- Workshop manual
- Some spare parts as shown
- Magazine
- VIN number: 104287
The Condition
- Factory correct and very rare ‘Yellow Desmo’ colour scheme
- This finish was only available from 1973 for final year of production
- Well kept paintwork with correct decals and black stripes
- The vendor describes the motorcycle as being in stunning, showroom condition
- The vendor states that everything works as it should
- Bright chromework in very good condition
- Veglia dials in good condition with mileage detailed above
- Speedometer cable needs replacing as the fitted one does not work properly.
The Mechanics
- SOHC 249cc single-cylinder engine with desmodromic valve actuation
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Reportedly starts very easily on the first or second kick
- The vendor reports it handles beautifully
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