Highlights
- One of only 1,500 900SS Darmahs built
- Comprehensive restored by current keeper costing over £5,000
- With current keeper since 2016
- Virtually every area attended to including repaint and engine rebuild
- Approximately 1,600 miles covered since the rebuild
- Voluntarily MOT valid until April 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
In the 1970s Ducati, along with most other European bike makers, was under pressure from its Japanese rivals. Its response was this bike, the 90)SS Darmah. With its reputation for building fantastic but fragile bikes, nobody expected Ducati to ace its competitors, but the 900SS Dharma did exactly that. No wonder Classic Bike Hub calls it ‘the best roadster in production in 1978, regardless of price.’
The Darmah was built as a tourer by marrying the 900SS ‘Desmodronic’ 864cc 69hp beverl-drive L-twin engine with the GTL’s frame. Duycati added an electronic starter and ignition to improve reliability. There was also an array of top-quality fittings and each of the 1,500 built was assembled with a genuine sense of care.
All of which is a long-winded way of saying that this 1980 900SS Darmah is special, very special indeed. But then, if you’ve looked at the photos, you’ll know what we mean. The Darmah is capable, but also beautiful - particularly in this bike’s light green metallic with blue decals and gold wheels.
The vendor acquired this example in poor condition in 2016. Over the next couple of years, he set about comprehensively restoring it, spending over £5,000 to attend to virtually every area, including a full repaint and an engine rebuild. It has covered just 1,600 miles since. It is a mark of his approach that it comes to market with a current MOT valid to April 2026, although this is no longer a legal requirement.
Rare and in extremely good condition, this is a chance to enhance your collection.
Key Information
- Mileage: 4,1320km (25,675 miles) not verified) approximately 1,600 miles since rebuild
- Country of registration: UK registered since February 1980
- MOT status: Valid until 02/04/2026 (MOT exempt but voluntarily tested)
- Technical specs: 69hp 864cc bevel drive, L-twin engine with Desmo head, 5spd gearbox
- Paperwork: restoration invoices totalling over £5,000, MOTs, workshop manuals, V5C
The Detail
- Extensively restored to factory specification, including full repaint in light blue
- Correct decals and well-kept fittings and chromework
- Gold painted Ducati rims with well-kept tyres
- Engine rebuilt with work to the crank, liners, pistons, valves and guides
- Carburettors sent to Dellorto for professional restoration
- Forks, brakes and wheels all restored
- Wheels repainted as part of the restoration
- Bodywork repainted in its original colour
- Equipped with electric start
- Foot rests and handlebars repositioned for a more comfortable riding position; can be returned to standard
- Vendor notes the bike will only run on Bosch plugs
- We are told that the gear change takes some getting used to
- The vendor advises that the bike needs warming up when starting
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