c.1975 Ducati 450 Desmo, Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. DM450M3 701808 Engine no. DM450D 462059

Important Collectors' Motorcycles and Spares
c.1975 Ducati 450 Desmo
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. DM450M3 701808
Engine no. DM450D 462059
Designed by one of the most celebrated motorcycle engineers of all time, Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first overhead-camshaft single appeared in 1955. Desmodromic valve operation, whereby closure as well as opening was effected by cams, was a feature of the racing versions and would later be applied to the sportier roadsters. A new range of Desmo roadsters was introduced in 1971, and these new 250/350/450 Desmos soon acquired the sobriquet 'Silver Shotgun', a reference to their eye-catching silver metallic paintwork. Standard equipment included Marzocchi 35mm front forks, Borrani 18" alloy wheel rims, a Grimeca 180mm 4LS front brake, rear-set footrests, clip-on handlebars, and a white-faced Veglia rev counter, while the fuel tank, seat base, side panels, and front mudguard were made of a lightweight glassfibre. For 1973, the Desmo range was mildly restyled by Italjet's Leopoldo Tartarini, also responsible for the Ducati 750 Sport, the colour scheme switching to yellow/black at the same time. Production effectively ended in 1974, though a tiny handful was produced in 1978.

Offered from a private collection, this Ducati 450 Desmo - apparently an older restoration - will require re-commissioning before returning to the road, and would benefit from detailing. The odometer reading is 9,057 miles. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality, correctness, and mechanical condition prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.