By the mid 1950's Ducati was in terrible financial condition and was on its way to closing. But, in 1955 they pulled a rabbit out of their hat, so to speak, and hired Fabio Taglioni to design a bike to win the Motogiro race in Italy. It was a race that was one of the most important motorcycle races in Italy which took riders through the Italian countryside at high speed. Winning this race would be a marketing success and a huge boost in sales which is exactly what Ducati needed. In 1955 with a 125cc bevel drive overhead cam Gran Sport they accomplished what they set out to do. Later, in 1967, a "wide case" single was introduced with a wider rear engine crnakase casting and wider rear frame section as well as a stronger connecting rod, larger rod bearing and the important addition of the desmodromic valve actuation in street production bikes, previously confined only to the race bikes. Late in 1968 a 450cc version of the Desmo was introduced along with a frame with stronger bracing to take the extra torque making the most powerful Ducati single to date and the greatest development of the Desmo.
Offered here is one of the rare 450cc Desmo's; a 1970 model with factory low bars, racing tank, seat and factory racing tachometer. Just out of the estate of a well known motorcycle collector here in Connecticut this Desmo is one of oldest members of that collection having purchased it in 1981. A very good original bike with all of the right details that has been very well maintained with light restoration work done over the years. Finished in its original color red, this Ducati is really sharp. The Ferrari of Motorcycles. Mechanically it has just been treated to a service and runs great. A very lightweight and fast sport bike of the early 1970's. Contact us today for more information.
