Any classic experts out there that might be able to help/convince me that I'm doing the right thing ? For some strange reason I've completely fallen for an old Ducati classic, a 900SS Darmah to be exact but I'd like to be sure I'm not buying a lemon ! It's a 1981 UK model with 24,000 km on the clock (km clock rather than mph ??) but the log book and the seller both indicate that it is a bike that was first registered here. From what I can tell it's almost original : has the Conti pipes, Marzocchi rear shocks,Brembo brakes and I think FPS wheels (seller told me this as couldn't find any markings) plus what appears to be the correct switchgear. It even has the original wire engine seal underneath to suggest the engine has never been apart and it seems to run as sweet as a nut with no obvious oil leaks or smoke. Engine & frame numbers I think are within the right range but maybe someone can confirm ?? : Engine 904228 DM860 , Frame DM900SD 950462. The only things I think are not original are the K&N filters on the carbs and it looks like it's had a respray at some point but the standard looks pretty good and seems to mimic the original paint scheme. Also, no kick start on it but assume that's correct for this year ? Does anything stand out to suggest this is or isn't the real deal and what would a bike like this be worth ?? And, assuming it ends up in my garage who should I use for servicing in the South East ? Thanks to anyone out there who can help !!
Oh, and whilst it was runnng (admittedly only for 5 minutes from cold) the oil light only went out if over about 2500rpm. This sound right ?
It looks like the real deal to me, but if your not familiar with bevel Ducati's I would get someone, like as suggested Geoff Baines, to look at it. Bevel engines cost a fortune to put right if they are wrong! By the way which light is the oil light? I've had several bevels and none of them had an oil light.
It looks like the real deal to me, but if your not familiar with bevel Ducati's I would get someone, like as suggested Geoff Baines, to look at it. Bevel engines cost a fortune to put right if they are wrong! By the way which light is the oil light? I've had several bevels and none of them had an oil light. The Gen light is I believe the ignition light and it works the opposite to what you would expect, i.e. when it is ON it's charging. If it goes OFF it's not (if I remember correctly!)
It looks a nice original example comparing against some pictures I have, engine numbers, as you say are within range according to the Ducati catalogue I have. The earlier examples had Speedline wheels but later ones had FPS. If it's from a dealer will they not give you some kind of warranty ? if its a private sale I would try and get a second opinion. Nice bike and rare in that condition I would think.
I had a one in 81. It had a kick start but it was folded under the bike rather than obvious like on the full SS, and almost worse than useless, but a challenge if you felt like swearing a lot. So check to see if the shaft is there. Somebody may have removed the arm - they do split on the spline. My memory is that the Darmah the ignition light worked the right way, ie went out when charging, while the Rep - which though basically a 900ss - has the Darmah instruments and really confused me whe I got mine in 88 as the light stayed on all the time. It did charge - boiled the battery once when the regulator failed. Nice case of smoking ignition switch. Now has a toggle switch.. The Darmah ss was great though. The thinking Man's SS somebody once said. Would also recommend Goeff. Mine had the conti's, 40mm carbs and fps wheels so all standard I'd say. Have fun! Looks a treat.
by the way, I'd recommend carrying fuse wire with you. Mine was forever blowing fuses. Never got to the bottom of why. Just used to wind fuse wire round the old body and carry on for the next few hundred miles....
