1980 Ducati 900ssd on 2040-motos

1980 Ducati 900SSD “Darmah”

Just completed fully documented restoration by professional engineer, mechanic and ex-racer. Won best of class at the Vail Wings and Wheels show in September. One of the rarer Ducatis with only 854 made between 1978 and 1980 according to Ian Falloon. The bike starts instantly, idles perfectly, shifts correctly and pulls like the proverbial freight train. With controversial styling (to some), it is a worthy alternative to the 900SS at less than half the price. I have acquired a lot of respect for this model after seeing the engineering up close and riding it. I also own a 750GT which is a far more civilized ride. The Darmah is narrower, lighter, faster. Riding posture is aggressive with stock clip-ons and rear sets and bubble fairing.

Most of the bike is stock except for a few upgrades like suspension, hydraulic clutch, and Tomasselli throttle. I tried to stay true to the original, but built the bike for riding, not for trailering. I have well over $13,000 in receipts and hundreds of hours spent preparing this motorcycle for spirited street riding or track days. If the bike doesn’t sell on Ebay, I will include it in Bonham’s January auction in Las Vegas. Why pay a buyer’s premium of 15%???

Too much to list, but here goes:

Motor

Cases never split to my knowledge. I checked the compression (110/125 PSI horizontal/vertical cylinders), adjusted the valves, soda blasted the motor out of the frame, polished the cases, replaced all oil plugs and replaced the Bosch pickup wiring inside the clutch case. Hydraulic clutch upgrade added (the stock mechanical pull was ridiculously stiff). All new seals and gaskets. Many fasteners replaced with stainless. Fresh oil. Motor does not smoke either on start up or during use.

Carbs

Airbox removed and crankcase breather filter (K&N type) added. Dellorto PHF 32’s cleaned, rebuilt (new slides, jets, gaskets etc.), tuned and synchronized. New Malossi velocity stacks; also have K&N type pod filters. Inferior stock cable and splitter replaced with new Tommaselli throttle with dual cables resulting in good snappy throttle response. Carbs have mostly stock settings, and runs well here at 5,000 feet but does pop a little on throttle closure due to idle jets that are probably a little too lean. 

Fuel System

Tank was in good shape, but was patiently devarnished, descaled, derusted, and NOT coated. One petcock was replaced. Original green fuel hoses are still malleable and were retained. Added new in line fuel filters.

Wheels

Stock aluminum FPS wheels were professionally repainted (bead blasted, etched, primed, base and clear coated, not powder coated) and rims polished. New wheel bearings, new Avon AM26 roadrunner tires.

Brakes

Cleaned and rebuilt original twin-bleed valve Brembo calipers. All new brake lines, tubes, banjos, washers, etc. front and rear. Master cylinder flushed but didn’t need rebuild. New fluid and system bled. Pads are original with lots of life so not replaced. Front 6 bolt disks Blanchard ground (still within their thickness spec) for a flat and true surface.

Drive train

Replaced chain with standard non O-ring Tsubaki black and gold, 106 links with clip type master link. New stock steel sprockets with standard gearing 15/36. Replaced the case saver with new. Original cush rubbers were in good shape. Countershaft seals were tight and not replaced.

Suspension

Marzocchi front forks rebuilt with Works springs and spacers per Bevel Heaven’s specs. Original internals retained. new seals, dust covers and fluid of course. Marzocchi rear pneumatic shocks were sold (not economically rebuildable) and replaced with Works shocks from Bevel Heaven which are much better than the originals.

Electrical

Battery replaced, and new rubber tray and strap installed. New right hand switch (start and kill switch) added to complement Tommaselli throttle. I added a relay to direct full battery voltage to the coils on starting (well known upgrade – bike starts instantly). All electrical works as it should. New CEV rear signals. I haven’t added front signals because I prefer the lines of the bike without them.

Body work

I took the liberty of replacing the front fairing with a 900SS type which is narrower, straighter and better looking. One side case was missing and replaced. Tail section is original, with a new lock assembly installed. Front fender is fiberglass (original metal fender was replaced sometime earlier in its history) and looks better than stock IMO. Bodywork was professionally media blasted and painted ($1500) with clear coat over the decals. Rubber grommets and hardware replaced as necessary. Windshield is new. Seat was recovered with a beautiful stitched copy ($300) of the original embossed seat cover; true to the original (right down to the stenciled logo) but much nicer than the stock cover. Exhaust is believed to be original Conti headers and crossover but mounting brackets and mufflers are period Conti race replicas made by BUB. Entire exhaust was rechromed. Clamps are new Pa-Ri SS. Exhaust collars are original, like new. I don’t have mirrors installed but a bar end type would be my preference. Frame is not recoated. It retains its original patina complete with scrapes and blemishes. It does not detract from the appearance. Everything nook and cranny has been patiently cleaned and degreased by hand. Rear fender is original and presents well. Center stand and side stand were powder coated to match the frame.

Disclosures

I am having the stock fairing side supports modified to fit the new fairing. These are not yet installed. One of the bolts on one of the upper rocker covers was stripped and repaired with a threaded insert. There is a slight seepage of oil from the bottom of the split cases after use but not enough to drip on the floor. The bike has never been crashed to the best of my knowledge and feels safe and stable at speed. The front fairing was cracked when I got it from a tip over but no other damage was evident. I have a full set of pictures of the bike before the restoration was started. When I bought it it was dirty and rusty from neglect and non-use by the previous owner but the oil was clean and the bike did not appear to have been abused. Potential buyers can contact me at 303 503 8533 with questions.