1978 Ducati 900SD Darmah

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

After the classic 750GT of the 70s, Ducati looked to evolve with a simpler engine. What resulted was the firm’s first ‘square case’ bevel twin: the 860 GT. For all of the bike’s promise, however, it turned out to be a bit of a flop at the time of its debut — Giorgio Giugiaro’s “folded paper” design proved far too polarizing.

Accordingly, Ducati went back to the drawing board and released the much improved 900 SD Darmah in 1977. Along with updating the crankshaft bearings and revising the frame, Ducati also gave the Darmah Desmodronic valves, a left-side gearshift selector drum, Bosch ignition, and an electric starter motor. Together, such changes made the model a resounding success — especially compared to its predecessor.

For 1978, the Darmah was treated to a series of incremental upgrades, including Marzocchi forks, Speedline wheels, and some Silentium mufflers.

As Cycle World put things in its period review: “Judged by this standard, it’s hard to position the new Darmah far from the head of its illustrious class. Class. It’s got plenty of that, along with enough flash to put some of the hairier machines on the trailer. The big load of improvements given to this new offering from Dr. T. and his pals in Bologna make it a contemporary bike in every sense, and Dr. T.’s special project—desmodromic valves—continue to set it apart from anything else on the market.”

This example is VIN: 900344, engine #: 90034DM680. The seller acquired the bike 41 years ago. He is the second owner.

If you’ve been following Iconic on Instagram, you’ll know that Adam recently took a trip to Rhode Island where he met the owner.

The odometer shows 14,595 miles.

Maintenance:
The seller reports that he had the motor built by Reno Leoni in 1983, during which time he added an oil cooler and painted the cylinders black.

Leoni signed the manual.

Additionally, the seller has replaced the chain and sprockets, rebuilt the calipers and master cylinders, added stainless steel clamps, and installed braided stainless steel brake lines.

Modifications:
Derale oil cooler.

Braided stainless steel brake lines.

Cylinder paint.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Metzeler Lasertec tires. Per the seller: “the tires have only covered 172 miles — they still have the nubs.”

The sale includes four keys.

The sale also includes the original owner’s manual, a selection of shop manuals, the original toolkit, a two-into-one exhaust, as well as an assortment of spare and take-off parts.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Bristol, Rhode Island, this Ducati is offered on a clean Rhode Island title with current registration. Have any Darmah stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!