Description
According to their website “DM TELAI has been working in Italy for over 40 years in the historic headquarters of Zola Predosa in Bologna in the field of mechanics, frame production and welding. DM TELAI has gained the experience necessary to offer a product that is always original and innovative. The drive towards new technological goals has led us to design and build prototype frames and models of autocross, grand prix motorcycles, motocross motorcycles, sidecars, hand bikes, racing bicycles and mountain bikes, both rigid and full suspended, winning titles both nationally and internationally.”
Ducati has had a long and storied history, but the late 70s were not something that the Italian firm would be proud of – the square case 860s were a commercial failure, and their parallel twins were even worse, earning the not-so-affectionate nickname of “paralyzed twins” by some. Drastic changes were required, and they came in two fronts. The big bike was replaced by the instant-classic Darmah, while the twin was replaced by the Pantah 500SL.
As noted in this excellent Motorcycle Classics article, Fabio Taglioni’s Pantah was based on two existing Ducati racers. “By smartly borrowing from both examples, Taglioni’s last design for Ducati was a culmination of his life’s work, uniting virtually all his innovations into one bike that would form the basis of almost every Ducati for the next 30 years.”
Specifically, the article is referring to desmo valves, the trellis frame, and belt-driven cams, many of the features that Ducati fans deeply associate with the brand. The seller states “For auction is my Ducati Pantah based street/track bike. It was built using a DM Telai–made NCR style frame. DM is still in business in Italy making bespoke TT and Pantah race frames. The frame was nickel plated and is well crafted. I purchased the bike before some health issues struck and I no longer feel I can finish it the way I would like. I purchased the bike with the idea of putting NCR style body work on it as I do not care for the body style that the previous owner used. That body is fiberglass and the inside of the tank is perfect but the exterior surface needs to be redone if you’d like to use it.”
He goes on to say “A well-known Ducati TT/Pantah/F1 expert from New York who runs the Ducati TT and F1 website is familiar with the build and he told me that the person who built the bike is a great technician. He is very familiar with the build and is aware of the components used. It really was built to great effect with premium period components. I have dozens of bikes and projects and three jobs so I will never get to this. I would love to see another enthusiast build this into a neat TT style bike. Feel free to ask any questions and if I do not know the answer, I will tell you. I really would love to see this finished off with cool bodywork and period correct logos etc. The Bike is located in Blowing Rock, NC but I can deliver to Daytona area or anywhere in between on the I 95 corridors at no charge to buyer as I travel to my home in Daytona often.”
This example is a custom frame and as such there is no VIN. The seller purchased the frame about 18 months ago from a private party in North Carolina.
The odometer shows 14,940, however the true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states “has been sitting in storage for ten years. Motor is not stuck but I haven’t tried to start it.”
Modifications:
The seller states “It has 17 inch Marvic magnesium wheels that came from a stock from the late great Jimmy Adamo. It has a 650 Pantah engine from a Cagiva Alazzurra. It has a dry clutch and Brembo brakes. It has a high end aluminum Verlicchi swingarm as well as Ceriani forks.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin High Sport National tires which have aged out with date codes of 524.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, this Ducati/DM Telai is offered on a clean North Carolina title. Have any DM Telai Ducati Pantah stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
