Vintage Ducati ID/info

the_Journeyman · November 23, 2008, 07:37:36 AM

Another vintage Ducati local to me. I would love to have one as a project bike. I just need to know if ANYONE can help me identify this thing: It has a dirtbike looking front fender, not street. It's a 450 and the picture shows it's a single.

Here's the text:

QuoteLess than 2500 miles
Motor & Frame of value - In running condition when stored in 1985 - engine turned over on a regular basis. Make offer!

Thanks!

JM

ducpainter · November 23, 2008, 07:40:20 AM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on November 23, 2008, 07:37:36 AM
Another vintage Ducati local to me. I would love to have one as a project bike. I just need to know if ANYONE can help me identify this thing: It has a dirtbike looking front fender, not street. It's a 450 and the picture shows it's a single.

Here's the text:

Thanks!

JM

http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Ducati%20Bikes/pages/Ducati%20450%20RT%20Desmo.htm

the_Journeyman · November 23, 2008, 07:43:44 AM

Thanks dp! That was quick, you keep that site bookmarked? Now, to look around and see if parts can be found and such ~

JM

ducpainter · November 23, 2008, 07:46:42 AM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on November 23, 2008, 07:43:44 AM
Thanks dp! That was quick, you keep that site bookmarked? Now, to look around and see if parts can be found and such ~

JM

Nope...

When you said it was a 450 I just googled ducati 450 rt...

It helped to have some prior knowledge of the model.

the_Journeyman · November 23, 2008, 08:02:00 AM

Thanks! Maybe I should have done that

Looks like there was a street 450 that it shared the motor with. Lots of information on what it was, but it appears somewhat rare. Parts might be a huge issue. One article said only 70 were either produced or imported ~

JM

ducpainter · November 23, 2008, 08:24:17 AM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on November 23, 2008, 08:02:00 AM
Thanks! Maybe I should have done that Looks like there was a street 450 that it shared the motor with. Lots of information on what it was, but it appears somewhat rare. Parts might be a huge issue. One article said only 70 were either produced or imported ~

JM

There was a street model.

It was probably 70 imported.

Ducati was a much less supported marque in this country back then.

Parts are going to have to come from Europe anyway.

the_Journeyman · November 23, 2008, 08:58:03 AM

Thanks, I'll offer him $100 and see if he's willing to part with it for that!

JM

DesmoDiva · November 23, 2008, 12:40:14 PM

Hey JM.

Nice find. [moto]

Did he bite?

the_Journeyman · November 23, 2008, 01:42:51 PM

Been at my parent's having an early Thanksgiving so I've not got to look into it ~

EDIT: Dropped an e-mail, as no phone was given, but we'll see. He'll either say come get it or forget it and laugh ~

JM

the_Journeyman · November 23, 2008, 03:50:28 PM

The response:

Quote
Sold for $1000 earier today.

JM

The Don · November 23, 2008, 04:36:44 PM

Try this place for parts, they are in Australia. With the US dollar much stronger than the Oz dollar it could be worth while.
http://www.ducati-gowanloch.com/
Don

ducpainter · November 23, 2008, 05:45:22 PM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on November 23, 2008, 03:50:28 PM
The response:

JM

I guess he laughed.

DesmoDog · November 23, 2008, 08:02:34 PM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on November 23, 2008, 08:58:03 AM
Thanks, I'll offer him $100 and see if he's willing to part with it for that!

Good luck finding ANY Ducati single for $100 these days... even the lowly 160 is bringing more than that. Depending on condition (of course) even at $1000 the buyer got a good deal.

the_Journeyman · November 24, 2008, 05:56:51 AM

I figured so, I was just going to throw a figure out there and see how bad they needed it out of their way ~

JM

MotoCreations · November 24, 2008, 09:21:20 AM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on November 23, 2008, 03:50:28 PM
The response:
>Sold for $1000 earier today.
JM

Someone got a steal! I know people who will almost pay that for a good 450 Desmo head itself -- irrelevent of anything else.

Recently an old/dead 450 sold here for $4500. Needed a complete rebuild. But would be an easy restoration.

Parts availability? Once you know folks in the Ducati single-cylinder community, everything is available here in the USA.

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Vintage Ducati ID/info