Any classic Ducati experts out there?

[spares geezer]

Any classic experts out there that might be able to help/convince me that I'm doing the right thing by buying an old Duc to put next to my Monster & 996 ?

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 for a bevel drive?

Thanks to anyone out there who can help !!

http://s4.postimg.org/63cycyhzd/2015_02_12_17_39_24.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/63cycyhzd/)

[spares geezer]

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http://s4.postimg.org/hv0tnrcll/2015_02_12_17_39_59.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/hv0tnrcll/)

http://s4.postimg.org/opb4dg58p/2015_02_12_17_40_03.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/opb4dg58p/)

[spares geezer]

http://s18.postimg.org/nkddwwjlx/2015_02_12_14_43_15.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/nkddwwjlx/)

http://s18.postimg.org/j8os7wcp1/2015_02_12_14_43_19.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/j8os7wcp1/)

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http://s18.postimg.org/amv5y5wed/2015_02_12_14_44_56.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/amv5y5wed/)

[Rascall]

Probably worth giving "made in italy motorcycles" in Stowmarket a call regarding maintenance costs and likely issues to look out for. The engines are very expensive to repair if you are unlucky enough to damage it. The Darmah and Darmah SS are probably my favorite Ducati models, I'm not an expert but I cant see any non original parts. You may need to find a proper train spotter to confirm.

Russell

[NattyBoy]

Looks great stu. Rich at Louigi moto will know his way round these and is always happy to help.

[tricolore]

From your description and pictures looks a good example. Value will depend on its originality.

This book maybe worth a purchase with ideas of what to look out for.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-Bevel-Twins-Book-Ian-Falloon-NEW-PB-1845843630-GDN-/271772313263?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f46e466af

[spares geezer]

I did buy that as it goes and it is pretty usefull. Certianly made me take a much closer look at the bike and in the right places hopefully

[Flip]

I echo what the others have said- Rich (Louigi Moto) has been a great help to me and have only ever heard good things said about Made in Italy Motorcycles although have not used them personally.

Other people I can personally recommend are Nigel Lacey who has always been very helpful at explaining things over the phone to me:

http://www.laceyducati.com/ducati-parts/

And Pietro is a wealth of knowledge but may be better to visit the shop (worth doing just see the collection of bygone marques he has) for a chat in person:

http://www.dimarino.co.uk/

Your 'In Box' is full by the way- when you've emptied it I'll drop you a pm.

[spares geezer]

Hi Flip,

Thanks for the info, I'll be sure to talk to all of those guys.

[Darren69]

It looks a nice example from what I can see. Those Darmahs and such are going up in value, not so much as the SS but because the SS is fetching silly money it makes the Darmah/Darmah SS so much more desirable, so it would be a good investment even if you don't ride it. They can be hideously expensive to repair/maintain however and at the time didn't have the best reliability record. I would expect that if it has been used regularly then most issues such as dodgy electrics would have been sorted.