Description
The Darmah 900SD model, introduced in 1977, proved to be the mainstay of Ducati production for the next five years. It represented an attempt to provide a somewhat more civilised version of the earlier 864cc twins, having a softer engine and using electrical equipment of improved quality and an electric starter. Now a large capacity Ducati vee twin could be purchased at a price comparable with that of Japanese motorcycles of similar size – and with the added advantage of desmodromic valve gear. Although the Darmah’s performance lacked the edge of that of many of its predecessors, it nonetheless attracted many who desired a nicely styled sports touring bike with the charm that only a vee twin engine can provide. One of Ducati’s most outstanding achievements occurred during 1978, when Steve Wynne of Sports Motorcycles persuaded Mike Hailwood to return to the Isle of Man. The TT Formula One Championship had been created in 1976 and Ducati agreed to supply Wynee with a new F1 900NCR for Hailwood to ride. Despite not having ridden in the Island for 11 years, Hailwood won at an average speed of 108.51mph, breaking the lap record by 9mph! Ducati commemorated this success by manufacturing a Mike Hailwood Replica, which made its debut at the 1979 London Show. Though not a true replica in the generally accepted sense of the word, its distinctive red and green livery left no doubts about what had inspired it. When Ducati reluctantly came to the conclusion that there was no money to be made from their vertical twins, they turned their attention towards a 500cc vee twin. To take advantage of modern technology and at the same time effect production economies, they abandoned the use of vertical shafts and bevel gear pinions to drive the overhead valve gear. Instead, they changed to toothed belts and pulleys, already being used successfully by the motor industry. Their first design embodying this change appeared in 1980, the 500cc Pantah 500SL, which had a 90 degree cylinder angle. Later came the 600SL, achieved by overboring the cylinders. This book on the Italian Ducati marque relates solely to the vee twins. This is a full of contemporary articles with road & track tests, new model intros, owner survey, servicing, racing & touring. Models covered: Darmah, 900, TT Replica, Pantah, 500 & 600.
With a total of 172 fully illustrated pages. SB.
