Before the 750 Super Sport V-twin and Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari’s amazing 1-2 at Imola in 1972, no Ducati bike could go as fast as the 450cc Desmo.

The 450 first appeared at Rimini in 1968, where it amazingly pulled 50 horsepower at 9,000 rpm. The 450 had twin plug ignition, larger valves, a 42-mm Dell’Orto carburetor, and a 10-to-1 compression ratio, reinforced swing arm and Fontana twin leading shoe front brake.

The rich racing history of the 450 is a true testament to its reputation as one of the fastest era bikes in the Italian bike maker’s history.

ABOUT THIS BIKE

• Frame:DM450M3 701728.
•  1970’s build date with dual sided single leader brake identifying as 1973, at the end of the series.
• Acquired by the then proprietor of Auckland Motorcycles who held the Ducati agency at that time (1977)
• Corsa kit supplied direct from Ducati comprising frame modifications, engine upgrades including cams, larger valves, shock absorbers front, exhaust fuel tank and fairings.
•  The then owner enjoyed considerable success with this machine at Pukekohe, Ardmore, Whenuapai, and Manfield circuits in the North Island racing in VSCC, TACCOC and other specialist racing series in the vintage up to 500cc pre 1972.
• Moving to Queenstown with the owner  in 1989 the bike became a common sight at Ruapuna Levels and Teretonga, until being sold (for the first time) to Ashburton around 2006. The bike returned to his stable a couple of years later, and was sold again to Oxford 2016 where it was last run 2019 at a BEARS meeting.
• So continuous ownership and history from 1977 to 2020, largely with the one owner / rider.
• Recent engine and gearbox / clutch refresh, not run since. High compression 12:1 engine requires 100 octane plus a lead additive. Develops dollops of torque early in the rev range putting it to the front of the field when capably ridden.
• Visually a very pretty machine that epitomises the 60’s and 70’s perfectly. A “must have” for any garage either as a static or working exhibit.
• Engine and gearbox recently freshened (circa 3 years ago) up by the legendary Eric Swinbourne, of Naseby, and never raced since. Not sure exactly what was done to engine...presumably, rings, bearings etc...checked, and replaced if necessary. Eric built the bike up back in the 1970's from the kit supplied by Bruno Taglioni of Ducati. (Eric owned Auckland Motorcycles way back then, and he held the Ducati franchise).  There are some spares too, like another piston etc. Eric has always looked after this bike and it was he who did the work on it. Bike is ready to oil and fuel up and go racing....probably will need a new battery.

This is a Competition Bike so being sold as is i.e.: unregistered (No WOF or Registration). As Eric himself once stated, anyone who knows old racing bikes would give their left nut to own and ride this bike :)

TRANSPORT / WORLDWIDE SHIPPING CAN BE ORGANISED ON THIS VEHICLE ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

Viewing is STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT only.