LOT 387
1970 Ducati 450 R/T Desmo Registration no. not registered Frame no. DM450 453626 Engine no. 453626
Estimate: £6,000 - £7,000
Lot 387
1970 Ducati 450 R/T DesmoRegistration no. not registered Frame no. DM450 453626 Engine no. 453626
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1970 Ducati 450 R/T Desmo
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. DM450 453626
Engine no. 453626
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. DM450 453626
Engine no. 453626
• Rare competition model
• Rarely seen in Europe
• Restored condition
"While the 450 Scrambler was a successful attempt at creating a dual-purpose motorcycle with street orientation, Berliner wanted a more effective dirt motorcycle to take on the BSA 441 Victor in America. In 1970, Berliner persuaded Ducati to develop the 450 R/T, and the resulting machine was quite different than (sic) the Scrambler or other overhead-camshaft singles." – Ian Falloon, Standard Catalog of Ducati Motorcycles.
The 450 R/T was a much more serious attempt to build a competitive off-road motorcycle than was the Scrambler, featuring a 21" front wheel and a unique frame with additional strengthening and 'snail cam' chain adjusters. Its engine was that of the 450 Desmo sports roadster with the unique addition of a de-compressor. The 450 R/T was catalogued for the 1971 to 1974 model years.
Built in December 1970, this particular 450 R/T was bought dismantled. It has the optional lighting set, which could easily be removed for off-road races and replaced with a competition number disc. The restoration commenced with all parts being stripped and checked. The engine was found to be in sound condition – the bore showing very little wear – while the primary drive gears likewise showed negligible wear. As a precaution, a magnet was fitted to the oil dipstick. The valves were lapped-in, the valve clearances reset, and the ignition overhauled with new points, condenser, and points cover plate. The flywheel magneto had deteriorated so both the ignition and lighting coils were rewound. A new matching HT ignition coil was fitted, and the flywheel magneto carefully set up to the specified ignition timing.
A new 428-size chain and sprockets were fitted, the oversize rear sprocket being replaced with a smaller item. The new exhaust pipe and glass fibre rear mudguard were obtained from an Italian supplier. New bearings were fitted to the rear sprocket hub and to the wheels, which retain their original Italian Borrani rims. New off-road tyres were fitted. The forks and shock absorbers were rebuilt including new fork stanchions, while the fuel tank was cleaned and then sealed using ethanol-resistant sealant. The electrical wiring and control cables are new, as is the steering damper and Dell'Orto carburettor. Other noteworthy features include stainless fastenings and a correct CEV speedometer. A collectible Ducati single of a type rarely seen in Europe, this restored 450 R/T is offered without documents.
• Rarely seen in Europe
• Restored condition
"While the 450 Scrambler was a successful attempt at creating a dual-purpose motorcycle with street orientation, Berliner wanted a more effective dirt motorcycle to take on the BSA 441 Victor in America. In 1970, Berliner persuaded Ducati to develop the 450 R/T, and the resulting machine was quite different than (sic) the Scrambler or other overhead-camshaft singles." – Ian Falloon, Standard Catalog of Ducati Motorcycles.
The 450 R/T was a much more serious attempt to build a competitive off-road motorcycle than was the Scrambler, featuring a 21" front wheel and a unique frame with additional strengthening and 'snail cam' chain adjusters. Its engine was that of the 450 Desmo sports roadster with the unique addition of a de-compressor. The 450 R/T was catalogued for the 1971 to 1974 model years.
Built in December 1970, this particular 450 R/T was bought dismantled. It has the optional lighting set, which could easily be removed for off-road races and replaced with a competition number disc. The restoration commenced with all parts being stripped and checked. The engine was found to be in sound condition – the bore showing very little wear – while the primary drive gears likewise showed negligible wear. As a precaution, a magnet was fitted to the oil dipstick. The valves were lapped-in, the valve clearances reset, and the ignition overhauled with new points, condenser, and points cover plate. The flywheel magneto had deteriorated so both the ignition and lighting coils were rewound. A new matching HT ignition coil was fitted, and the flywheel magneto carefully set up to the specified ignition timing.
A new 428-size chain and sprockets were fitted, the oversize rear sprocket being replaced with a smaller item. The new exhaust pipe and glass fibre rear mudguard were obtained from an Italian supplier. New bearings were fitted to the rear sprocket hub and to the wheels, which retain their original Italian Borrani rims. New off-road tyres were fitted. The forks and shock absorbers were rebuilt including new fork stanchions, while the fuel tank was cleaned and then sealed using ethanol-resistant sealant. The electrical wiring and control cables are new, as is the steering damper and Dell'Orto carburettor. Other noteworthy features include stainless fastenings and a correct CEV speedometer. A collectible Ducati single of a type rarely seen in Europe, this restored 450 R/T is offered without documents.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
This lot is offered with a photocopy Italian Title and a photocopy Certificato d'Origine only.
Additional information
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- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
