1972 Ducati 450 Desmo Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 858 Engine no. 461842

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1972 Ducati 450 Desmo Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 858
Engine no. 461842

In the 1950s metallurgy had yet to catch up to improving engine designs, so at the 10,000rpm and above Taglioni wanted to spin his race singles, valve springs began to fail, leading to 'float' and the resulting inaccurate combustion, or worse, the valve head and piston top coming into contact, with predictable dire results. In a 'desmo' system an engine's valves were both opened and closed mechanically, no need for conventional springs, so Taglioni was free to shorten his piston's stroke and rev it into five figures without harm. On the track Dr. T's desmo was a winner first time out, but it would take another decade before desmodromics made it the street in the 1968 250s and 350s. The first 450 desmos came as both a scrambler and a street roadster.

This street 450 Desmo single with a 5-speed was built for what the English would call 'club racing.' Your writer well remembers being chased by a bike just like this one – albeit then in fine fettle – for the full length of an AHRMA road race at Mid-Ohio in the early 1990s. Your writer, no mean rider, was aboard a mighty fast 750 Italian twin! The brave 450 would scratch by in the tight turns to be blasted by the rumbling twin once past the apex. Fortunately, perhaps, it was just behind at the finish line. A 450 Desmo can, indeed, be mean.

This bike is sold 'as-is' and will need proper recommissioning before being used in anger again.

Footnotes

Offered on a Bill of Sale

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

The frame number is partially obstructed by the fairing mount bracket and the engine number is DM450M3 461842.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
PLEASE NOTE: THE BUYER'S PREMIUM FOR THIS AUCTION IS AS FOLLOWS:
For MOTORCYCLE property the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the hammer price exceeding $100,000. Buyers are required to pay any applicable import duty, sales or use tax, as the case may be.
For MEMORABILIA property (Lots 1-22) the premium is 27.5% on the first $3,000 of the bid price, 25% on the amount above $3,000 up to and including $400,000, 20% on the amount above $400,000 up to and including $4,000,000, and 13.9% of any amount which exceeds $4,000,000.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, or (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact: [email protected].
- Motorcycles