LOT 148
1979 Ducati-'NCR' 900cc Racing Motorcycle Frame no. DM750SS M118710M
Estimate: US$40,000 - US$50,000
Lot 148
1979 Ducati-'NCR' 900cc Racing Motorcycle Frame no. DM750SS M118710M
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1979 Ducati-'NCR' 900cc Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. DM750SS M118710M
Frame no. DM750SS M118710M
• Features the NCR-style two-piece fairing
• Believed modified 900SS
In 1978, Mike Hailwood came out of retirement to ride a Ducati 883cc V-twin to victory in the F1 race during Isle of Man TT week. This immediately became one of the three most important victories in Ducati history. However, the bike was built by Bologna-based race shop NCR, not the Ducati factory itself. Reportedly, a further 20 odd of these were built with the round-case bevel engines.
In 1979, the new square-case 860/900 engine began to be used in these hand-built production racers. This allowed the Ducatis to run in both the more restrictive production-based formula events as well as, reportedly, to lease endurance as opposed to sprint bikes to a French team to participate in the Bol d'Or 24 hours.
This bike features the NCR-style two-piece fairing, racing Marzocchi forks, cast magnesium Campagnolo wheels and Brembo brakes with gold calipers. The engine is said to have balanced internals and high compression pistons, however it has not been inspected and thus is unproven. Dell'Orto PMH 40 carburetors are installed and there is some evidence of extensive lightening throughout.
The frame appears to be a modified Ducati factory production item not an NCR-style frame manufactured by Daspa, NCR's sole supplier at that time. This example is clearly a modified 900 SS production bike in the NCR style. That modification may have been undertaken by NCR in period for they did undertake that kind of work or built with parts some of which could well have been purchased from NCR direct. The bike must, nevertheless, be thought of as a production Ducati 900 SS modified in NCR style. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the authenticity and originality of the machine. Please note, a new windscreen is being procured, and will be forwarded to the buyer.
• Believed modified 900SS
In 1978, Mike Hailwood came out of retirement to ride a Ducati 883cc V-twin to victory in the F1 race during Isle of Man TT week. This immediately became one of the three most important victories in Ducati history. However, the bike was built by Bologna-based race shop NCR, not the Ducati factory itself. Reportedly, a further 20 odd of these were built with the round-case bevel engines.
In 1979, the new square-case 860/900 engine began to be used in these hand-built production racers. This allowed the Ducatis to run in both the more restrictive production-based formula events as well as, reportedly, to lease endurance as opposed to sprint bikes to a French team to participate in the Bol d'Or 24 hours.
This bike features the NCR-style two-piece fairing, racing Marzocchi forks, cast magnesium Campagnolo wheels and Brembo brakes with gold calipers. The engine is said to have balanced internals and high compression pistons, however it has not been inspected and thus is unproven. Dell'Orto PMH 40 carburetors are installed and there is some evidence of extensive lightening throughout.
The frame appears to be a modified Ducati factory production item not an NCR-style frame manufactured by Daspa, NCR's sole supplier at that time. This example is clearly a modified 900 SS production bike in the NCR style. That modification may have been undertaken by NCR in period for they did undertake that kind of work or built with parts some of which could well have been purchased from NCR direct. The bike must, nevertheless, be thought of as a production Ducati 900 SS modified in NCR style. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the authenticity and originality of the machine. Please note, a new windscreen is being procured, and will be forwarded to the buyer.
Footnotes
Offered on 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.
Additional information
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