1980 Ducati 900SSD Darmah for Sale

1980 Ducati 900SSD “Darmah ”Just completed fully documented restoration by professional engineer, mechanic and ex-racer.

One of the rarer Ducatis with only 854 made between 1978 and 1980 according to Ian Falloon. The bike starts instantly, idles perfectly, shifts correctly and pulls like the proverbial freight train. With controversial

styling (to some), it is a worthy alternative to the 900SS at less than half the price. I have acquired a lot of respect for this model after seeing the engineering up close and riding it. I also own a 750GT which is a far more civilized ride. The Darmah is narrower, lighter, faster.

Riding posture is aggressive with stock clip-ons and rear sets and bubble fairing. Most of the bike is stock except for a few upgrades like suspension, hydraulic clutch, and Tomasselli throttle. I tried to stay true to the original, but built the bike for riding, not for trailering. Too much to list, but here goes: Motor Cases never split to my knowledge. I checked the compression (110/125 PSI horizontal/vertical

cylinders), adjusted the valves, soda blasted the motor out of the frame, polished the cases, replaced all oil plugs and replaced the Bosch pickup wiring inside the clutch case.

Hydraulic clutch upgrade added (the stock mechanical pull was ridiculously stiff). All new seals and gaskets. Many fasteners replaced with stainless. Fresh oil. Motor does not smoke either on start up or during use. Carbs Airbox removed and crankcase breather filter (KN type) added. Dellorto PHF 32’s cleaned, rebuilt (new slides, jets, gaskets etc. ), tuned and synchronized. New Malossi velocity stacks; also have KN type pod filters. Inferior stock cable and splitter replaced with new Tommaselli throttle with

dual cables resulting in good snappy throttle response. Carbs have mostly stock settings, and runs well here at 5,000 feet but does pop a little on throttle closure due to idle jets that are probably a little too lean.

Fuel System Tank was in good shape, but was patiently devarnished, descaled, derusted, and NOT coated. One petbird was replaced. Original green fuel hoses are still malleable and were retained. Added new in line fuel filters. Wheels Stock aluminum FPS wheels were professionally repainted (bead blasted, etched, primed, base and clear coated, not powder coated) and rims polished. New wheel bearings, new Avon AM26 roadrunner tires. Brakes Cleaned and rebuilt original twin-bleed valve Brembo calipers.

All new brake lines, tubes, banjos, washers, etc. front and rear. Master cylinder flushed but didn ’t need rebuild. New fluid and system bled. Pads are original with lots of life so not replaced. Front 6 bolt disks Blanchard ground (still within their thickness spec) for a flat and true surface. Drive train Replaced chain with standard non O-ring Tsubaki black and gold, 106 links with clip type master link. New stock steel sprockets with standard gearing 15/36. Replaced the case saver with new. Original cush rubbers were in good shape.

Countershaft seals were tight and not replaced. Suspension Marzocchi front forks rebuilt with Works springs and spacers per Bevel Heaven ’s specs. Original internals retained. new seals, dust covers and fluid of course. Marzocchi rear pneumatic shocks were sold (not economically rebuildable) and replaced with Works shocks from Bevel Heaven which are much better than the originals. Electrical Battery replaced, and new rubber tray and strap installed. New right hand switch (start and kill switch) added to complement Tommaselli throttle. I added a relay to direct full battery voltage to the coils on starting (well known upgrade – bike starts instantly).

All electrical works as it should. New CEV rear signals. I haven ’t added front signals because I prefer the lines of the bike without them.

Used 1980 Ducati 900 18,000 miles