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Proof that their is fun below 60mph (cos its not over that!)
Intro
The the 450 was purchased to prove a point, basically my friend Brian Silver kept on and on about how wonderfull singles were, so to prove him wrong this wee beasty was acquired for not a lot of money in less than perfect condition. The idea being to do it up, ride it a bit to prove they were rubbish, and knock it out for a profit.
Oh how the best laid plans of mice and men go wrong!
The restoration
The bike was restored to standard as you see it here, using standard parts and where sensible stainless replica parts to make it a practical classic.
Handlebars, headlight and replica exhaust came from Australia (thanks for your excellent service, Phill at Road Race and all at Gowenloch Ducati) This was most satisfying as I had been told I would not get hold of original headlight parts, and mine was brand spanking new!
The Forks were re chromed by Newmarket hard chroming, they did a good job but took longer to do them, than the rest of the bike put together!
Powder coating was done locally for £60 and the paintwork was a DIY job.
....and just for the record to the mikky taking masses at the DOC (GB) Berks and Oxon Branch, the rear light IS the correct original.
Riding the beast
The bike is fun to ride, and is defiantly NOT for sale, Starting, tickover and general running has been much improved thanks to a Boyer Brandson box after advise from Crowmarsh classics, and starting the old girl up is most satisfying after cutting your teeth on electric leg kitted machinery!
Many miles have now been covered on the beasty with its only regular habit being the blowing off of the carb on a regular basis- funny so long as you have a screwdriver in your pocket AT ALL TIMES.
Longest journey so far was a two hour twenty B roads only trip the Singles rally run by the Moto Guzzi club (almost worth buying a Guzzi just to be in this club!), after which I got off fresh and ready to do another two hours, and now the bike is used more than the Monster!
Posing
It seems where ever you go on this bike their is a crowd that gathers around to have a look at it - The best advise would be if you don't want people staring at you don't get one!
Brakes
Not good - that is if you are used to 6 pot Pre Tek calipers like we have on the Spondon! However they have been much improved by having the front shoes changed to modern woven items supplied by Moto Mariana.
Its an idea to fit a second front brake cable nipple as they can slip as we found out the other day!
Below-
Giancarlo Falappa poses on my 450 at the Bristol classic show
Ducati Singles ownership is most definitely to be recommended! (But join the DOC(GB) or IMOC first or you will get into all sorts of troubles- oh and the AA!)
The following people were invaluable in the restoration of the 450....
Phone Brian on 01344 487928
