Beschreibung:

Designed by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first overhead-camshaft single appeared in 1955. Desmodromic valve operation was a feature of the racing versions and would later be applied to the sportier roadsters. Small capacity lightweights were produced initially, the first 250cc models not arriving until 1961. The Bologna company's first 350 -¬ the Sebring tourer - followed in 1966. The first major revision to the original design occurred a couple of years later with the introduction of the 'wide case' motor that had a much wider rear engine mount. From then onwards the superseded earlier version became known as 'narrow case. The first such 'wide case' model to appear was the 350 Mark 3 that debuted at the Cologne Show in September 1967, with production proper commencing the following summer. Changes to the 'wide case' models were not merely confined to the rear engine mount, Taglioni and his team taking the opportunity afforded by the redesign to incorporate a stronger con-rod and big-end bearing, and increase the capacity of the lubrication system. There were also improvements to the gearbox, while the suspension and brakes remained - for the time being - unchanged. Later in '68 Ducati launched the first of the legendary 'Desmo' roadsters in 250cc and 350cc (actually 340cc) capacities, these two top-of-the-range super sports variants being distinguishable from the valve-spring models by virtue of their extra chrome and restrained 'D' decals on the side panels. Subsequent developments included the introduction of electronic ignition (in 1973, coincidentally with the adoption of a distinctive yellow livery on the Desmos) and more than one increase in big-end diameter, the last of these occurring in 1974, which was to be the final year of production. This 350 Desmo was purchased new by the lady vendor's late brother and first registered on 14th July 1975. Most motorcycles that have had only one owner from new come with extensive documentation and this Ducati is no exception, boasting a massive file of history and useful technical information (close inspection recommended). This file contains numerous invoices, spare keys, technical literature, wiring diagrams, service notes, specifications, photographs, Ducati instruction manuals, Haynes workshop manual, Motorcycle Electrical Manual and a DVD-R of images. Kept in immaculate condition, the Ducati was off the road for a period of 13 years because of its owner's health problems before being extensively re-commissioned in 2007. Work carried out is fully detailed in a notebook labelled 'Ducati Service Record from 9th April 2007', though there are also references to work carried out in the 1980s. The 2007 rebuild included replacing the valves and guides while other new parts fitted include the matching speedometer and rev counter (old unit's mileage is noted as 19,776); front brake disc and master cylinder piston; 12-volt, 150-watt alternator conversion; and Microclassic electronic ignition. Offered with dating certificate, current MoT/tax and Swansea V5C, this has to be one of the best 350 Desmos currently available.