Ducati 450 Desmo (1970-72)

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The Ducati 450 Desmo motorcycle was produced from 1970-1972 with a four-stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, bevel gear driven engine and a capacity of 435.7 cc/26.6 cu in. It had a compression ratio of 9.3:1 and an air-cooled cooling system with a Dell’Orto VHB 29 AD induction and Marelli CW260N/Lodge 2HN spark plugs. The bike had a wet, multiplate clutch and a five-speed transmission with gear ratios of 1st 2.46/2nd 1.73/3rd 1.35/4th 1.10/5th 0.97:1. It had a final drive ratio of 2.666:1, and its final drive was a chain. The Ducati 450 Desmo had a maximum power of 18.4 kW/25 hp at 6500 rpm and a 180mm drum front brake and a 150mm drum rear brake. With measurements of 2000mm in length, 600mm in width, and 940mm in height, this motorcycle had a wheelbase of 1360mm and a seat height of 735mm. The dry weight of the bike was 177kg and it carried a 13L/3.4 US gal/2.9 Imp gal fuel capacity. This bike was reviewed by the Bike Magazine for its road test.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Ducati 450 Mark 3 Desmo

Year: 1970 – 72


Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, bevel gear driven
Capacity: 435.7 cc / 26.6 cu in
Bore x Stroke: 86 x 75 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Cooling System: Air cooled
Induction: Dell’Orto VHB 29 AD
Spark plug: Marelli CW260N / Lodge 2HN
Ignition: Points and coil (electronic from 1973)
Starting: Kick
Battery: SAFA 3L3, 13.5 Ah
Max Power: 18.4 kW / 25 hp @ 6500 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multiplate
Transmission: 5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio: 2.111:1 (27/57)
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.73 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.10 / 5th 0.97:1

Final Drive Ratio: 2.666:1
Final Drive: Chain
Front Suspension: 35 mm Marzocchi telescopic fork
Rear Suspension: Swingarm, dual Marzocchi shocks, 3-way adjustable
Front Brakes: 180mm Drum
Rear Brakes: 150mm Drum
Front Tyre: 2.75-18
Rear Tyre: 3.00-18
Dimensions: Length: 2000 mm / 78.7 in Width: 600 mm / 23.6 in Height: 940 mm / 37.0 in
Wheelbase: 1360 mm / 53.5 in
Seat Height: 735 mm / 28.9 in
Dry Weight: 177 kg / 390 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 13 L / 3.4 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Road Test: Bike Magazine

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