Ducati 450 Desmo (1973 – 74)

Ducati 450 Desmo (1973 - 74)

The Ducati 450 Desmo, a sleek and powerful machine that embodied the spirit of innovation and performance in its era. Engineered by the legendary Fabio Taglioni, this single-cylinder, four-stroke marvel boasted a SOHC design with bevel gear-driven desmodromic valve operation. This cutting-edge technology allowed for unparalleled engine flexibility, making it a joy to ride on twisty roads.

The 450 Desmo’s riding experience was characterized by its exceptional responsiveness and agility, thanks in part to the Marzocchi front forks and Borrani alloy wheel rims. The bike’s distinctive silver metallic paintwork and sporty clip-on handlebars only added to its allure. With a focus on performance and handling, the 450 Desmo was truly a masterclass in motorcycle design.

The 1973 model year marked a refined iteration of the Desmo range, with subtle styling tweaks by Italjet’s Leopoldo Tartarini. And it is this very bike that stands as one of the greatest examples of its kind, showcasing the perfect blend of power, handling, and style that defined the era.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, bevel gear driven, desmodromic
Engine Capacity435.7 cc / 26.6 cu in
Max Power19.9 kw / 27 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity13 L / 3.4 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Seat Height28.9 inches / 735 mm
Ducati 450 Desmo (1973 - 74)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati 450 Desmo
Year1973 – 74

Engine

Engine TypeFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, bevel gear driven, desmodromic
Displacement435.7 cc / 26.6 cu in
Bore x Stroke86 x 75 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Max Horsepower19.9 kw / 27 hp
Engine Management SystemDell’Orto VHB 29 A
Cooling SystemAir cooled

Performance

Top Speedn/a

Transmission

ClutchWet, multiplate
Gearbox5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.111:1 (27/57)
Gear Ratios1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.73 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.10 / 5th 0.97:1
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

BatterySAFA 3L3, 13.5 Ah
StarterKick

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension35 mm Marzocchi telescopic fork (from 1974: 35 mm Ceriani)
Rear SuspensionSwingarm, dual Marzocchi shocks, 3-way adjustable

Wheels & Brakes

Front Tire Size2.75-18
Rear Tire Size3.00 x 18 or 3.25 x 18
Front BrakesSingle280 mm disc
Rear Brakes150 mm Drum

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2000 mm / 78.7 in
Overall Width600 mm / 23.6 in
Overall Height940 mm / 37.0 in
Seat Height28.9 inches / 735 mm
Wheelbase53.5 inches / 1360 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity13 L / 3.4 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Dry Weight130 kg / 286 lbs

Features

  • Four stroke, single cylinder engine
  • SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) design
  • Bevel gear driven
  • Desmodromic valve operation
  • Lightweight glassfibre fuel tank and seat base
  • Front mudguard made of lightweight glassfibre
  • Rear-set footrests
  • Clip-on handlebars
  • White-faced Veglia rev counter
  • Marzocchi 35mm front forks
  • Borrani 18″ alloy wheel rims
  • Grimeca 180mm 4LS front brake
  • Desmodromic system with positive valve opening and closing
  • Bevel drive camshaft operation
  • Short stroke engine design
Ducati 450 Desmo (1973 - 74)
Ducati 450 Desmo (1973 - 74)
Ducati 450 Desmo (1973 - 74)

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