Ducati singles · 1971–1972
Ducati Desmo ‘Silver Shotgun’: history and buying advice
The silver café racer: a desmo single with a glittering fibreglass tank and seat.
History
In 1971 the Mark 3 Desmo got a new look. Ducati turned it into a real café racer, in the style of the first V-twins and the works racers. It got clip-ons, rear-set footrests, a fibreglass tank, a single seat and a short front mudguard.
The most striking thing was the paint: silver with big metallic flakes under a thick layer of clear lacquer. That is how it got its nickname ‘Silver Shotgun’. It came as a 250, 350 and 450.
Under the paint some things changed too: a 35 mm Marzocchi front fork instead of the 31.5 mm Ducati fork, a twin Grimeca drum brake with air scoops at the front and 18-inch Borrani rims. The engine stayed the same, apart from a stronger main bearing.
Only a few were made. In America fibreglass tanks were no longer allowed, so few were sold there. In 1973 it was followed by the yellow Desmo.
Key data
| Engine | Single-cylinder four-stroke, desmodromic, camshaft via bevel shaft |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 250, 350 or 450 (436 cc) |
| Power | 450: 27 hp at 6700 rpm (claimed) |
| Weight | about 130 kg dry (450) |
| Front fork | Marzocchi 35 mm |
| Front brake | Grimeca twin drum |
| How to recognise it | silver metallic fibreglass tank and seat, clip-ons |
What to check when buying
- Many ordinary Mark 3s were later painted silver or given a Silver Shotgun tank. Ask for the frame and engine numbers, the papers and the history, and take an expert along.
- Fibreglass tanks can be attacked by petrol containing ethanol, such as E10. Check the inside of the tank carefully and read our page Bike won’t start? NL about petrol.
- Setting the desmo valves is precision work. Ask when it was last done, and by whom.
- Check whether the Marzocchi fork, Grimeca brake and Borrani rims are still fitted. They are expensive to track down again.
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesMotorcycle Classics: Ducati Silver Shotgun (English)Classic Bike Hub: Italian favourites (English)Motorcycle Specs: Ducati 450 Desmo 1973–74 (English)