Ducati · 1977–1982
Ducati 900 Darmah: history and buyer’s guide
The comfortable desmo V-twin named after a tiger.
History
The Darmah SD (Sport Desmo) arrived in 1977 to replace the 860 range. It was meant for everyday sporting riders rather than only the SS crowd. Leopoldo Tartarini styled it along the lines of his 500 Sport Desmo, and the name comes from a tiger in an Italian children’s book.
It was the first Ducati with decent Bosch and Nippon Denso electrics, and from the Darmah on every new Ducati had desmodromic valves. Almost 5,600 were built up to 1982, about 1,610 of them first-series bikes from 1977. A sportier SS version came later.
Key facts
| Engine | 90° V-twin, desmodromic, bevel-drive camshafts |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 86 × 74.4 mm, 864 cc |
| Carburettors | 2 × Dell’Orto 32 mm |
| Power | 65 hp at 7,500 rpm |
| Brakes | 2 × 280 mm discs front, 260 mm rear |
| Weight | 216 kg dry |
What to check when buying
- The cast magnesium wheels (Campagnolo, later Speedline) can crack. Inspect them closely.
- Ask about the big-end bearings; Ducati revised them to improve reliability.
- Setting up desmo valves is precision work. Ask about the service history.
- SD or SS? The SS has a fairing and a sportier set-up. Check that the version matches the papers.
- Listen to the bevel drives and look for oil leaks.
Nederlandse versie: Ducati 900 Darmah in het Nederlands
SourcesMCNews: Ducati 900 SD Darmah
More English guides
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