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15 Posts
Hello,
I'm new to the forum and new to Ducati motorcycles. I have a few questions if you all would be so kind to answer and advise. My father-inlaw bought new in 1970 a Ducati Desmo 350 Mark III. Shortly after he go it it was stolen and abused by riding it at a gravel pit. It was recovered and returned it to my dad and I think he fixed it but, never rode it much after that appears to have about 3400 miles on it. I guess it had lost its "new" appeal. It has been sitting in his garage uncovered ever since. It is pretty dirty and a little rusty but appears to be mostly there. The engine will turn over with the kick starter and the tach, seat, headlight, original tires,etc, are all there, the chrome on the gas tank looks like it might clean up, etc. It is missing several things like the brake lever, mirrors, needs shocks, exhaust pipes, needs rubber items like grips and peg covers, etc. He even has a set of fiberglass saddle bags and a backrest that he bought for it back in 1970. Now the questions: Is it worth restoring? How much trouble is it to find the correct parts? Whats it worth? Can I handle the restoration? I've never owned a motorcycle before. I am a fair mechanic and have restored a couple of muscle cars over the years but never a motorcycle let alone one from Italy. Please give me some advice. Thanks!
I'm new to the forum and new to Ducati motorcycles. I have a few questions if you all would be so kind to answer and advise. My father-inlaw bought new in 1970 a Ducati Desmo 350 Mark III. Shortly after he go it it was stolen and abused by riding it at a gravel pit. It was recovered and returned it to my dad and I think he fixed it but, never rode it much after that appears to have about 3400 miles on it. I guess it had lost its "new" appeal. It has been sitting in his garage uncovered ever since. It is pretty dirty and a little rusty but appears to be mostly there. The engine will turn over with the kick starter and the tach, seat, headlight, original tires,etc, are all there, the chrome on the gas tank looks like it might clean up, etc. It is missing several things like the brake lever, mirrors, needs shocks, exhaust pipes, needs rubber items like grips and peg covers, etc. He even has a set of fiberglass saddle bags and a backrest that he bought for it back in 1970. Now the questions: Is it worth restoring? How much trouble is it to find the correct parts? Whats it worth? Can I handle the restoration? I've never owned a motorcycle before. I am a fair mechanic and have restored a couple of muscle cars over the years but never a motorcycle let alone one from Italy. Please give me some advice. Thanks!