Hi Adam and welcome to the Forum.

Allow me to make a few corrections to your information:

The FRAME number, DM200E*155455* is for a 200cc Elite from 1960.
(Note: this number is NOT a VIN or 'Vehicle Identification Number'. These did not exist at the time.)
This attribution is confirmed by the homologation code: IGM 1007 OM.
Only 1,486 of these Elites were made.

Into this frame, someone has put a later 250cc five-speed engine. Its number, 103637, suggests from 1967, not 1964.

On top of that, the bike has been modified for racing: double plug, Amal carb, kick start removed and blanked off, additional and modified oil drains, rear sets, front brake unit, lots of stuff. Who knows what mods have been done internally.

The Borrani rims are not original to the bike, btw; but I'd need to check to see what they're from. Possibly later wide-case.

Cheers

Craig

 

Hi Craig,
Thank you for this very helpful information.
I have attached pictures of the rims so any further information would be really appreciated.
Would you know roughly what the bike would be worth and how saleable?
Many thanks
Adam

 

First time I've ever seen the tach drive attached to the end of the crank...

Personally I think the bike might be worth more in parts. As it is it's just a bitsa with a jumble of mismatched parts and not something anyone could or would restore. But there are desirable parts. If the frame isnt too modified it would be great for someone restoring an Elite. Likewise the engine may be salvageable for an M3 restoration but with so many modifications its much less valuable than one that hasn't been molested. The tank might be a legitimate M1 or M3 part (we need to see the underside) which is desirable and the top clamp is a sought after part as well.

The double pull front brake backing plate is interesting, I dont think I've ever seen that, but I dont think its a rare or sought after part. The wheels are not OE ducati and not worth a whole lot IMO since you can buy them new for about $200 a piece. The rest is just run of the mill duc singles stuff and old aftermarket items (that arent really worth much IMO)

I dont think it would be a tragedy to part it out or to build a track bike from the parts. At least if you part it the good stuff might help someone bring one back to life.

 

I have seen the tacho drive before and I think it is a UK accessory. If you have a copy of Ducati Gold Portfolio 1960-1973 take a look at page 36 where the same drive appears in a UK road test. I think Vic Camp might have been selling these.
Ian

 

I see a vintage race bike in someone's future

 

Hi Adam,

As flynbulldog: The fact that your rims don't have a 4 digit code on them (e.g '4741') means that they are aftermarket Borranni items, i.e. they weren't produced for any specific manufacturer or to go on any specific model of bike. The guy who fitted them did so to reduce weight on his race bike. I hope they brought him great success ...

As Ian: the tacho drive is most probably ex-Vic Camp. Colin (Duccout on here) may know more.

As to value, that's something I always decline to comment on. But you might want to contact John Fallon at Made in Italy Motorcycles in Stowmarket.

Ciao

Craig

 

Shame you can't register and ride it. If you were to part it out, I'd dearly love to have that frame, but would have the same problem you have now.
Bureaucracy is a bear to be reckoned with.
It could still be enjoyed, go vintage racing with it!

 

Hi Adam

a racebike for sure long ago . the rev counterdrive is a Smiths item sold by Vic Camp . so is the Milano twin leading front brake plate . it was made by Robinson . i will add the sales leaflet .

Cheers Eldert

 

Hi Adam

a racebike for sure long ago . the rev counterdrive is a Smiths item sold by Vic Camp . so is the Milano twin leading front brake plate . it was made by Robinson . i will add the sales leaflet .

Cheers Eldert

That's excellent, Eldert! Thanks. I looked for a Vic Camp advertisement, but didn't find anything.

(So THAT's what a Robinson Milano brake looks like ... )

 

haha also the first time I've ever seen a crank driven tach drive turning a speedometer.

 

"Curioser and curioser!, cried Alice". Hadn't noticed that . Wonder how (if?) it works ...

Also, just seen the valve lifter on the front rocker cover. Maybe it's got a full 350 or 450 head?

 

Vic Camp! What a great guy! I lived five minutes from his shop, which was a proper old-time bike shop, tiny, crammed with bikes. I used to gaze through the window at the Italian exotica, which seemed so beautiful compared to British bikes; I would say 'elegantly crafted'. When I saw the desmo Singles and the late Mark 3s I had to have one, and was hooked.

Vic was a lovely bloke, kind, funny, and the shop was more a hobby than a business. He would often stop me buying parts, telling me not to waste my money. He put a lot into bikes too, sponsoring racing and running the race school. I believe that he was Maltese and retired there after the local council shut his shop down, but sadly died only a week later; it must have been awful for his wife, Rose. Vic had a long-time mechanic, Bert Furness, who was not complimentary to the business, being a miserable so-and -so, who could be very sarchastic to the customers. All a long time ago now.

 

I didn't know Vic was Maltese, Colin. Interesting tidbit. I wonder how he got involved with Ducati in the first place ...

The UK importer concession had already passed on to the dreaded Coburn and Hughes when I got my first Ducrappi. Thankfully, there was Mick Walker in the wings ...

 

Craig,

I'm assuming that 'Camp' is anglisized 'Campese'?? I remember seeing six 350 Desmos being uncrated outside Vic's shop (C+H were not interested in the 350 Desmos) and really wish that I'd bought one.

Colin