Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: That Nice Guy Beck! on January 22, 2009, 10:43:50 AM

Title: should I snag this bike??
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on January 22, 2009, 10:43:50 AM
$2500

1977 ducati 500


The bike runs and is set up as a cafe. Bike has aluminum wheels, very nice 35mm front fork, mean sounding dual pipes, dual front disc brakes, after market handle bars and fiber glass cafe seat. Has no rear brake linkage, bad carb to intake manifold connection(runs as is but has air leak at connection).

(http://images.craigslist.org/3mc3o93p01fa12114691id9bdea9b37b910c2.jpg)

(http://images.craigslist.org/3n43ma3p512b13614491if58b093447d71405.jpg)

(http://images.craigslist.org/3n33p03l51161f213891i13355e23fffc1959.jpg)

Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: grandpa nate on January 22, 2009, 11:16:10 AM
um..."f" yeah!!!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Goat_Herder on January 22, 2009, 02:38:19 PM
If you don't, I will.   [laugh]  Just kidding.  She's a beauty!
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: SP3 on January 22, 2009, 04:35:42 PM
Is it a GTL or GTV? Either way, from its appearance, $2500 is a little steep for a parallel twin Duc at this point in time.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Duck-Stew on January 22, 2009, 04:40:21 PM
I don't recall how or what it is....but there IS a definate oil supply problem to the camshafts on those engines.  Basically, if it ever fails...it shits out the cams and the head too (IIRC), so be sure to check that out first.  It may be a quick-fix to prevent a problem...it could also be a ticking time-bomb.

Other than that, looks good...I'd offer him $1700 for it.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: flynbulldog on January 23, 2009, 09:30:30 AM
These parallel twin ducs have never had a big following and are not considered "desirable" collectors items thus they are available fairly cheap and not too hard to find.
There aren't too many of them so they are fairly rare but at this time they are not particularly valuable

Buy it if you like it - but it would be risky as an investment. Who knows, maybe some day the value will increase. But I wouldn't count on it.

If you look in the right places you may be able to find one in better condition for less money, There were a few of them for sale at the Barber Vintage festival last year.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: clubhousemotorsports on January 23, 2009, 01:04:55 PM
Think of it this way
If it was a Indiana would you want it?
the parallel twins are the red headed stepchild ducati had in the 70's I cannot think of a less desired ducati. Although the 999 series put up a fight, it won over many people in the end.

And having the soft spot for such bikes I too would buy one [bang]

Things to think about.
no parts
little to no resources (information)

Like the indiana these bikes died on the sales floor and did not last long. They could be valuable later on if original.

Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Triple J on January 23, 2009, 01:17:10 PM
Parallel twin Ducati =  [puke]
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on January 23, 2009, 03:49:12 PM
ill offer $800
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: abby normal on January 23, 2009, 03:56:35 PM
Quote from: Triple J on January 23, 2009, 01:17:10 PM
Parallel twin Ducati =  [puke]

i bet you'd buy one of the old parallel twin GP bikes if you could get one.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Triple J on January 23, 2009, 11:05:21 PM
Quote from: abby normal on January 23, 2009, 03:56:35 PM
i bet you'd buy one of the old parallel twin GP bikes if you could get one.

The late 50's, early 60's race bikes? Ya...I forgot about those. I would definitely ppick one of the up if available (and affordable). I guess I should have said the street parallel twins =  [puke]
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: abby normal on January 26, 2009, 07:05:32 AM
Quote from: Triple J on January 23, 2009, 11:05:21 PM
The late 50's, early 60's race bikes? Ya...I forgot about those. I would definitely ppick one of the up if available (and affordable). I guess I should have said the street parallel twins =  [puke]

agreed.  hideous guigiaro styling and POS engine.  i suppose one could build a 'worst of ducati' collection
with one of these and an indiana.  what else would be included?
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Oldfisti on January 26, 2009, 07:40:42 AM
Paso?
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: fastwin on January 26, 2009, 08:05:08 AM
I read an editorial write up a while back in either Cycle World, Motorcyclist or Sport Rider (the only three mags I read) about the author having one of those parallel twin Ducs and how it was an awful bike. I believe the theme of the article was awful bikes he had owned and this one sounded like it took the cake. It was such a good read that I remember that part vividly and that article is at least a year or two old. Anyone else remember that article more specifically than I do?
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: grandpa nate on January 26, 2009, 08:20:48 AM
Quote from: alfisti on January 26, 2009, 07:40:42 AM
Paso?
+1
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: yamifixer on January 26, 2009, 09:07:51 AM
Quote from: alfisti on January 26, 2009, 07:40:42 AM
Paso?

iI've always wanted a Paso.

Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Oldfisti on January 26, 2009, 10:04:56 AM
Quote from: yamifixer on January 26, 2009, 09:07:51 AM
iI've always wanted a Paso.




I really don't know that much about them other than I'm not a fan of the styling.

DON'T HIDE THE TRELLIS!!

Just my .005
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: JEFF_H on January 26, 2009, 10:20:39 AM
Quote from: ducvet on January 23, 2009, 01:04:55 PM
Think of it this way
If it was a Indiana would you want it?



Yes. I want an Indiana.

Just to show up at big duc events (in period correct apparel  ;D) and make hardcore ducatisti cringe  [cheeky]
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: bullet boy on January 26, 2009, 10:23:36 AM
Quote from: alfisti on January 26, 2009, 10:04:56 AM

I really don't know that much about them other than I'm not a fan of the styling.

DON'T HIDE THE TRELLIS!!

Just my .005

I bought one of the first 400 imported into the US back in '88(?). It's styling was a hugh hit, but with the glass bodywork removed its steel square-tube frame was about as ugly as it could get.

(the bike was a giant pain-in-the-ass, but I still miss it... I guess you never forget your first ducati!)
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: rgramjet on January 29, 2009, 07:16:35 AM
Quote from: bullet boy on January 26, 2009, 10:23:36 AM
I bought one of the first 400 imported into the US back in '88(?). It's styling was a hugh hit, but with the glass bodywork removed its steel square-tube frame was about as ugly as it could get.

(the bike was a giant pain-in-the-ass, but I still miss it... I guess you never forget your first ducati!)

+1 

A 1988 Paso Limited was my first bike.  Quirky as all get out and about 25 false neutrals and a wet clutch.  Major PIA to ride and I wish I had it again.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Oldfisti on January 29, 2009, 07:27:24 AM
Quote from: rgramjet on January 29, 2009, 07:16:35 AM
+1 

A 1988 Paso Limited was my first bike.  Quirky as all get out and about 25 false neutrals and a wet clutch.  Major PIA to ride and I wish I had it again.


My buddy's first was a 907ie. He never rode it, sold it and bought a sweeet 900ss/sp. From there was an 996 SPS, then a Monster S4R. Now he's bikeless.  :(
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: fatwake on January 29, 2009, 08:44:46 AM
I had a Paso Limited, two at one point.  My riding buddies had 748 and used to call my bike the "Tron" bike.  It was funny how when we would park people would always comment on the Paso.  I wish I still had my last one.  [img][http://s574.photobucket.com/albums/ss182/fatwake/Paso%20Limited/limited2rt.jpg]

BTW, it had a dry clutch.  I had vented covers on both of mine.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: fatwake on January 29, 2009, 08:49:11 AM
Let me try that again.
(http://s574.photobucket.com/albums/ss182/fatwake/Paso%20Limited/limited2rt.jpg)
(http://s574.photobucket.com/albums/ss182/fatwake/Paso%20Limited/mvc-026s.jpg)
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: ducatiz on January 29, 2009, 09:02:35 AM
Quote from: alfisti on January 26, 2009, 10:04:56 AM

I really don't know that much about them other than I'm not a fan of the styling.

DON'T HIDE THE TRELLIS!!

Just my .005

Pasos don't have a trellis frame.  And it is a matter of taste.  Everyone who has ridden a Paso (NOT a 906 or 907, totally different bike) says they love them.  They grow on you big time.

Back to the OP:

That is a 500SD.  It has the better tank and seat styling by Tartarini, who also did the same setup for the Darmah SS and 900SS (similar seats/tanks/etc).  Find some pics of the original setup of both bikes and see.

The gearbox is strong.  Clutch parts are nonexistent.  Brake parts are common to other bikes.  Fuel system is standard dellorto PHF30.  God help you with the rest of the engine.

It is worth around 2000 max running if it is in good shape.  You can tell by the single down tube on the frame in the front of the engine.  GTLs had two on the outside.  GTLs sell on ebay for 1200-1700.  SDs are much more rare and get a 300-500 premium

Parts are a pregnant dog (I know, I have one).  Most of the ones in the USA have been parted out and European buyers bought them.  Now, the handful of americans with them are buying the parts back from Europe.

There is a guy in Holland with a truck full of GTL/GTV motors.  SDs are harder to come by, but the only difference is the head.

The most desirable model is the SD, which has desmo valves. 

50 hp and 480 lbs. 

If you buy it, I can set you up with some parts sources.  I have a few contacts in Europe who have old or NOS stuff for them.

The rubber boot for the carb is available, I think Bevelheaven has them.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Triple J on January 29, 2009, 11:19:05 AM
Quote from: ducatizzzz on January 29, 2009, 09:02:35 AM
Pasos don't have a trellis frame.  And it is a matter of taste.  Everyone who has ridden a Paso (NOT a 906 or 907, totally different bike) says they love them.  They grow on you big time.

Same as a Multistrada!!  ;D

I find it interesting that Terblanche gets blasted for the Multi and 999, yet he also designed some bikes with a much broader appeal (Hypermotard, Sport Classics, Supermono)...which seems to get forgotten.

On the other hand, Tamburini is always remembered for the 916 bikes, yet he also designed the Paso (a much less liked bike)...which tends to be forgotten.

[coffee]
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Oldfisti on January 29, 2009, 11:31:36 AM
Quote from: Triple J on January 29, 2009, 11:19:05 AM
Same as a Multistrada!!  ;D

I find it interesting that Terblanche gets blasted for the Multi and 999, yet he also designed some bikes with a much broader appeal (Hypermotard, Sport Classics, Supermono)...which seems to get forgotten.

On the other hand, Tamburini is always remembered for the 916 bikes, yet he also designed the Paso (a much less liked bike)...which tends to be forgotten.

[coffee]


Terblanche was also responsible for the S4R and I *think* the MH900E.


BTW, I'm not in the majority here but I lusted after the 999 from the first moment I laid eyes on it. Too bad they never put the mag SSS on it as originally intended.

(http://www.motowheels.com/italian/images/999.SS.SA.Left.jpg)
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: Triple J on January 29, 2009, 11:38:39 AM
Quote from: alfisti on January 29, 2009, 11:31:36 AM

Terblanche was also responsible for the S4R and I *think* the MH900E.


BTW, I'm not in the majority here but I lusted after the 999 from the first moment I laid eyes on it. Too bad they never put the mag SSS on it as originally intended.

(http://www.motowheels.com/italian/images/999.SS.SA.Left.jpg)

Yep...forgot about those. I also liked the 999 (but I own a Multi  [laugh]). The 999s in black is a seriously friggin' awesome looking bike!

I never knew about the SSS...I'm guessing it was Corse that made them go DSS? I read there was a fight on that issue for the 1098/848 with the streetbike team having to develop a SSS that was stiffer then the 999's DSS...hence the new SSS construction method.
Title: Re: should I snag this bike??
Post by: rgramjet on January 29, 2009, 02:24:09 PM
Quote from: fatwake on January 29, 2009, 08:44:46 AM

BTW, it had a dry clutch.  I had vented covers on both of mine.

You are right, it is a dry clutch on the 750.  The hydraulic actuator is integral to the clutch cover so it is possible to vent them.  I remember taking off the cover.  Once I got it off and saw the guts inside, I threw it back on and said F it.