1974 Ducati Desmo 249 cc. Registration number SNX 98M. Frame...

Estimate

£7,000 - £9,000

1974 Ducati Desmo 249 cc. Registration number SNX 98M. Frame number DM250GT 104220. Engine number DM250 D 112011.
As design debuts go, Ducati's desmodromic valve actuation could not have done much better. The factory shocked the established European racing order in 1956 when its unheralded 125 with desmo valvetrain took a surprise win at the Swedish Grand Prix, the very first race it entered. This was followed with a first-in-class performance at the prestigious 24 Hours of Barcelona endurance race, a true test of speed and stamina. Desmodromics would eventually make its way onto production street bikes, and indeed become synonymous with Ducati, which to this day uses the setup on its V-twin sport bikes.
In 1968 Ducati launched the first of its desmo roadsters, these top-of-the-range 250 and 350cc super sports variants being distinguishable from the valve-spring models by virtue of their extra chrome and restrained D decals on the side panels. Dubbed "wide case" models due to their wider-spaced rear engine mounts, the bikes had more going for them than just a higher-revving valvetrain. Fabio Taglioni and his team took the opportunity afforded by the redesign to incorporate a stronger connecting rod and big-end bearing, and to increase capacity of the lubrication system. There were also improvements to the gearbox. Subsequent developments included the addition of a front disc brake, introduction of electronic ignition and more than one increase in big-end diameter, the last of which occurred in 1974, the final year of production. Styling evolved along ever more sporting lines, culminating in a classic café-racer look with "monoposto" tail section as seen here.
This rare UK machine was first registered for the road on the 3rd June 1974 and went three other owners before in October 1980 was bought by Robin Salmon of Nuneaton, he sold it to Tony Robinson of Bideford in July 1983. DVLA recorded another owner in October 2012 and the next one in September 2016.
In 2012 the MOT was at 2,051 miles, 2013, 2,137, 2014, 2,354, 2015, 2,661, 2016, 2,777, 2017, 2,912 and today it is 2,918, although the MOT has expired.
Rarely do these UK original machines come on the market, especially in this condition and being as well cared for.
Sold with the V5c and two V5's, it should take very little to recommission this machine.