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Hi Ron,

Welcome to vintage motorcycles and modern times. You will be very lucky to find someone who has the knowledge and patience to help you out. If you decide to pursue this you will be both rewarded and exasperated.

Ducati's all desire to run, your problem is likely simple but hard to identify ...

The outside cam bearing housing (above the sparkplug) is different between desmo and non. They are physically different and cannot be interchanged. DESMO will be clearly spelled out on the casting.

Hugh

there is no oil filter - just a screen.

Oil selection can be controversial. I've used Mobil one without problem in my 450, and I've seen it used in many wet clutch race bikes, but some claim that it is too good a lubricate for a wet clutch. The most reasonable advice that I have is to use a good ...

The gearing can be a problem. I run 12/48, which is low enough for dirt roads but not low enough for trails. 55 mph is about the limit for extended periods on the street with this gearing. I will go back to the 13 t countershaft sprocket soon because I do have some stretches of pavement to deal with ...

The problem with the RT frame is that the motor was positioned as far back as possible to provide good traction. The RT has the shortest swing arm of any bike that I know of. All modern bikes - street and dirt - put the engine as far forward as possible to enhance turn-in.

I have a TS that I use as ...