<-=- Club Bevel Heaven -=->

Hi,

I'm based in the UK in Norfolk and have recently returned to bikes after a 40 year hiatus. I managed to find the bike I had at 17 - a Yamaha RD250 (now a 400) and passed my test so that I could ride it again. Having got the bug again at 62 I've bought a 'sensible' modern Honda but am in the enviable position of being able to indulge myself.

Back in 1979 I used to fantasise about exotic Italian machinery and find that the only thing I really still lust after is a big Duke. Due to advancing years, clip-ons and rear-sets are a big no-no so I'm looking at buying a Darmah. Am I mad?

There are a couple available not a million miles away from me in Newark, but really need to know what I'm getting into. I've ordered the Essential Buying Guide and this was a logical next step. I'm reasonably handy with a spanner. Any advise would be welcome!

Mike.

Hi Mike,
It's not without reason that Darmah's were nick named 'Dramas' back in the day so it's probably good that you are 'handy with the spanners'. You will more likely need to be handy with a multimeter and wire strippers as many of their problems were electrical . I have no direct experience as my bevels are a bit older ('75 900ss and '74 750ss) but I have ridden a few Darmahs and they are good when they are good. Mechanically I seem to remember that there were issues with big ends on some earlier models in the production run. As usual you will probably have to judge the previous owner(s) as much as the bike, they will either have a whole bunch of service/repair receipts from known experts or have a fully equipped home workshop and considerable skills and experience which they are willing to share. If neither than take great care.
This forum is very quiet of late, despite being the best source of bevel info, if you post the specific year and model of Darmah you are looking at you may get much more useful and specific info. Steve, the site owner is very helpful but he's in California and has a business to run. My bikes, tools and manuals are in Italy while I'm currently in Poland so not much help either. My experience is that to run a a bevel Ducati you need a either a lot of time or a lot of money and often both, but it is worth it!
cheers
Zed

Welcome aboard, Mike. I know a thing or 3 about Darmahs, ask away. thanks...