860GT/Darmah 900

864 cc ohc L-twin || 410lb || 110mph || 1977-1981 Easier to live with than an SS, the 860 has the same race-bred frame and an engine in a softer state of tune. The big Ducati twins suffered from the use of mainly poor-quality ancillaries, partly because Ducati was owned by companies that were heavily state-subsidised and had to fit Italian componentry. The Darmah benefited from the relaxing of those buy-local rules, getting Bosch electrics and Nippon Denso instruments. Finish was poor, and they benefit from careful cleaning and, preferably, complete refurbishment.

Prices

low £7000 || high £15,000