Ducati 1978 500 Custom Cafe Racer One of a kind!

1978 DUCATI 500 SS CUSTOM

Countless hours and an extensive list of  parts were employed in the building of this special classic This bike was built to ride  although it gets a great crowd response where ever it goes. It started life out as a running Ducati 500GTL. This bike was stripped down to bare frame sandblasted and painted a beautiful Metallic gold. Wanting to give is a slightly different look  I used a Legendary Motorcycle Custom Gas tank. Its a replica of a Norton Manx.  Wanting to keep the Ducati vibe I found a replica Ducati 900SS Seat to finish off the look.   

Here is what I did to the bike

I cut the original hoop off the back of the bike & fabricated a new hoop

Built custom rear sets

I rebuilt the forks

I rebuilt the brake calipers

Rebuilt the master

Replaced all the bearings in the neck and wheels.

I replaced both front and rear wheels with new steel spokes

I did some rewiring. replacing any wires that  weren't perfect.

I spent 150 hour total polishing  the engine covers. sanding the triple trees smooth and polished them. polished the forks. polished the rear hub.

I installed new Avon tires

New battery

New NOS LED dash

New throttle and choke cables

New rear shocks

Installed an original set of Conti mufflers although not new are in nice rider condition(few dents but sound awesome) These are pretty expensive I was offered $1000 for just the mufflers

The bike was finished in black with gold leaf and red pin striping.

Electric and kick start work bike will start with one or two kicks or the push of a button.

New Front brake pads and rear brakes have been reshoed

Frame was sandblasted and painted Metallic gold

New Ducati 900SS replica seat with upholstery

New Legendary motorcycles Gas Tank

New Chrome Headlight

Headlight Screen 

I will also include the original gas tank and seat with an acceptable offer as well as a very good set of Lafranconi Mufflers!

Engine work completed

As far as the engine here a list of what I did I removed the bolt that is just in front of the left cylinder. as you sit on the bike. This is the restrictor for the oil feed to the cylinder head and makes sure that the oil pressure is backed up to the crank. I took off the alternator cover. Below the alternator you will find the oil pressure relief valve. this takes the form of a steel tube with a ball and spring up it I took it out cleaned it up and then put back with loctite and then wire lock it. I checked that your oil pressure warning light was properly working. The Cam chain do stretch and flap. because the tensioner is not very good. I pulled the rocker cover off and checked the tension. I checked the depth of the recesses to take the O rings that seal the main oil galleries between the two crankcase halves. If they are not recessed it will cause weepage out through the gasket. I took the bungs out of the crank for the big end sludge traps these traps were full of muck and would have starved the big end shells of oil flow. On the camshafts. which are in two parts. Ducati saw fit to block off the hole for the oil feed to the cam lobes with a dished washer like a water jacket core plug. These were never designed to take the pressure of cold 20/50 oil on them and can blow out. leaving you with no oil feed to the top end! The solution was to put the cam in a lathe and bore the end to take an aluminum bung and fit that bung with loctite and face off. so that they press together and can't go anywhere. I also checked the end float on the crankshaft for slop. This is adjusted by placing shims behind the LH main bearing. This stops sideways movement of the crank across the face of the main bearings and will reduce wear.  

This bike is mechanically sound. The engine runs great the Charging system is  working perfectly Its ready to ride 

This Ducati was built to be ridden and enjoyed . however it is attractive enough to be displayed as a welcome addition to any collection **This Ducati is being sold because my wife and I are expecting our second child. It's time for me to make some room so please only bid or inquire if you are a serious interested buyer and have the the funds available to complete the sale within 7 days. ** (This includes brokers or other qualified representatives so please confirm with your customer before bidding) International bidders using a bank to bank wire transfer for deposit or the balance or cash are welcome.  Scammers consider yourself warned.  

This motorcycle will not be shipped until all funds have cleared and the purchaser's information is verified.  a $1000. 00 non refundable deposit is required within 24 hours of end of the auction and all sales are final. Bank to bank wire transfer of balance is possible after $1000. 00 non refundable deposit is received.  This bike could not be built for my buy it now price.  

Any question please  contact me via email or phone The Ducati is available for inspection by appointment and before the end of the auction at my business location please call to set up an appointment Rick 704-253-3630  (located in Mooresville NC) 

There has been some questions about registering this motorcycle. When this motorcycle is sold it will be sold with a clean title in my name which can be transferred to any state in the US. It has been inspected by NC DMV and is ready to go. There will be no problem for registration.

Shipping is the complete and total responsibility of the Buyer . I can assist with meeting your shipper for loading purposes and drain the gas if required.  Seller reserves the right to end the auction early. Seller reserves the right to sell or advertise this motorcycle locally.  This is a rare opportunity to purchase a restored. titled and running classic Ducati Bevel  please bid if you have read and understand the listing. have the funds available. the permission and ability to complete this purchase without complication or delay. Thank you for your interest and or your bid. Good luck and bid to win.

I will accept offers through ebay I will also accept offers without the Conti mufflers.  I will replace them with a original set of Lafranconi mufflers(which are very nice) Obviously the price would be less without the Contis  Please be realistic with your offers

If you want to see a video of this bike running go to you tube search Ducati 500SS or click on this link  http://youtu. be/JkxIQfhIIEc 

Just uploading it now if you don't see it search in a few minutes

This is being relisted due to a non paying bidder please do not bid if you are not going to pay for this motorcycle

Also published at eBay.com