What Have I Done? 1979 900GTS for Restoration...

G

general_piffle

Active member
OK. So I bought this two days ago from the long-term owner John. This restoration will be a 'slow burn' because I don't have a workshop or garage, limited tools, been riding since I was 16 so around 40 years of experience with bikes. I find skilled people who are great at what they do, get them to do all the stuff I can't, and do what I can.

I really love the 900GTS because it's not an SS from this era. Not predictable. Not expected. When done well (e.g. Paul's GTS @Vacant Possession) they are sublime. And this one has a great start as in it's end of production so the Darmah bottom end and best mix in terms of engines.

Ducati Paddy has already told me to avoid it with a very long pole, unless I'm doing it for the love, which is exactly why I'm doing it. It's a wonderful old bevel that hasn't been used since the mid 90s and needs to be given a LOT of TLC and brought back on the road.

Screenshot 2025-04-06 at 11.45.36.webp

Screenshot 2025-04-06 at 11.45.51.webp

Screenshot 2025-04-06 at 11.46.05.webp
 
Thanks all! Don't think I'm ignoring you, for some reason I don't seem able to react to posts - might be because I'm new.

So, progress so far:
  • I've managed to secure original NOS (new old stock) clock cases for tacho and speedo
  • Have been in contact with Peter Bond who can rebuild the clocks
  • Managed to source a brand new LH switchgear
  • Got new rubber for kickstart, pegs, rear brake lever
  • Sourced a NOS tool tray
  • Am in communication with a bevel owner in the US who has a side-stand he might be willing to sell (made from unobtainium and missing on my GTS)
  • Have spoken with a top mechanic/restorer Ged Shorten, who can help me with all the stuff I can't do (which is a lot!)
  • Don't like the faded red, think I'm going to go black and gold...
  • Got some replica metal tank badges (mine are missing)
  • The chrome steel rims are a bit manky but not terrible, however to save a bit of weight I might go Akront alloy with stainless spokes
  • The exhaust will be replaced with a stainless 'Contiesque' system
  • I'm probably going to have to remortgage to cover parts that need re-chroming
And there we have it, for now...
 
general_piffle said:
Thanks all! Don't think I'm ignoring you, for some reason I don't seem able to react to posts - might be because I'm new.

So, progress so far:
  • I've managed to secure original NOS (new old stock) clock cases for tacho and speedo
  • Have been in contact with Peter Bond who can rebuild the clocks
  • Managed to source a brand new LH switchgear
  • Got new rubber for kickstart, pegs, rear brake lever
  • Sourced a NOS tool tray
  • Am in communication with a bevel owner in the US who has a side-stand he might be willing to sell (made from unobtainium and missing on my GTS)
  • Have spoken with a top mechanic/restorer Ged Shorten, who can help me with all the stuff I can't do (which is a lot!)
  • Don't like the faded red, think I'm going to go black and gold...
  • Got some replica metal tank badges (mine are missing)
  • The chrome steel rims are a bit manky but not terrible, however to save a bit of weight I might go Akront alloy with stainless spokes
  • The exhaust will be replaced with a stainless 'Contiesque' system
  • I'm probably going to have to remortgage to cover parts that need re-chroming
And there we have it, for now...
Click to expand...
Who's doing your chroming? If you haven't already got a contact, I can highly recommend griffs reality motorworks in Bristol.
Does polishing and powder coating also. And things like restoring brake calipers ect..
 
general_piffle said:
Thanks all! Don't think I'm ignoring you, for some reason I don't seem able to react to posts - might be because I'm new.

So, progress so far:
  • I've managed to secure original NOS (new old stock) clock cases for tacho and speedo
  • Have been in contact with Peter Bond who can rebuild the clocks
  • Managed to source a brand new LH switchgear
  • Got new rubber for kickstart, pegs, rear brake lever
  • Sourced a NOS tool tray
  • Am in communication with a bevel owner in the US who has a side-stand he might be willing to sell (made from unobtainium and missing on my GTS)
  • Have spoken with a top mechanic/restorer Ged Shorten, who can help me with all the stuff I can't do (which is a lot!)
  • Don't like the faded red, think I'm going to go black and gold...
  • Got some replica metal tank badges (mine are missing)
  • The chrome steel rims are a bit manky but not terrible, however to save a bit of weight I might go Akront alloy with stainless spokes
  • The exhaust will be replaced with a stainless 'Contiesque' system
  • I'm probably going to have to remortgage to cover parts that need re-chroming
And there we have it, for now...
Click to expand...
You need to subscripe, £5.00, click onto your avatar and go into account upgrades. (y)
 
Chizel - Founding Father said:
Who's doing your chroming? If you haven't already got a contact, I can highly recommend griffs reality motorworks in Bristol.
Does polishing and powder coating also. And things like restoring brake calipers ect..
Click to expand...
Aha! I use these people who are literally a 15 minute walk away:

www.beckworth.net

Beckworth Silvabronz

Silvabronz having been established 1987, have built a wealth of experience in the restoration of all metallic components for the classic car and bike industry to both the trade and the enthusiast. At...
www.beckworth.net

But thanks all the same!
 
general_piffle said:
Aha! I use these people who are literally a 15 minute walk away:

www.beckworth.net

Beckworth Silvabronz

Silvabronz having been established 1987, have built a wealth of experience in the restoration of all metallic components for the classic car and bike industry to both the trade and the enthusiast. At...
www.beckworth.net

But thanks all the same!
Click to expand...
Just to let you know you cant say the C word, you can post it but it will be spelled out as Guinness!!
 
WAYNE said:
Just to let you know you cant say the C word, you can post it but it will be spelled out as Guinness!!
Click to expand...
Has it gone down? Thought it was £6 now :unsure: and he can also see the Subscribers Private Lounge now where most of the bollocks discussed on here is hiding 👀
 
So, after some more digging I have more good news - from Ducati Paddy! Turns out that my GTS first registered 10/07/1979 is one of the 'final push' 250 or so GTS bikes that got the Bosch engine. So, a Darmah/900SS engine but with valve springs rather than desmo heads.

Very pleased with that, and actually not planned at all. Just a happy coincidence.
 
Last edited:
general_piffle said:
So, after some more digging I have more good news - from Ducati Paddy! Turns out that my GTS first registered 10/07/1979 is one of the 'final push' 250 or so GTS bikes that got the Bosch engine. So, a Darmah/900SS engine but with valve springs rather than desmo heads.

Very pleased with that, and actually not planned at all. Just a happy coincidence.
Click to expand...

general_piffle said:
Thanks all! Don't think I'm ignoring you, for some reason I don't seem able to react to posts - might be because I'm new.

So, progress so far:
  • I've managed to secure original NOS (new old stock) clock cases for tacho and speedo
  • Have been in contact with Peter Bond who can rebuild the clocks
  • Managed to source a brand new LH switchgear
  • Got new rubber for kickstart, pegs, rear brake lever
  • Sourced a NOS tool tray
  • Am in communication with a bevel owner in the US who has a side-stand he might be willing to sell (made from unobtainium and missing on my GTS)
  • Have spoken with a top mechanic/restorer Ged Shorten, who can help me with all the stuff I can't do (which is a lot!)
  • Don't like the faded red, think I'm going to go black and gold...
  • Got some replica metal tank badges (mine are missing)
  • The chrome steel rims are a bit manky but not terrible, however to save a bit of weight I might go Akront alloy with stainless spokes
  • The exhaust will be replaced with a stainless 'Contiesque' system
  • I'm probably going to have to remortgage to cover parts that need re-chroming
And there we have it, for now...
Click to expand...
You have been busy. I want to record my preference for the red, bet I am not alone! John (see above)
 
Tosher99 said:
You have been busy. I want to record my preference for the red, bet I am not alone! John (see above)
Click to expand...
Thanks John! I have a bright red 900SS ie, and of course red is VERY Ducati, but I was inspired by Vacant Possession's GTS restoration thread regarding different colours. I think the black with gold decals/pinstripes might work really well...
 
general_piffle said:
So, after some more digging I have more good news - from Ducati Paddy! Turns out that my GTS first registered 10/07/1979 is one of the 'final push' 250 or so GTS bikes that got the Bosch engine. So, a Darmah/900SS engine but with valve springs rather than desmo heads.

Very pleased with that, and actually not planned at all. Just a happy coincidence.
Click to expand...
Do you have any links to info? I am just curious to see the difference in power from the "spring" head vs the desmo. I have seen some info on them making about 5-10% more power with the desmo valve actuation and want to see if this follows. Are you able to (not that you would want to) swap between heads or are there other changes that prevent this for some reason? I have a set of slant 916 heads with monster cams on my 916 now and I have a set of the older regular heads with the superbike strada cams. The slant heads make (slightly less) power but it come on at lower RPM while the regular heads make more power up top. I use the slants for street and swap on the regular heads for track where you run higher rpm all the time.
 
9103 said:
Do you have any links to info? I am just curious to see the difference in power from the "spring" head vs the desmo. I have seen some info on them making about 5-10% more power with the desmo valve actuation and want to see if this follows. Are you able to (not that you would want to) swap between heads or are there other changes that prevent this for some reason? I have a set of slant 916 heads with monster cams on my 916 now and I have a set of the older regular heads with the superbike strada cams. The slant heads make (slightly less) power but it come on at lower RPM while the regular heads make more power up top. I use the slants for street and swap on the regular heads for track where you run higher rpm all the time.
Click to expand...
I don't unfortunately! The info about the change at end of range and it being applied to only around 250 of the last GTS built came from Ducati Paddy and an Ian Falloon book I bought recently, called 'Ducati Bevel Twins 1971 to 1986'. I've heard similar anecdotal evidence to a very slight power increase with the Desmo heads, but I doubt it's anything you'd notice in use to be honest. Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
There are a few of those books on ebay U.S., some even bu U.S. sellers

Ducati twins: All bevel and belt drive V-twins, plus parallel twins, 1970... 9780850456349 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ducati twins: All bevel and belt drive V-twins, plus parallel twins, 1970... at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

www.ebay.com

DUCATI BEVEL TWINS RESTORATION 750GT Sport, 860/900 GTS/ Hailwood & Desmo | eBay

Mike Hailwood Replica. 860 GT, GTE, GTS; 900 GTS, Sport Desmo "Darmah". 900 Super Sport Desmo "Darmah", 900 S2, Mille S2. Ducati Twins Restoration Guide Bevel Drive 1971-1985 - by Ian Falloon. Ducati Resource Guide.
www.ebay.com

www.ebay.com

Ducati Bevel Twins 1971 to 1986: Authenticity & restoration guide 9781787111813 | eBay

There have been so many variations over the years that most people have no idea what is correct for a particular model. So this book is a comprehensive guide to authenticity.
www.ebay.com
 
So, my GTS is missing its side-stand. I've managed to track one down (with the long bracket that attaches it) for a square case, that's in great shape as it has been powder coated black and then stashed away.

However, I have no idea what one of these is worth? Can't find one online to reference and they're no longer available (remanufactured) as far as I can find.

Any ideas on value? Thanks.
 
Old Ducati parts sell online for ludicrous money. IME.
You may find better value buying a bundle of stuff where someone genuinely wants to get rid of it to someone who can use it, but ebay is full of sellers with individual parts that are ridiculous.
Or, in one case, where the price is great but they wont ship outside their own country. Cue the good buggers on here like @Noobie and @Dirty Leeds who will go out of their way for you. Good luck and use patience!
 
As with most projects missing parts, it's only worth what you're prepared to pay for it. I've seen a mention that the same side stand was used on the darmah, might be worth a look?
 
Laava said:
Old Ducati parts sell online for ludicrous money. IME.
You may find better value buying a bundle of stuff where someone genuinely wants to get rid of it to someone who can use it, but ebay is full of sellers with individual parts that are ridiculous.
Or, in one case, where the price is great but they wont ship outside their own country. Cue the good buggers on here like @Noobie and @Dirty Leeds who will go out of their way for you. Good luck and use patience!
Click to expand...
I just had a look and they are selling for silly money!! 🤷‍♂️
 
OK, so bike arrived at the barn today. I'll post up a load of pics I took for the 'before' stage over the weekend.

However, I've noticed something else missing. It's the handle that helps you lift the bike onto its centre stand. Please see pic below. Any ideas where I might be able to get a replacement?

0008_17.webp
 
general_piffle said:
OK, so bike arrived at the barn today. I'll post up a load of pics I took for the 'before' stage over the weekend.

However, I've noticed something else missing. It's the handle that helps you lift the bike onto its centre stand. Please see pic below. Any ideas where I might be able to get a replacement?

View attachment 137444
Click to expand...
You might have to have one made :unsure:
 
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