[DesmoBob]

29K. I have done the maintenance myself since I bought the bike w/ approx 14k, and I'm not a hack. I bought it from the original owner, Sebastian, who owns Melilli Moto in Ocala FL. I have never had a broken collet, never a problem w/ getting shims off valve stems, and the motor has never burned oil or smoked. Uses the usual amount for an air-cooled twin, minimal, and I have faithfully changed it every 1500 miles w/ Mobil 1 synthetic (not to start another oil thread!).

It's just sad to see it sit. I'm being honest here, the engine's tight, made about 85 Hp on a dyno about 2 years ago, and all it's going to do is sit in my shop looking forlorn. All I want is for it to be put to good use by someone who cares. I hated letting this bike part out, and I have an emotional need to see parts of it live on, somewhere, somehow. I'm sure there are those of you out there that understand.

I will not let it sit, forgotten and dusty, less and less likely to run again. It was the soul of my bike and part of my own soul as well, and it's not done making a contribution. Not finished with expressing itself thru some CF cans and the intake honk that can only come from a classic belt-drive 2-valve.

I know this all sounds corny to some; if that's you, there's other threads to peruse. But someone out there knows what giving up a bike means, and why it's so important not to let this motor simply fade away. 1997 Ducati 900ss/sp, number D77. Shall it fade into oblivion?

Let it not be so...