The Art of Motorcycles Maintenance
DUCATI SERVICES
"Faster, faster, faster,
until the thrill of speed
overcomes the fear of death". — Hunter S. Thompson
overcomes the fear of death". — Hunter S. Thompson
The Zen House specializes in vintage European bikes, but we have
plenty of experience with both Japanese and American cycles.
From lacing wheels to ground up show quality restorations, there is no job we are not happy to take on.
All work is completed with a meticulous attention to detail, as well as concern for budget constraint.
Prior to visiting The Zen House, this bike had the helper springs removed for racing. Unfortunately, this modification requires constant valve shimming in order not to burn a valve or destroy the cam. For this restoration, valves were replaced and the original springs were acquired after an extensive search.
Designed by the famous Fabio Taglioni, the desmo engine dominates the lithe, athletic chassis in this very rare Ducati. With a top speed of well over 100 MPH the bevel driven Desmo engine had all closing and opening lobes mounted on the same shaft, similar to the arrangement used in the late fifties W196 Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 cars.
[ref#402]
This bike received a full mechanical, electrical and cosmetic restoration to Sport specifications. Many parts were reproduced or custom made to fit the application, including a machined billet upper triple clamp.
The 750 GT was designed by Ducati's maestro, the famous Fabio Taglioni and was a seminal machine for the marquee. Produced from 1971 - 1974 it was the first of the Ducati V-twin line and the basis of vital racing success, most notably Paul Smart's famous Imola 200 victory in 1972. The bike is a 748cc overhead valve, air-cooled 90-degree V-twin with a top speed of 125 mph.
[ref#404]
Despite many hands involved in the restoration of this bike, it showed up at The Zen House not running. The electrical system resembled something closer to spaghetti then wiring. This electrical restoration, required a complete harness rebuild from scratch, as well as the integration of an updated charging system and ignition system.
The 750 GT, designed by Fabio Taglioni, was produced from 1971 - 1974. It was the first of the Ducati V-twin line and the basis of vital racing success, most notably Paul Smart's famous Imola 200 victory in 1972. The bike is a 748cc overhead valve, air-cooled 90-degree V-twin with a top speed of 125 mph.
[ref#405]
This rare, early production model, sand cast engine arrived at the Zen House, out of the bike, for a complete mechanical rebuild and cosmetic restoration. Once finished, the engine looked and performed better than it did the day it left the showroom floor. Once the motorcycle itself arrived the cosmetic restoration was rounded out with a custom tank and fenders created by the renowned Evan Wilcox.
This motorcycle represents the pinnacle of development for Ducati. First introduced at the Olympia motorcycle Show in London in 1971, the Ducati 750 GT immediately made a splash. However, those eager for a new 750 GT had to be patient. The first 404 sand cast case motors were built entirely by hand. It took Ducati mechanics 40 hours to completely assemble a motor and set up the bevel-gear drive.
[ref#408]
Like many of the 70's Ducati twins, this bike suffered from a faulty ignition system. Fortunately, after many years of unavailability, a new Silent Hektik ignition was sourced out of Australia. Once installed and after a carb re-build, the bike was once again back on the road.
The Ducati Darmah is in all respects a thoroughbred motorcycle in the best tradition of the great Italian manufactures. Named after a fictional tiger, the Darmah does have something of a tiger quality with its effortless power and agility. With light weight, good balance and a sturdy frame, this bike is just about the quickest on a twisty road. The power unit is a 900 V-Twin engine mounted longitudinally in the frame with the rear cylinder offset to the right of the front.
[ref#409]
This frame-up museum quality restoration included a complete engine rebuild. The bike's owner intends to show the bike, as well as ride it, so no cost or effort were spared in ensuring absolute period correctness.
The 450 RT was Ducati's last real off-road bike. Only 400 RTs were produced. This four stroke competition motorcycle had a Seely Style frame with a bevel driven over head cam. In an attempt to turn the tide on the new generation of 2 stroke motor-crossers, Ducati incorporated it's desmo technology into this 450cc single.
[ref#4011]
This project started as a simple detail and tune-up job, then grew into a complete frame-up, museum quality, nut and bolt restoration. Nothing less than perfection was acceptable. It took 6 months and 3 attempts to replicate the exact wheel color. Once completed it became a true benchmark example of the final Mike Hailwood Replica line.
This 973cc air-cooled, over head camshafts, 90 degree L-twin boasted a top speed of 138mph. Produced between 1985 - 1986, the Mille is the final iteration of the MHR. Approximately 1,100 units were made. The MHR was Ducati's final big bevel twin.
[ref#4012]
A frame-up restoration that required a complete engine rebuild. Much time and effort went into acquiring the correct head light bucket and other period OEM parts to ensure overall authenticity.
The Ducati Scrambler was the brand name for a series of single cylinder scrambler motorcycles made by Ducati for the American market from 1962 until 1974. Derived from the Ducati Diana road bike converted by Michael Berliner for dirt-track racing in America, these Scrambler models all had a maximum engine capacity of 250cc and are generally referred to as "narrow case Scramblers". They have bevel driven over head cams and a non desmo valve train.
[ref#4014]
