Road Runner: A Ducati Pantah reborn in Portugal
The Pantah is one of those bikes from the 1980s that looks a little awkward today. But let?s not be too unkind: It set the template for modern Ducatis, with a trellis frame, belt-driven cams and a desmo valve system.
From an engineering perspective, you could say that Fabio Taglioni?s swansong was also his finest hour. So we?re always pleased to see a custom builder do justice to the famous engineer?s work.
In this case, it’s Maria Motorcycles of Lisbon. ?A client came to us with a bike that he bought in the UK, completely broken and missing most of the original parts,” says shop boss Luis Correia. “It was a Ducati Pantah 500?a difficult bike to find nowadays.?
?It wasn?t much more than a frame, wheels and an engine. We had no idea how long it had been in that state, but we accepted the project, and embraced as a real challenge.?
Maria?s client has a soft spot for vintage race bikes, so that became the theme. But first, Luis and crew had to figure out what to do with the engine.
Rather than scrap it, they sent it to one of Europe?s leading Ducati specialists, Ducati Technical Services of Wakefield in England. DTS is owned by Paul Klatkiewicz, a former racer, and he?s been rebuilding classic road and race Ducatis for 40 years.
?His machines are fast, light and reliable,? says Luis. ?They?ve won awards at motorcycle shows and set lap records at many circuits. So we knew that he was the right man.?
Two months later, the engine returned to the Mari...
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