Anglo-saxon reception and translation
Wellcome on this site !
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These pages are dedicated to the bikes many Ducati enthusiasts love to hate!
350 and 500 parallel twins
Thanks to Shane Elsmore, an Australian 500 SD owner, for the translation of this page.
Note to the net surfers:
The "Google" automatic translations used for the other pages is only the best I could find, sorry fot some strange words.
For a comfortable reading set to "large caracters" with your browser and use the screen zoom to adjust the width.
Finally, to get the proper version of a link (bond) copy the web adress or come back to the original french version, if not it is roughly translated or it does'nt work.
No matter what some say, the parallel twins from Bologna deserve the Ducati name ! Even if they don’t bear the
Taglioni mark (at least outwardly), they have their charm, and are great bikes.
So they are far from perfect, but what classic Ducati is ? In fact, nowadays, mechanically sound parallels are rare and becoming harder to find. So if you own a parallel twin in good condition, look after it ! Who knows- one day it be a great investment!
Their bad reputation comes from many engine issues, due mainly to crankshaft and bearings failures. Maybe it’s for this reason certain comedians called them ‘paralyzed twins’ !
But there is nothing that can’t be fixed, and once repaired they go very well. Personally, after the initial frustrations were overcome, I have had great fun with mine. It has the Ducati rumble, corners well, braking is fine, and enough power to satisfy those urges for the occasional burst of speed.
In short- the pleasure of riding on a rare machine, but also the reward of mastering a challenging bike. It is a challenge that keeps your interest !
How do you know these bikes are for you? You have to love the Italians and their imagination, love working on your own bike (a lot !), and above all- love a challenge !
Then if these motorbikes interest you or if you share my passion for Ducati, this site is for you !
Do not hesitate to contact me to provide feedback, note errors or omissions, to provide new information, documents, photographs, in short - help me help you! This site is aimed to be a meeting place for info on all things to do with owning and maintaining Ducati parallels.
The headings on the left include links to display photos of your motor bikes, relevant links, and the forum to contribute your info, or ask questions of other owners.
I have tried to combine useful information on various subjects under the chapter headings, but -I repeat- this site is open to all (even those who do not especially like these motorcycles !) - if you have things to add, or website links, good addresses etc, do not hesitate to let me know. But it works two ways- all documents are available to you, so just contact me. I also have an interest in the Ducati Pantah, 750 TT F1 and all things to do with bevel gears and the history of the marque.
Thanks also to my some of my friends who are tearing their hair out trying to get their bikes going, and to whom I owe certain information on this site. Keep trying, it will go eventually !
Finally, thank you for visiting this site. I do not have anything to sell. I do it for pleasure, so the website may be a little rough around the edges- but you’ll find a lot of info on the parallel twin- even if it’s little unmethodical! I am marine engineer by trade, not an IT guru or journalist !
Foot-note: several photographs of this site come from online sources without specific permission. Although this is a non-profit site, links to the originals are displayed.
Obviouslyif these websites wish it, I can withdraw them from this site. All documents on this site are copyright free,
and available for download.
Site created on 30/10/08 with "E-monsite" web sites
Ducati 500 sport desmo