Specifications: 597 cc SOHC Desmo V-twin, five speeds.

With the bevel drive 900NCR losing its competitive edge, in 1980 Franco Farne developed two of the new belt-driven Pantahs for the Italian national junior championship. They were based on the standard SL frame but with Marzocchi suspension and red and yellow bodywork that looked like the 900NCR. The 583-cc Desmo twin developed 70 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, and the bike on offer here is one of those bikes, presented without its full race fairing.

Presented in good order, this particular bike has Marzocchi forks and shocks, adjustable rear shock absorber, Brembo brakes, racing exhaust and Campagnolo wheels. This bike came from Reparto Corse of Ducati and was purchased by Team Saltarelli and refitted for the 1981 race season, winning the Italian TT junior championship ridden by Amerigo Saltarelli, Carlo’s brother.

Race Results

1981 – Italian TT Junior Championship by Amerigo Saltarelli

Magione, 22 March – 1st place

Vallelunga, 29 March – 1st place

Vallelunga, 3 May – 2nd place

Magione, 17 May – Retired

Vallelunga, 24 May – 2nd place

Magione, 6 June – Retired

Magione, 7 July – 2nd place

Vallelunga, 13 October – 2nd place

Magione, 20 October – Retired

Finished with 78 points – 2nd place scored 62 points

(Results from Moto Sprint Magazine, November 1981)