Ducati Belt-Drive Two-Valve Twins: Restoration and Modification (Authentic Restoration Guides)

There are basically two types of Ducati riders: Those that just ride the motorcycles, and those that are also driven by a 'need to know;' who relish every savory (and occasionally unsavory) detail about these extraordinary machines. If you are the latter type this book is a must have.

Although billed on its cover as an "Authentic Restoration Guide" this book is actually much more. It is a cornucopia of interesting details -- seemingly every detail! -- about the entire line of belt-drive two-valve twins from the earliest pre-production Pantahs down to the latest Monsters, STs, and fuel-injected Supersports.

And, if the breadth of coverage seems amazing (and it is) even more so is the way that Ian presents it. Not just as a lengthy compendium of facts and data, but as an unfolding story of development and change. One filled with cues and, yes, the occasional miscue. Fascinating!

But it's billing as a Restoration and Modification Guide is, none-the-less, correct. Want to know the original color or decal placement on a `82 Pantah? You'll find it here. Interested in learning recommended methods for dealing with the flat spot produced by a Paso 750's auto-type carburetor? That is here, too. Also included -- many for the first time -- are accurate production and distribution figures for each and every model, along with charts that list factory correct tuning data, and such esotery as carburetor specifications, gear ratios, and camshaft valve timing for each model and year. Whew!

Filled with scores of photographs and interesting diagrams, this is a book to read, study, and enjoy. DUC Recommended!


Ducati Belt Drive Two-Valve Twins Restoration & Modification   April 24, 2000
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

The book has a very good over view of the history of the two valve engine both street and racing including pictures of the various bikes the Pantah and Pantah based engine was used in.There are seprate chapters for the differant models from the first 350 and 500 Pantahs to the Monsters and 1998 and up SuperSports.Also included where applicable are the Bimoto models useing the Two Valve engine.The only weakness in the book are the two chapters titled Engine Modifications and Chassis Modifications.The info in the chassis section is very basic,no real indepth modification information.The engine section is a little better listing parts available and there effects when installed,and the importance of having an overall "plan" when chossing mods.Don't look here for the secrete to building a 100hp 900ss because it's not here.The appendix list production numbers,cam specs,fork types,capacities,ect and is well done. The photos are good but all B/W except for the cover.

Overall a very good book but not the last word on Ducati Two Valves,but not due to a lack of effort by the auther.