BIKE:	1981 DARMAH 900 SD
OWNER:	Tod Rafferty
LOCATION:	California
MILEAGE:	47,473
ENGINE:	860cc bevel-drive V-twin; stock but for V2 gearset.
CHASSIS:	Fender - Ducati Indiana Fork springs - Progressive Suspension Headlight stays - Ducati 750 Sport Turn signals - Aftermarket bullet-style Seat - Aftermarket 40s-style solo saddle Fender - Suzuki motocross Shocks - Progressive Suspension Taillight - Aftermarket 50s-style cat face
OTHER:	The Darmah has been reconfigured as an American-style bobber/dirt tracker of the Forties. The riding position is a perfectly balanced, nearly upright posture; the windscreen provides highway comfort. Approaching 48,000 miles, she has had no serious mechanical issues, and has no trouble keeping pace with newer sportbikes in the twisties. Since the original tiger decals have been covered, the feline theme is now carried by the cat's face taillight. The imagery will be completed with the arrival of the personalized license plate: BOBCATI.
SIGNIFICANCE:	The Darmah's significance rests in its success rather than rarity. Its model run ('77-'82) established that Ducati could build a contemporary GT bike offering comfort, reliable electronics and roadworthy performance while keeping it stylishly Italian. The Darmah represented the rational evolution of the 750/860 GT series and led to the development of the Pantah—Alazzurra and today's marriage of form and function, the 1000 GT. Arguably the best of the all-round bevel-drive roadsters, the Darmah exhibits the timeless brilliance of Taglioni's original design. This one's name is Grace; as in "Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far, and Grace will lead us home." Significance of a spiritual order.

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