450 Race Project

After a good year racing the 250's Andy had one of his brilliant ideas, why not a 450 for 2012?  If it can be ridden like the 250's and produce half decent horsepower, it should be a match for most full 500's, being a lot lighter than a standard Manx or G50 Matchless. Well that's the theory.

First problem, find a bike. After much hunting around Andy found at least the basis for the racer.

Sadly, the chassis came with a disc front end, nice, light and OK in the UK, but most Continental meetings require a drum brake front and rear. Early outings will probably see the disc used but the long term plan is a swap to a drum.

The main chassis part still missing is a swinging arm. The type to be used is under discussion, as we've seen a number of different types such as the Seeley style and those used on the Spaggiari replica frames as well as the standard part, or possibly a box section type as seen on this claimed, NCR 450 Works bike.



NCR 450 currently for sale in Japan at 4,800,000 Yen (£39,000)

 After that, all we need is an engine. This is proving surprisingly hard to come by, so if anyone has one for sale (or knows of one) please let us know. Also, if anyone has any good tuning parts or tuning advice for 450's we would be pleased to hear from you.  ducatiracing@steelcraft.biz