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Sorry for asking twin questions on here, think two singles ???

I'm restoring a basket case '78 Darmah SD
If someone has one (surely I'm not the only one stupid enough to restore a Darmah)
I need to know how the clutch cable is routed from the lever around the steering head.?
Seems to me that it runs from the clutch lever above the gauge bracket, then down between the right side of the tank and top frame tube ?
This makes a tight bend around the steering head to get in beside the tank.
I can't see it running free as it seem to have to run between the tank and frame (right side) ?

A picture would be appreciated.
My email,,, mmrefrigerationtas@gmail.com

Regards
Graeme

Hi Graeme,

Yes, you are right, the cable loops around the right hand side of the headstock, and then between the frame tubes and down to the fixing point. Just try to find the route with the widest bends. Are you sure that the cable is a Darmah /GTS one and not an SS one?

Colin

This help any, Graeme? From Ian Falloon's Bible.

And I can confirm the cable passes down the right side of the bike. I have a SSD not a SD, but same same.

Thank you both,
I had the cable (Darmah cable not SS) run from the hand lever, over the gauge bracket left side then rearward before the right gauge bracket fixing bolt.
Then between the tank and steering head, above the right tank mount rubber. After that it’s easy.
But the turn rearward around the steering head was too tight.
So I moved it, from hand lever to above the left gauge bracket, then down through the V between the the gauges bracket, then down and under the right tank mount rubber.
This isn’t much better.
Is this how it is supposed to be ?

Graeme

graeme wrote: <snip> Is this how it is supposed to be ?

Not sure I can be much help, I'm afraid Graeme - the SSD with its clip-ons may well be different. But here's a photo FWIW, with the cable run arrowed (ignore the double cable. I like to ride with a spare ..).

If you get desperate, I have a mate with a SD who may be able to help. Or try the SD Facebook page, if you use such a thing ...

Ta for the picture
Different route due to the clip on bars.
I do appreciate your effort in posting a picture

Regards
Graeme

Graeme, all the pictures that I have seen of the Darmah have the cable routed as per Craig's picture above.

Aye Graeme,

On page 30 of the Darmah SD owners service manual there is an image that may be of use.

The first link is to the "BevelHeaven" website and the second to the Darmah SD owners service manual link provided in the thread.

BevelHeaven_forum_thread_"Darmah_wiring_and_cable_routing"

Ducatimeccanica_Darmah_manual_p30

There is also this link to a YouTube video that may help as well: 1978_Ducati_Darmah_

I hope this helps.

Good health, Bill

Thank you gents for your time.
SSD with clip on bars are different as the cable runs as per Craig’s picture.
SD’s with sit up bars,,,,, the cable has to go above the gauge bracket, below the top triple clamp. That is fairly straight.
Then,, ??? This is the bit that is not shown anywhere.
It has to bend around the steering head to get between the tank and frame. This is the bit that makes the cable bend more than I like and does make the clutch operation hard.

I found a chap close with a SD, his cable is as I described above.

Thanks for your time and pics, links etc.

Just another reason I prefer singles.

Regards
Graeme

graeme wrote:<snip> This is the bit that makes the cable bend more than I like and does make the clutch operation hard.

It's a strong pull on a dead engine, that's for sure, Graeme. But once rolling, it's perfectly acceptable and clutchless changes are no problem, anyways.

And I haven't broken a cable in over 20 years ...