Noob with 450RT

[FTWelder]

Greetings!
located in Vermont USA, a few weeks ago I purchased a 450RT Desmo that has been altered a bit. The PO cut some of the frame away to fit a huge square slide carb (supplied) but apparently went back to the original which is connected to the original air cleaner. The coil seems to be original but the wiring is a mess but still connected. A quick compression test went very well. I have a parts book and service manual and would like to hear it run.
My current thought is to fit a familiar (mikuni or OKO) carb and try to restore the electrical system well enough to get a spark and a short ride.
Am I on the right track? I would like to know the actual date of manufacture and can supply the numbers in my next post.
I have a spare frame/swing arm, engine cases and a few other pieces, you can see the shocks have been laid down and are probably smoked.

Thanks for your input.
Frank

Ducati450_71_R.jpg

Ducati450_71_L.jpg

[Eldert]

Hi Frank

most RT's where build in 1971 . my RT has nr 454444 the the foil sticker on the headstock says 1 /71

the RT uses a AC ignition coil

Eldert

[Jordan]

Regarding the carby question: I tried several different brands and sizes on my 350.
I found the best was the original factory fitment - Dell'Orto VHB 29 AD, which is likely what you have on yours.

[FTWelder]

Hi Frank

most RT's where build in 1971 . my RT has nr 454444 the the foil sticker on the headstock says 1 /71

the RT uses a AC ignition coil

Eldert

Eldert,
Unfortunately the sticker is long gone. Is there an engine number? Ill have more time to search in the coming months. I snapped a photo of the coil still installed in the frame, I have forgotten how to post in forums so Ill add that later.

Regarding the carby question: I tried several different brands and sizes on my 350.
I found the best was the original factory fitment - Dell'Orto VHB 29 AD, which is likely what you have on yours.

They seem to be pretty common and if they work well great!

[Eldert]

Hi Frank

the engine number is in front of the barrel on the rh side .

the original ducati coils had a green and red labels . the green label coil is the AC coil .

Eldert

[FTWelder]

Hi Frank

the engine number is in front of the barrel on the rh side .

the original ducati coils had a green and red labels . the green label coil is the AC coil .

Eldert

Thank you for the help.
The coil has no tag or label any more and the PO removed the points cover and added an external wire from the points to a kill button. It looks like it ran after that because there is some crash damage where the points cover attached, it's a bit messy.
I received a nice MK3 Desmo book from a friend in Italy today and I can feel myself being drawn in. These bikes are gorgeous!