Specifications: 583/597 cc SOHC Desmo V-twin single, five speeds.

The belt-driven Pantah Desmo V-twin made its competition debut in 1980, when Franco Farne reportedly built four factory bikes to contest the Italian National Junior Championship. The red and yellow bodywork resembled the outgoing 900NCR, and the 500SL Pantah frame was used, with Marzocchi racing suspension.

The Pantah riders were Vanes Francini, Paolo Menchini and Guido Del Piano, and they were remarkably successful, winning five of the seven events in the series. Farne bored out the V-twin engines to 583 cc, and they generated 70 horsepower at 9,800 rpm.

Encouraged by the program, Taglioni designed the TT2 frame for 1981, to be built by Verlicchi. It weighed only 18 pounds, and the engine was bored out to 597 cc, producing 76 horsepower at 10,750 rpm.

The TT2 was an immediate hit. Massimo Broccoli won the 1981 Italian TT2 Championship, and Tony Rutter won the World F2 Championship with decisive wins at the Isle of Man and Ulster. In 1982 Walter Cussigh won every race in the Italian F2 series, and Tony Rutter again won the world F2 championship.

The seller reports the bike on offer was ridden by Vanes Francini in the 1980 Italian Junior Series. It is in excellent condition, with red and yellow factory paintwork and unmarked fairing, Paioli front forks, oil cooler, Brembo brakes and adjustable rear shocks by Marzocchi. The carburettors are Dell’Orto PHS 36A, and the engine cases are from a 350SL. This exciting period racing machine offers excellent value and a thrilling riding experience.