Tagged: Round Case

Ducati

Original Round-Case: 1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport for Sale

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport L Side

A bike that probably needs no introduction, the original 750 Super Sport was built to celebrate Ducati’s against-the-odds 1-2 victory at Imola in 1972, cementing forever the image of Ducati and its Desmo L-twin sportbikes. With only 401 built, the “round-case” 750 Super Sport is one of the most desirable motorcycles of all time, and a bike credited with saving Ducati from the junkyard of history. The first time, at least…

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport R Engine Detail

Although Ducati’s “desmodromic” valvetrain is now offered on every one of their models, when the 750 Super Sport was introduced, it was available only on the most sporting singles and twins: the GT and Sport both made do with simple valve springs. And although the SS shared the GT’s frame, the motor also featured a lighter crankshaft, high-compression pistons, and larger carburetors.

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport Cockpit

Controls were uncompromising and set up for performance riding, with bodywork that barely cloaked the mechanicals. Note the distinctive vertical stripe on the tank. It’s actually unpainted fiberglass, allowing the rider to reliably gauge fuel level. Ducati brakes during this period often varied year-to-year and sometimes from bike-to-bike, with Lockheed, Scarab, and Brembo parts being common. The Super Sport generally used the Scarabs shown here, although an improved version compared that featured a bleed screw [?!] and a third disc at the rear, also by Scarab, a relative novelty at the time.

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport L Engine Detail

From the original eBay listing: 1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport for Sale

I purchased this motorcycle new in June 1975 and have since been the only one to ride or wrench on it. The bike is titled as a 1975 using it’s engine number not the different frame number as that is how the Ducati paperwork came from the factory. Be assured this is a real deal 1974 roundcase. The engine has never been apart and still has it’s factory seal. It neither burns or leaks oil and the transmission and clutch work as they should. I have made a few mods over the  years including-electronic ignition-stainless spokes- Brembo front master cylinder and stainless brake lines-new decals and replacement coils. I still have the original parts if the new owner wants them. The fiberglass tank has been coated inside to resist modern gas but I always drain it after riding to be safe. This is the best running motorcycle I have ever ridden and hate to sell but it has become to valuable for me to ride or repair in case of an accident.

The finish of the paint and chrome have deteriorated greatly over time especially the frame. The exhaust is original and has a small hole patched in the crossover under the engine. The photos show the carbs with the original velocity stacks but I always rode with Uni foam filters installed. The mileage shown is actually in kilometers.

I installed new tires, battery, fuel lines, oil and cleaned and installed pumper diaphragms in the carbs this spring. It needs nothing to be ridden and enjoyed as is or would be a good choice for a cosmetic restoration.

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport Fairing

In the Questions and Answers section, the seller also mentions that this is the original paint. Good question since, although the photos are of decent quality, the light makes them look like the body panels have a pearlescent color that looks more modern…

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport Head

Overall, this is a pretty impressive example of a running Super Sport, and the seller has helpfully provided a short video here. This is no museum piece, and although there are some cosmetic flaws, that’s to be expected of a 40 year old paint that wasn’t the best quality even when new… With active bidding up north of $85,000 this is an auction most of us will unfortunately have to watch from the sidelines.

-tad

1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport R Side

Ducati

Tasteful Custom: 1973 Ducati 750GT Café Racer

1973 Ducati 750GT Cafe R Side

Built around an early, very desirable “round-case” L-twin Ducati engine, this bike is based on a 750GT. As such, it does not use Ducati’s desmodromic valvetrain and makes do with simple springs instead. While that may not be as sexy to say as “Desmo”, it means that maintenance will be simplified, although the bevel-drive and tower-shaft arrangement still requires some expertise to set up correctly.

1973 Ducati 750GT Cafe Engine Detail

Although it’s obviously of questionable wisdom to modify such a valuable classic, most of the cosmetic modifications look like they could be easily reversed, if the new owner decides to sell, or decides that they prefer a more original style. It’s also nice to see that the engine build includes VeeTwo parts: they disappeared for a while, but it looks like this Australian company is back in business, making hot-rod parts for bevel and belt-drive Ducatis.

1973 Ducati 750GT Cafe Dash

It’s so easy to screw something like this up, just by adding a splash too much color, or the wrong color. But the builder of this bike went simple silver. Period-correct style or not, I’m not a fan of the “750” decal on the side panels, but that’s easy enough to fix. And that Grimeca front drum looks great, although no Ducati twin I know of ever used a front drum… Otherwise, it’s a very nicely turned-out special.

1973 Ducati 750GT Cafe Front Brake

From the original eBay listing: Custom 1973 Ducati 750GT  

Custom café racer in the spirit of the prototype

I bought this Ducati in 2005 in the current condition with 20,609 miles on the odometer. Previous owner started with a standard 750 GT and had it extensively customized. Here is his description of the work done:

With custom paint, seat, linkage, front brake, clip-ons, side covers, and seat back, this is a one of a kind bike inspired by the prototype. The engine is completely rebuilt with improvements throughout, giving it more power and better response without jeopardizing reliability. The pistons are short skirt sport pistons from V-Two to raise the compression. The heads got lighter 7mm valves with better springs, new seats and guides. From the Carillo rods to the 36mm carbs, to the polished crank to the billet cams to the smaller stem valves, all things were considered with this project.

The bike is one of several classic bikes in my collection and it got regularly used on short trips. Bike runs extremely strong, starts with one or two kicks and is ready to ride. Nice chrome and paint with very few minor scratches.

No manual or tool kit. GA registration in my name. GA did not issue titles for bikes over 25 years old. Also have ex California title assigned to my name.

1973 Ducati 750GT Cafe L Rear

The seller also includes a more comprehensive list of modifications over on eBay, worth a look if you’re curious about this bike. The internal modifications sound like they’ve been well thought-out and the bike is ready to run, no matter what it looks like. Bidding is pretty active on this one, and up to $12,500 with the Reserve Not Met.

-tad

1973 Ducati 750GT Cafe R Side Detail

Ducati

Classic Bevel-Drive: 1973 Ducati 750GT for Sale

1973 Ducati 750GT R Side

If you’ve got a spare kidney, there’s a very nice Ducati 750GT in Ontario that’s looking for a home. Bevel-drive Ducatis continue to appreciate in value and, with the SS and Sport models out of reach for the average enthusiast, the more pedestrian GT is the only shot at round-case action for most people. While the only v-twin Ducatis to get the famous Desmo valvetrain were the SuperSports, the GT still had a very precise bevel-drive and tower-shaft arrangement that help give these bikes their classic style and sound and maintenance bills…

1973 Ducati 750GT Dash

Interestingly, the GT is also the most practical of the v-twin Ducatis: while it lacks the racy clip-ons and solo seat of the Sport and the sleek fairing of the SS, ergonomics designed with human beings, instead of hellbent-for-leather track monkeys, means that owners with the dosh to afford these can actually enjoy them, even if their monkey days are far behind them…

1973 Ducati 750GT R Side Engine

Ducati’s line of 750cc twins got a cosmetic make-over in 1974 that featured a more rectilinear look for the engine cases. Purists greatly prefer the more rounded-style of the earlier bikes, and it’s easy to see why: in the same way that the Triumph Bonnevile epitomizes the look of a classic British twin, the 750 Ducati captures the best of Italy during this era of motorcycling. While the new cases were much more “modern” at the time, they pointed the way forward into the more slab-sided, altogether less elegant and more slab-sided 70s and 80s.

1973 Ducati 750GT Seat

From the original eBay listing: 1973 Ducati 750GT for Sale

I have added more pictures of the stuff that comes with the bike.
1973 Ducati 750GT round case. A true collectors motorcycle, certainly one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever produced.
Engine number 751XXX DM750, Frame number: DM750S 751XXX, 2nd series. North America

Engine:

Carbs are 32mm Dellorto’s (PHF 32AD, PHF32AS), K&N filters, the original 30mm Amal carbs are included, with original air boxes and hoses.
OEM Tommaselli twin pull throttle and controls.
Engine has never been apart since I have owned it. Always lovingly tuned and maintained.
The finish on the motor is authentic and unrestored. It’s always looked like that since I’ve owned it.

Chassis:

While the bike has not been restored in the purest sense, It has been brought back to as close to its original condition as possible.
Correct Borrani flanged rims (RM014403, RM014626/1)
Original front hub. The bike had a single Lockheed disk brake and caliper. At some point in my ownership I borrowed the master cylinder for another project, figuring I could always come up with another when the time comes. I searched high and low for a single Lockheed master cylinder with no luck. I did find a Lockheed master with 2 rings on it indicating a double disk set up. Now if you think finding an original rare master was difficult, try finding a second disk and an even more rare, mirror image Lockheed calliper. I did find a pair from a later model and that is what is on the bike now. Has Earls stainless braided lines – braking is much improved. OEM Single disk included.

The front end is OEM Marzzocchi leading fork. Excellent chrome, pinch bolt has been overtightened, cracked and will need attention, (see photo)
Exhaust pipes, and balance pipe are original and cleaned up nice, mufflers are Bub replicas. I can find one of the original Contis, the other must be around somewhere, they are painted black and not nice.
Original sidestand!!!
Seat has been reupholstered to match original pattern and is really nice. Small 1/8″ tear, (see photo). Original seat included.
Fiberglass tank and side panels painted to original spec and tank sealed and lined. Really nice.
Frame was painted red! by original owner at some time and then the coat of black paint on it now looks presentable.
The bike had been in dry storage for 20 years, periodically turned over with oil in cylinders. Protective coating on cycle parts. Cleaned up excellent. Changed oil, new battery and started after 4 kicks!

1973 Ducati 750GT Front Brakes

The listing includes a comprehensive account of many parts used to recondition the bike. While the dual front brakes may not be original, I’m sure there aren’t too many people who will mind that update very much! Especially since the paired Lockheed calipers are period-correct. Originality is cool, but considering the reputation the original Scarab calipers have, those might be best left for museum pieces…

Asking price is $23,000 with about 24 hours left. All-in-all, a very nice bike, at a price that’s definitely less than a well-optioned Hyundai Elantra. I know that if I were cross shopping those two vehicles which I’d choose…

-tad

1973 Ducati 750GT Rear Suspension

Ducati

1975 Ducati 750GT for Sale

1975 Ducati 750 GT Red R Side

It’s Thanksgiving, but here you are, poking around CSBFS. You couldn’t stay away could you? Bored with rehashing family squabbles, not interested in parades, or afraid you might miss out on your dream bike? Well, if your dream bike happens to be  a ready-to-ride Ducati 750GT in red and black, you’ve come to the right place. Luckily, you can quietly slip back into the living room after you check out the original eBay listing, since there’s still 3 days left on the auction…

1975 Ducati 750 GT Red Dash

As is typical of the era, this 1975 round-case appears to be titled the year after the less-popular square-case redesign was introduced. The Ducati 750 came in SS, Sport, and GT flavors, although it’s worth noting that only the SS came with the famous “Desmodromic” valve actuation. The GT, while the most conservatively styled of the trio, was also the most practical and comfortable of the three for everyday use, and featured higher bars with a more comfortable, dual seat. The SS and Sport both had bum-stop solo seat and clip-ons: great for looks, not so great for middle-aged backs. The kind of backs that are most likely able to afford and appreciate these classics…

1975 Ducati 750 GT Red L Engine

1975 Ducati 750GT for Sale

This bike is ridden regularly and professionally maintained.  Starts easily and runs/rides great. Very quick, handles well, and stops very quickly.
Very reliable.  No issues, no excuses. Everything works.   This bike is ready to ride and needs NOTHING.
 
The paint is beautiful with no dings or scratches to the bodywork. 
the black frame has some light scratches here and there.
 
I have receipts of about $10k for recent work on this bike, including, but not limited to…
1975 Ducati 750 GT Red Engine Detail
The seller then goes on to include a comprehensive list of updates, including a very snazzy set of Ohlins shocks that suit the bike very well, in spite of their modern look. Otherwise, the bike appears very stock, unlike the GT we featured earlier this week. That bike, though not entirely original, was very sharp.  This one is much more traditional, with more subtle paint and patina. Depending on your taste, it’s been a banner week for Ducati fans!
Enjoy your turkey.
-tad
1975 Ducati 750 GT Red L Side

Ducati

Another 1973 Ducati 750GT for Sale!

1973 Ducati 750GT R Front

Like colorful fall leaves, vintage Ducatis are almost clogging the gutters around these parts.  This one is especially nice, and has an interesting provenance…

The versatile 750GT would have been Goldilock’s favorite: not too hardcore, not too laid-back.  It was just right, a perfect blend of sporty handling and comfort.  Which is great, since the folks who are likely to plunk down thirty large on a vintage Ducati are, ahem, probably not spring chickens.

1973 Ducati 750GT R Engine

While the GT lacked Ducati’s now ubiquitous Desmodromics: while all modern Ducatis feature this possibly pointless but undeniably cool technology, only the top-tier sporting bikes of the 1970’s had it.  But the 750GT still had the classic round-case looks and distinctive tower-shaft and bevel gear driven single overhead cams for which the marque was famous.

From the original eBay listing: 1973 Ducati 750 GT for Sale

I recently purchased this bike from Ian Faloon in Australia. When it arrived it was so impressive that it has sat in my living room as a piece of art…. In my quest for a Sport I have reluctantly decided to find her a new home. Below is Ian’s description of his bike. Please contact me through eBay to discuss any questions you may have. Cheers

Ducati 750 GT

As I have too many 750 GTs in my collection I am reluctantly offering this superb Euro-spec 1973 750 GT for sale. This is as perfect and original 1973 750 GT you will find, and every aspect of the restoration is covered in my new forthcoming book;

NOS Inox front fender with a center brace, replacing the original fender that had two screw holes for a front license plate as required in Australia in 1973.

New German ignition coils instead of the original Ducati Electrotecnica.

This bike has been on display and not run since the restoration. The tank has no fuel and there is no battery. If you want to run this bike bear in mind that commissioning it will require a bit of fiddling with carburetors etc. It is as if you were buying a bike back in 1973 from the crate. It needs setting up. This bike can be shipped anywhere at the buyer’s expense.

If you are looking for an as new 750 GT close to the condition it left the factory in Borgo Panigale in 1973 this is it. As the restoration of this GT is featured in detail in the forthcoming book. Of course this is a forty year old motorcycle and comes with no warranty but it is a bike will real provenance.

1973 Ducati 750GT L Front

For those of you who don’t know Ian Falloon: he’s one of the foremost experts in vintage Ducatis.  There’s not much time left on this one, so if you’re in the market for a round-case Ducati, move quickly.  The price is set at $33,750 but I can’t imagine a better example to buy, considering it was built by one of the foremost Ducati restorers in the world…  If you’ve got the cash, this is the one to buy.

-tad

1973 Ducati 750GT R Loaded

Ducati

1974 Ducati 750GT for Sale

1974 Ducati 750GT L Tank

The 750GT was really the most versatile bike in Ducati’s 1970’s line up: it wasn’t a racebike for the street like the 750SS or 900SS, and it wasn’t an in-your-face cafe-racer like the 750Sport.  It was a do-it-all sporting bike that could scratch on back roads or do some light touring, all with equal panache.

This iteration of Ducati’s classic v-twin doesn’t have the iconic Desmodromic valvetrain, but you can’t see that anyway, and the bike does have the distinctive towershafts and bevel-drive of it’s more sophisticated stablemate.  This one even has the super-cool “gear-gazer” clear cover that lets you see the bevel gears that drive the rear cylinder’s cam.  If I ever own a vintage Ducati, you’d better believe I’ll have one of those on it…

1974 Ducati 750GT R Engine

The Ducati 750GT is really the only sort-of reasonable way into the Vintage Roundcase Ducati club these days, and that may not last long: people are hip to these now, and they’re also hip to the fact that clipons and rearsets suck for people of an age that can afford to drop this sort of coin on a vintage motorcycle.  The GT’s more humane ergonomics compared to SS and Sport models just sweeten the deal.

From the original eBay listing: 1974 Ducati 750GT for Sale

The bike has a new very professional “stock” burgundy and black paint job, new metal tank badges and new side cover badges. The striping is all done by hand and is the correct off white toward ivory, per original. All the dimensions for paint locations are as per a noted expert, bevel barbarian and well known belt buckle maker. I was told the only problem with the paint was it looked better than the factory paint ever did. It also won’t fade and craze like the original paint Ducati used. They used to start fading as soon as you parked them in the sun!

I got a question about this so let me make it clear. ALL of the late 750s had soft valve guides that wore out and caused smoke at relatively modest mileage. The smoke is from the prematurely worn guides because they are SOFT. If you buy a similar vintage Ducati that hasn’t had the guides changed, you WILL have to pull the heads and change them. The guides on this one have been replaced with modern guides, the rings are not yet broken in as it has zero miles on it since the top end overhaul.

The high water price I’ve seen on these was about 8 months ago when someone paid around $34,000 for an “original” bike that still had the stock air cleaners. That’s something pretty much anyone who knew anything about motorcycles, took off. This motorcycle has ll the upgrades you want on a rider, better alternator, regulator and fuse block, better suspension and better ignition system. If you are looking for a really good one of these, here it is. Make an offer and let’s talk.

1974 Ducati 750GT R Engine2

There’s very little time left on this listing, so move quickly if this bike appeals.  And if you like vintage Ducati’s, it should: it’s in really wonderful, better-than-new condition, even if the listed asking price is steep at $22,000.

-tad

1974 Ducati 750GT R Side

Ducati

Unrestored and Unmolested: Round Case 1975 Ducati 750GT

1975 Ducati 750GT R Side

The Ducati 750GT was the original Everyman Ducati Twin: the SS was a hunched-over, solo-seated racer for the road and the Sport basically deleted the fairing and added some vivid colors.  The GT had humane ergonomics and a dual seat, but kept the throbbing v-twin with tower-shaft driven cams, although it lost the now-familiar desmodromic valve actuation and used conventional springs instead.

1975 Ducati 750GT L Tank

Production began in 1971 and really introduced Ducati’s twin to the road-riding public, predating the sportier SS and Sport models.  With the introduction of the 860GT, the rounded style of the engine cases were replaced by a more angular look. While this may have seemed like a wise move towards modernity at the time, collectors have decided that the earlier, rarer, rounded-style bikes are more aesthetically pleasing and therefore more valuable.

1975 Ducati 750GT R Engine

So what happened to this machine, to find it in such a state of disrepair? Ah, the tragedy of when a loved one asks us to quit the dangerous insanity of motorcycles.  Apparently, that’s what happened in this case:

Unrestored 1975 Ducati 750GT for Sale

This 1975 DUCATI 750GT WAS LAST REGISTERED IN 1983…the original owner was “asked” by his wife to stop riding, and he stopped riding…he stopped riding the DUCATI, and watched it sit in the corner of his garage for THIRTY YEARS…I have cleaned the bike only enough to see what is present…I am not a DUCATI expert by any means, but I know bikes in general, and it is obvious that this is a RARE UNMOLESTED example of this great bike…the bike turns over with good compression (owner oiled, and turned the motor regularly, and rolled it in gear)… transmission shifts, and engages the gears…I removed the front Brembo F7 caliper intending to rebuild it…it will go back on the bike AS IS…new owner will be responsible for the rebuild…there is no battery…I have not started it, and will not try to start it…Odometer records 14,547 miles…this is actual miles since new..

This bike obviously needs a complete restoration, unless you plan to use it as part of the kitsch-y decor of a chain of family restaurants or put it in the window of a designer denim boutique…

1975 Ducati 750GT Seal

I have added  a picture of the CASE SEAL on the bottom of the motor…the lead medallion is embossed with DUCATI…it is wired to two case bolts,and confirms that the cases have never been opened…

Now that’s a pretty cool detail, and the photos are neat to see.  Something to keep an eye out while you’re browsing these at your local vintage bike gathering or prowling eBay for your next ride.  Interestingly, the 860GT was introduced in 1974 to replace the 750 which, in typical Italian car and bike form, makes it likely this was an earlier bike that simply went untitled until 1975.  Any experts out there care to chime in on this?

-tad

1975 Ducati 750GT R Rear Wheel

Ducati

1973 Ducati 750 GT for Sale

1973 Ducati 750GT L Side Rear

The early “round-case” Ducati twins are among the most usable and collectible classic bikes around and, with SS and Sport models spiraling ever upwards in value, it’s getting harder and harder to find early Ducati twins that don’t require a second mortgage to own.

The iconic 750 “L-Twin” Ducati’s were redesigned in 1974 with a much more angular style that extended to the look of the engine cases.  The restyle was not very well received by many Ducatisti at the time, and the earlier “round-case” models have become more desirable, decades later.

1973 Ducati 750GT Dash

The slightly less valuable GT’s are still rising in value, and their more humane riding position and higher bars may make them that much more appealing to those who can afford them.  And you still get the tower-shaft and gear-driven over head cam twin for which Ducati has long been known and loved.

From the original eBay listing: 1973 Ducati 750 GT for Sale

Approx. 20200 miles; well maintained and regularly used for short pleasure trips. Amal carburetors with K&N filters.

Lockheed brake caliper with Brembo master cylinder.

Bike is not showroom perfect. It has some non-standard parts, see below. The fiberglass tank has been replaced with a steel tank which has been lined with Caswell, the side covers are original fiberglass. New professional paint to an original black layout. Chrome and stainless steel parts are in excellent condition, as are the rims. The spokes are stainless steel. Original instruments and panel, speedo reads somewhat high. The exhaust has some dings and scratches, but sounds great. New Contis are available from BevelHeaven.

Steering angle to the left is very restricted to avoid the forks touching the tank. The combination Brembo master and Lockheed caliper results in very short brake lever activation.

1973 Ducati 750GT Carb

Bidding’s up to over $12,000 and the reserve has not been met.  There’s not much time left on this auction, so move quickly if you’re looking for a way into the vintage Ducati club that will keep your lower back from seizing up and let you take your significant other along for the fun.

-tad

1973 Ducati 750GT R Side

Ducati

1975 DUCATI 750 GT project

On March 20, 1970, Fabio Taglioni made the first sketches for the layout of the V-twin Ducati. In 1972 the Imola 200 was held in April, Smart and Spaggiari came in first and second. The effect on Ducati sales was remarkable. Suddenly, a lot more people the world over knew about Ducati. In less than two years the bike went from paper sketches to taking first and second at the track. Back then average time from paper to running bike was three years and that was just a test bike not a “ready to race” bike. It can be said the 750 GT is the bike that put Ducati into the Superbike world. The bike featured today isn’t a perfect showroom bike but it’s close.

Here’s what the seller has to say.

1975 DUCATI 750 GT , BEAUTIFUL CAFE RACER ,90% RESTORED .NEW RESTORED CORRECT GAUGES ,MOTOR AND FRAME HAVE 21K MILES FROM NEW ,2 OWNER BIKE ,CASES NEVER APART ,ORIGINAL SEALS INTACT ,MOTOR RUNS WELL WITH NO ISSUES ,BIKE HAS ALL NEW CABLES ,SPEEDO AND TACH ,NEW CHAIN ,BIKE HAS ALL ORIGINAL WIRE LOOM AND FACTORY IGNITION AND COILS ,FRAME AND GAS TANK PROFESIONALLY PAINTED FERRARI RED ,BIKE NEEDS MINOR ASSEMBLY ,RIMS ARE 18 INCH AKRONTS WITH NICE AVON TIRES ,BIKE CAN EASILY BE MADE STOCK IF DESIRED , OWNER WAS PLANNING ON BUYING A NEW WIRING LOOM WITH MODERN COILS ETC FROM BEVEL HEAVEN , FRONT BREMBO CALIPER IS NEW ,WE AT BUYERS EXPENSE CAN SHIP WORLDWIDE , WE HAVE LOTS OF EXPERIENCE SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ,THIS BIKE IS A EXCELLENT PROJECT THAT REQUIRES VERY LITLE TO FINNISH ,REASONABLE RESERVE THESE BEVEL TWIN 750 DUCATIS ARE BETTER THAN ANY STOCK YOU COULD BY AND MUCH MORE FUN , BID TO WIN

Pretty vague huh. I would ask a lot of questions before bidding. What has been done looks to be in very good taste. He does give actual miles and says the engine has never been apart. I don’t know if that makes me want it more or less. Who am I kidding, of course I want it, that thing is gorgeous. If you’ve been wanting one of these but never seem to have enough cash to grab one maybe this is your chance. It’s an almost finished project, that has to bring a lower price than usual. Look closely at the cases, it make a $10,000 dollar difference.

Check out the auction here

~Buck

Ducati

1974 Ducati 750 GT Round Case

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classic Ducatis show up regularly on this site, and it’s with good reason.   They offer most everything collectors are looking for: exclusivity, pedigree, exotic technology, good looks, and usable performance.

At a glance, it’s pretty easy to assume that Ducati’s bikes from this era are all the same.  If you’re not really into the ins and outs of vintage Ducatis, you may not realize the classic bevel-drive twins can be broadly divided in to “round case” and “square case” bikes, but once you know, the differences are pretty easy to spot.  The earlier round case models, in addition to being rarer, are generally considered more aesthetically pleasing and therefore more valuable.

The 750 GT was reworked in 1974 by Giorgetto Giugiaro into the 860 GT and the restyle included the aforementioned engine cases, which were given a much more angular look to match the new bodywork.  The new bike was not well-received at the time and has only recently begun to be appreciated, possibly because its values compared to the earlier bikes have remained low, making the 860 a more affordable alternative for people looking at bevel-drive ownership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regardless, this is likely one of the last round case bikes, since 1974 was the year the square case redesign was introduced.  The 750 came in SS, Sport, and GT flavors, with the GT being the most practical and comfortable of the three for everyday use.  It had higher bars and a more comfortable, dual seat.  The SS and Sport both had bum-stop solo seat and clip-ons.

From the original eBay listing: 1974 Ducati 750 GT Round Case

This is a well maintained machine that starts on the first or second kick, it runs and pulls strong with no mechanical issue and you will not be disappointed.  A few years ago; it has been updated with an electronic ignition –

This Bike Boasts;

–      Brand new genuine Contis exhausts

–      New seat

–      New Paoli air shocks

–      New Dunlop Tourmasters which have less than 2000 miles

This GT is so comfortable to ride, and the sound of the Contis dual exhaust is pure music to your ears.

Last fall, prior to storage, we put in a new battery and new Agip synthetic oil. The future owner of this classic should be prepared to answer to quite a few questions wherever it is parked because it is quite an attention getter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bike is in Quebec, Canada but this shouldn’t cause too much of a headache for buyers in the States, considering the age of the bike.

-tad