The Ducati 860 GT is a Ducati motorcycle produced in 1974 and 1975 and replaced by the restyled 860 GTS for 1976–1979. The electric-start version of 1974–1975 was called the 860 GTE, all models had electric start after 1975, and in 1978–1979 the name changed to 900 GTS.
Ducati 860 GT at a glance
| Maker | Ducati, Borgo Panigale |
|---|---|
| Production | 1974–1979 |
| GT model years | 1974–1975 |
| Styling | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| Engine | 860 cc 90° V-twin, bevel cam drive |
| Based on | the 750 GT engine and stressed-member frame |
| Capacity from | two cylinder sleeves and pistons of the Ducati 450 single |
| Versions | 860 GT, 860 GTE, 860 GTS, 900 GTS |
| USA variant | gearshift moved from the right to the left side |
| End of production | 1979 |
History of the Ducati 860 GT
The engine of the 750 GT
The 860 series used the engine and stressed-member frame of Fabio Taglioni’s original 750 GT 90° V-twin, with bevel cam drive. The enlarged capacity was achieved by using two of the Ducati 450 single-cylinder engine’s sleeves and pistons. In 1974–1975 the electric-start version was called the 860 GTE.
Giugiaro’s styling
The controversial angular design of the cosmetic elements was by the noted car stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro. He dispensed with both the sinuous tank shape and the engine covers, and added large steel side covers to create an overall integrated effect. His squared-off, “folded paper” styling, successful in the automotive world, proved a shock to fans of the earlier round-case 750 twins styled by Taglioni and Leopoldo Tartarini, who considered those “instant classics”.
The market said no
The new square styling of the 860 twins was rejected in the marketplace and sales dropped precipitously, forcing Ducati to restyle the 860 GT for the next season. The 860 GTS of 1976 had a less angular fuel tank, a seat without the duck-tail, lower and narrower handlebars and a decreased final drive ratio. By 1977 further cosmetic and electrical changes came with the name 900 GTS.
The end
Production ceased in 1979. These later bikes had engines mechanically similar to the Darmah SS and SD models that replaced them. A USA market variant was made in all model years, in which the gearshift was moved from the right to the left side of the engine by means of an external rod.
Design and features
- Giugiaro design: angular tank, large steel side covers and no engine covers, a break with the round-case 750.
- 860 cc V-twin: the 750 GT engine enlarged with two 450 sleeves and pistons, still with bevel drive.
- Electric start: the 860 GTE of 1974–1975, and every model after 1975.
- Left-side gearchange: a USA variant with an external rod moving the lever to the left.
Ducati 860 GT versions
- 860 GT (1974–1975): the original angular model.
- 860 GTE (1974–1975): the electric-start version.
- 860 GTS (1976–1979): the restyled model with a softer tank and a flatter seat.
- 900 GTS (1978–1979): the final name, with more cosmetic and electrical changes.
The 860 GT grew out of the Ducati 750 GT, whose engine and frame it used. Its 450 sleeves and pistons came from the Ducati 450. More Ducatis are in the Ducati collection.
Sources
- Ducati 860 GT, English Wikipedia: development, styling, versions, end of production
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