Ducati 860 GT
Suspension Front: telescopic fork, oil damped | Rear: 3-way adjustable 2 320 mm Marzocchi shocks | |
| Brakes | Front: 1 (GT) or 2 (GTS) 280 mm discs, 1 piston calipers Rear:200 mm drum | |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | Front: 3.50" × 18" Rear: 4.00"× 18" | |
| Wheelbase | 1,550 mm (61 in) | |
| Dimensions | L: 2,200 mm (87 in) W: 900 mm (35 in) (GT) 750 mm (30 in) (GTS) H: 1,170 mm (46 in) | |
| Seat height | 825 mm (32.5 in) | |
| Weight | 185 kg (408 lb)[2] (dry) 229 kg (504 lb)[1] (wet) | |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal) | |
| Fuel consumption | 35–45 mpgus(6.7–5.2 L/100 km; 42–54 mpg-imp)[1] | |
The Ducati 860 GT is a
electric-start version was called the 860 GTE, while all models had electric start after 1975, and for the final two years, 1978–1979, the name was changed to 900 GTS.[2] A USA market variant was made in all model years, in which the gearshift was "crudely moved" from the right to the left side of the engine by means an external rod.[2]
The 860 series used the engine and
stressed member frame of Fabio Taglioni's original 750 GT 90° V-twin, with bevel cam drive and with the enlarged capacity achieved by using two of the Ducati 450 single-cylinder engine’s sleeves and pistons. The controversial angular design of the cosmetic elements was by noted car stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro dispensed with both the sinuous tank shape and engine covers, and added large steel side covers to create an overall integrated effect.[1]
Giugiaro's squared-off, 'folded paper' styling, which was successful in the automotive world,[3] proved a shock to fans of the earlier 'round case' Ducati 750 twins, styled by Fabio Taglioni and Leopold Tartarini. The earlier Ducati 750 twins had rounded engine cases and cafe racer styling, and were considered 'instant classics'. The new 'square' styling of the 860 twins was rejected in the marketplace, and sales dropped precipitously, forcing Ducati to re-style the 860GT for the next season (1976).[4]
The 860 GT was renamed the 860GTS in 1976 and featured a less angular fuel tank than the GT; a seat without the duck-tail; lower, narrower handlebars and a decreased
final drive
ratio. By 1977 further cosmetic and electrical enhancements were introduced in the again renamed 900 GTS. Production ceased in 1979, with these later bikes having engines mechanically similar to the Darmah SS and SD bikes that replaced them.
See also
- Ducati V-twin motorcycles
References
- ^ a b c d e Roland Brown (July–August 2011). "1975 Ducati 860 GT". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-87349-714-5
- ^ "The unsung car designer who created the DeLorean and James Bond's underwater car". CNN.
- ^ "Retrospective: Ducati 860 GT and GTE: 1974-1975 | Rider Magazine | Rider Magazine". 7 January 2016.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ducati 860 GT.