Ducati 860GT / GTE (1974 – 75)

Ducati 860GT / GTE (1974 - 75)

The Ducati 860GT/GTE – a true thoroughbred of the Italian motorcycling scene. Powered by a four-stroke, 90-liter twin-cylinder engine with SOHC and 2 valves per cylinder, this bike was bred for performance and style. The bevel gear driven layout is a testament to Fabio Taglioni’s genius, while the angular design, courtesy of Giorgio Giugiaro, sets it apart from its competitors.

The riding experience is just as impressive, with an upright seating position designed for urban riding and a smooth, predictable power delivery. And yet, despite its intentions, this bike still has a way of getting under your skin – as one seasoned journalist discovered during a spirited ride through the Italian countryside, where a gentle movement of the handlebars can quickly escalate into a thrilling, high-speed dance.

And so it’s little wonder that the Ducati 860GT/GTE remains an iconic and coveted machine among motorcycle enthusiasts to this day.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, bevel gear driven
Engine Capacity864 cc / 52.7 cu in
Max Power41.9 kw / 57 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity18 L / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal
Weight (Wet/Kerb)454 lbs / 206 kg
Seat Height32.5 inches / 825 mm
Ducati 860GT / GTE (1974 - 75)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati 860GT / GTE
Year1974 – 75

Engine

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, bevel gear driven
Displacement864 cc / 52.7 cu in
Bore x Stroke86 x 74.4 mm
Compression Ratio9.0:1
Max Horsepower41.9 kw / 57 hp
Engine Management System2 x 32mm Dell’Orto PHF 32 A (C) carburetors
Cooling SystemAir cooled

Performance

Top Speed195 km/h / 121mph

Transmission

ClutchWet, multiplate
Gearbox5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.187:1 (32/70)
Gear Ratios1st 2.237 / 2nd 1.562 / 3rd 1.203 / 4th 1.000 / 5th 0.887
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

BatteryGT: Yuasa 12N-12A-4A-12VGTE: B68-12 36Ah
StarterKick (electric starter optional)

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension38 mm Ceriani fork
Rear SuspensionMarzocchi dual shocks, 3-way adjustable

Wheels & Brakes

Front Tire Size3.50 H18
Rear Tire Size4.00 H18
Front BrakesSingle 280mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Rear Brakes200mm Drum

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2200 mm / 86.6 in
Overall Width900 mm / 35.5 in
Overall Height1170 mm / 46.1 in
Seat Height32.5 inches / 825 mm
Wheelbase61.0 inches / 1550 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity18 L / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal
Wet (kerb/curb) Weight454 lbs / 206 kg
Dry Weight185 kg / 408 lbs

Features

  • Four-stroke engine
  • 90L twin cylinder configuration
  • SOHC design
  • 2 valves per cylinder
  • Bevel gear driven
  • Electric start in later models
  • USA market variant with right-hand side gearshift
  • Angular design of cosmetic elements by Giorgio Giugiaro
  • Upright seating position for urban riding
  • Integrated steel side covers
  • Less angular fuel tank on 860GTS
  • Seat without duck-tail
  • Lower, narrower handlebars on 860GTS
  • Decreased final drive ratio on 860GTS

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