1977 Ducati 900GTS
After restoration

The Ducati v-twin mystique would drastically change in 1975 with the introduction of the 860GT. This new model was both visually and mechanically quite different from its predecessor, the 750GT. Most of the details on the 750 that were round and graceful were now sharp and angular (fuel tank, seat, engine side cases, fenders and switchgear). For this reason the 860GT was not well accepted. In 1976 the model would change to the 860GTS. This model had a rounder fuel tank and seat that dramatically transformed the appearance. But the 860 stigma did not wear off so easily and the name was changed to 900GTS in 1977.

This 1977 Ducati 900GTS was a low mileage bike that had been partially disassembled and in storage for a long time. Upon close inspection of the engine it was found that the rear cylinder’s head had received damage around the bevel housing area. The head had to be welded and retapped so the bevel housing would properly locate. At the same time we decided to have the cam and rockers resurfaced. The remainder of the engine work was cleaning and reassembly.

Another difficult area on this bike was the electrical system which had the usual amount of missing wires and altered connections. This proved hard to simply "puzzle out" due to the large number of wires and connectors. What added to the complexity in our research was learning that all the above mentioned bikes were slightly different electrically (750GT, 860GT, 860GTS, 900GTS - the 900 Darmah is different still). The needed clues came from members of the Euro-Moto mailing list who had enough different schematics to bridge the gaps.

While the bike was apart the frame and swingarm were powder coated. The rusted, steel rims were replaced with shoulderless Akronts. The seat, which was missing, was replaced with one from a Ducati 500GTL parallel twin. This seat attached in the stock location with no modification necessary. Later we found that a special edition model was actually produced this way (I believe it was called an 860 Mark3). The bodywork was also repainted.

One of the nicest touches on this bike is the two-into-one Conti which the owner had purchased with the bike. The muffler is distinctly shaped like the Conti mufflers from a dual exhaust system but is much larger in diameter. This pipe produces a great exhaust note.