Generation:
        
        
            First Generation
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Covered:
        
        
            1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
        
     
    
    
        
            Chassis Code:
        
        
            860 GT (specific variations may exist)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Historical Context:
        
        
            The Ducati 860 GT was a significant model for Ducati, aiming to blend performance with a more user-friendly and comfortable touring package compared to earlier models. It represented Ducati's evolution in design and engineering during the mid-1970s.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Competed against other Italian and European performance motorcycles of the era, often emphasizing sporty handling and characteristic V-twin engine sound and feel.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Designed as a 'Gran Turismo' (Grand Tourer) motorcycle, offering a balance of sporting performance and long-distance comfort.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Benefit:
        
        
            Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving costs and ensuring high-quality workmanship. Provides in-depth knowledge for emergency situations.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Detailed service, repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for the 860cc V-twin engine.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Service, repair, and adjustment of the gearbox and clutch systems.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Comprehensive coverage of the front and rear braking systems, including hydraulic components.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for the entire electrical system.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Service and adjustment procedures for front forks and rear shock absorbers.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Maintenance and repair of the steering head and linkages.
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Air-cooling system principles and maintenance.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Carburetor tuning, fuel delivery, and related components.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Body:
        
        
            Frame inspection, bodywork repair, and component mounting.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            General maintenance, periodic checks, and routine servicing.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
        
     
    
        
            Refurbishment Renovation:
        
        
            Guidance on restoring and renovating various vehicle components.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Air-cooled, 90-degree (L-twin) V-twin, desmodromic valve actuation.
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            860 cc (approx. 52.5 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            83 mm x 80 mm (approximate, variations may exist)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            9.0:1 (typical)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            Approx. 65-70 hp at 7000 rpm (figures vary by specific tune and market)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            Approx. 70 Nm (51.6 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm (figures vary by specific tune and market)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetion:
        
        
            Typically twin Dell'Orto PHM 40 or similar carburetors.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 2150 mm (84.6 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 780 mm (30.7 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 1150 mm (45.3 inches)
        
     
    
    
        
            Dry Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 200-215 kg (440-474 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Tank Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 18 liters (4.8 US gallons)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Historical Ratings:
        
        
            N/A (Vehicle safety ratings were not standardized as they are today for motorcycles).
        
     
    
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Dual front discs, single rear disc.
        
     
    
    
        
            Lighting:
        
        
            Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 3,000-5,000 km (or annually), depending on usage. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
        
     
    
        
            Desmodromic Valve Adjustment:
        
        
            Intervals vary significantly; typically checked every 10,000-20,000 km. Critical to follow manual procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Carburetor Sync And Cleaning:
        
        
            Recommended annually or as needed for optimal performance.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil. Check manual for exact viscosity and API service classification.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 DOT compliant brake fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Gearbox Oil:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific gearbox oil grade (often SAE 90 gear oil or specific motorcycle transmission fluid).
        
     
    
    
        
            Electrical Gremlins:
        
        
            Vintage Ducati electrical systems can be prone to aging components, loose connections, and corroded wiring. The manual provides detailed diagrams to address this.
        
     
    
        
            Desmodromic System Maintenance:
        
        
            The desmodromic valve system requires precise adjustment and can be complex. Regular checks are crucial to prevent damage.
        
     
    
        
            Carburetor Issues:
        
        
            Dell'Orto carburetors can require periodic cleaning and synchronization for smooth running, especially with fuel degradation.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Ducati Legacy:
        
        
            Ducati has a rich history of performance motorcycles, renowned for its L-twin engines and racing heritage, dating back to the 1920s.
        
     
    
    
        
            860 Series Development:
        
        
            The 860 GT was part of a series that included the 860 GTS (Sport), building upon the platform of earlier Ducati V-twins and incorporating modern styling and chassis improvements.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Bologna, Italy.