Original Market Segment:
High-performance Italian motorcycles, competing with contemporary British and American marques in the burgeoning sportbike category.
Key Competitors:
Triumph Bonneville, BSA Gold Star, Norton Commando, Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Unique Selling Points:
Desmodromic valve actuation, bevel-drive desmodromic valve gear, early adoption of disc brakes (optional/later), iconic Italian styling, powerful V-twin engine.
Heritage Significance:
Foundation of Ducati's L-twin engine legacy, direct descendant of the 750 Imola racer.
Engine:
Full dismantle, inspection, machining, reassembly, tuning of 750cc V-twin Desmodue engine (including crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinders, heads, valve train, camshafts, timing gears, lubrication system, desmodromic valve actuation).
Transmission:
Complete overhaul of the 5-speed gearbox (gearbox internals, clutch assembly, primary drive).
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (forks, rear shocks), steering head bearings, wheel bearings, spoked wheel rebuilding and truing.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Dell'Orto PHF/PHBE) overhaul and tuning, fuel tank cleaning and sealing.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (Ducati Elettronica or Bosch points), wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (alternator, regulator).
Braking System:
Front and rear drum brake mechanisms, hydraulic components (if applicable to later models or upgrades).
Bodywork:
Fairing (GT model), fuel tank, seat, fenders, exhaust system.
Disassembly:
Step-by-step procedures for complete motorcycle disassembly.
Inspection And Measurement:
Detailed specifications for wear limits, tolerances, and critical component measurements (e.g., crankshaft runout, cylinder bore taper, valve seat concentricity).
Reassembly:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding all major motorcycle systems.
Tuning And Adjustment:
Carburetor jetting, ignition timing, valve clearance (Desmodromic actuation adjustment), chain adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of common running problems and mechanical failures.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and use of specialized tools required for Ducati V-twin engines and desmodromic systems.
Depth:
In-depth, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced home restorers. Covers engine machining specifications and complex desmodromic system adjustments.
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans or professionally produced digital format, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval (if digital).
Print Quality:
Professional printing with clear schematics, diagrams, and text.
Binding:
Professional binding (e.g., spiral bound for lay-flat use in workshop, or perfect bound for durable reference).
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 90-degree V-twin (L-twin)
Bore X Stroke:
74 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
Desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, bevel-gear driven overhead camshafts.
Ignition System:
Dual ignition (points or early electronic ignition systems).
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-65 bhp at 7,000 rpm (depending on tuning and model variant).
Torque:
Approx. 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm (depending on tuning and model variant).
Carburetors:
2 x Dell'Orto PHF32 or PHBE32 (or Amal concentric on early prototypes).
Oil System:
Wet sump lubrication.
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Modern safety rating systems were not applicable to this era).
Braking System Type:
Front: Single disc brake (later models and upgrades), or drum brake. Rear: Drum brake.
Suspension Front:
Telescopic forks (Marzocchi or Ceriani).
Suspension Rear:
Dual shock absorbers (Marzocchi or Girling).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Adjustment Desmo:
Recommended every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) due to the complexity of desmodromic actuation.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect/replace every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., Motul 3000 or similar). Check manual for exact OEM recommendation. Capacity: Approx. 2.5-3.0 liters.
Gearbox Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity, likely SAE 80W-90 or similar gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 0.8-1.0 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 for drum brake systems if hydraulic actuation is present, otherwise mineral oil for cable-actuated drums. Check specific application.
Engine Wear:
Crankshaft bearing wear, camshaft wear due to early lubrication systems and higher stress.
Desmodromic System:
Wear in the desmodromic rockers and cam followers, requiring precise adjustment and occasional replacement.
Electrical Reliability:
Early Ducati electrical systems can be prone to issues; wiring harness integrity and connector corrosion are common.
Carburetor Tuning:
Dell'Orto carburetors require regular cleaning, adjustment, and correct jetting for optimal performance and reliability.
Frame Integrity:
Inspect frame for stress cracks, especially around the engine mounts and steering head.
Racing Success Influence:
While the 750 GT/Sport were road bikes, their design lineage is directly linked to Ducati's success in the Imola 200-mile race with the 750SS race bike, which solidified Ducati's performance reputation.
Classic Bike Magazine Reviews:
Consistently rated as a significant motorcycle in terms of engineering and historical importance. Often lauded for its distinctive sound and handling characteristics.
