1974 DUCATI 750 GT
THIS MOTORCYCLE'S STORY
—By Tim Parker
Being offered here is the perfect Ducati 750 GT. This 1974 750 GT was built with the best OEM parts from the 1973 through 1975 model years.
The goal of this handsome bike’s builder, Don Price of Ann Arbor, MI, in 2007 was to “brighten the front end of the bike with polish and plating” using the best parts from the 1973, 1974 and 1975 series Ducati 750 GT. He clearly met his goal.
Extensive engine work was carried out by William “Bill” Sisco, an experienced engineer and long time Ducati owner.
Bill found that the top end showed use commensurate with the mileage, with only light wear to cylinders but still with the correct ring gap measurement. The crankcase did not have an original lead seal, so the cases were split to measure the side-to-side tolerances. These were a little snug so they were re-shimmed to the factory tolerance. With the cases apart, Chris Razor, a specialty welder in Plymouth, Michigan repaired the left side case by filling the factory breakout for the starter bosses. He also recreated fins where broken on the top end of the motor. Bill also checked the valve guides and lapped-in the valves, and the valve lash was reset once reassembled. The transmission was likewise inspected – no issues found - and then cleaned. The swing arm pin was replaced with one made of better steel given that the bronze bushings themselves were fine, and grease nipples added.
“The front disc brake carries a single Brembo caliper, activated by a rectangular Lockheed master cylinder via stainless brake lines.”
Iconic Aprilia switches, the later kick start shaft w/ cover, and screw adjustment for valve setting were also added. The more heavily webbed clutch case of the late 1974 model was installed. The early headlight brackets, turn signal wire mounts, and leading axle Marzocchi front fork all look better, and work better than those of the standard late series 1974 model. And how nice are those polished triple clamps? Also added is a bevel gear sight glass that adds confidence to the rider that oil is circulating inside the engine and out-of-period Australian Ram-Flo air filters (to keep muck out of it.) Also out-of-period are the bar end mirrors. The steel rims were replaced with Borrani alloy rims sourced by Bill Herring of Perrysburg, Ohio – Bill is a master at unearthing Ducati “roundcase” parts.
The headlight itself is also an earlier version, replacing a shaped plastic version. The Aprilia turn signals are the “bent wire mounting” version, also from the earlier version. The instruments are mounted to a 1975-specification bracket since the original plastic housing had cracks near the screw holes. Classic Conti mufflers have replaced the stock Lafranconi seamed originals.
1974 DUCATI 750 GT Details
Engine# DM750 756060
Frame # DM750 756015
The bike comes with a history file, most of the take-off original parts, and offered with a clean title
13097 miles on the odometer, believed to be accurate
Quality of paint etc.
Marzocchi front fork
Polished triple clamps
Aprilia turn signals
Bevel gear sight glass
The bike is fully serviced, has a recent new battery and tires, and starts and runs well
PHOTOS BY: RYAN HANDT
DISCLAIMER
Every single bike I buy and sell, I personally go through—not someone else. I am the owner operator of my small business, and I take what I do very seriously. I work on the bikes, I ride the bikes.
If you are serious about buying a true collector piece from someone who not only has a passion for these bikes, but works on them, rides them, and collects them then call me. Jokingly people say to me, “these bikes don’t seem so rare as there are so many in your shop” well... I consider myself a custodian for these machines, they should go to people who will love, and appreciate them.