1974 DUCATI 750SS
SOLD
Every 750SS is an event unto itself, the histories of these storied machines create unique opportunities for collecting. Without a doubt, the “green frame” Ducati is one of the most sought-after machines, yet there are many fakes and poor examples circulating. As such, Moto Borgotaro prides itself in continuing to offer only the world’s best 750 Super Sports for acquisition.
This example is without question a true 750SS inside and out, thoroughly authenticated by contributing editor and motorcycle historian Ian Falloon. The bike will additionally include an in-depth historical report by Mr. Falloon.
Moto Borgotaro founder, Peter Boggia, has been riding and breaking in the motor of this 750SS around the canyons of Los Angeles.
The birth of the 750SS…
The 23rd of April 1972 was the day when a brace of specially prepared desmodromic 750 racers took on the world’s best, trouncing them convincingly. This was the inaugural Imola 200, the “Daytona of Europe,” for Formula 750 machines, racing 750cc machines with production-based motors. The Imola win marked a transition for Ducati, from a relatively small and unknown Italian manufacturer, primarily of small capacity cylinder bikes, to that of a marque equal to any other. Within Italy, and to certain cognoscenti in other countries, Fabio Taglioni and Ducati were known and respected for technical excellence and innovation. Yet, in production terms, Ducati was a minor manufacturer of motorcycles.
Imola changed that and signaled the beginning of a new era for Ducati.
On race day, 70,000 spectators crammed into Autodromo Dino Ferrari at Imola. With works machines in abundance from MV Agusta, Honda, Norton, Moto Guzzi, Triumph and BSA, alongside works supported Kawasaki, Laverda, Suzuki and BMW, they had hopefully come to see the Italian factories beat the Japanese teams that had dominated Daytona. The best riders in the world were also there, including Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, Roberto Gallina, Walter Villa, Ray Pickrell, Tony Jeffries, John Cooper, Percy Tait, Ron Grant and Daytona winner, Don Emde. Ducati arrived with seven desmodromic racers, the team lead by Paul Smart and veteran Bruno Spaggiari. The factory Ducatis had 750 GT-based frames, still with center stand mounts, desmo cylinder heads, 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors, dual plug ignition, oil coolers and triple Lockheed disc brakes. They reputadly produced 86 horsepower at 9,200 rpm. Imola, with its fast sweeping curves, some smooth, others bumpy, and its up and down topography seemed to suit the Ducatis.
Agostini on the MV Agusta led the start but after his retirement Smart and Spaggiari assumed the lead. Smart ultimately took the victory from Spaggiari and the race speed over 200 miles had been an astonishing 97.76 mph (157.35 km/h), with the fastest lap of 100.1 mph (161.11 km/h) shared equally by Smart, Spaggiari, and Agostini.
Six machines are evident in this line-up. Note there are two #9 (Spaggiari), two #45 (Giuliano) and only one #16 (Smart)
Seven factory Ducati F750s in the glass-sided Fiat transporter photographed at Imola by Journalist Mick Woollett
The four actual racing machines prior to the Imola 200 race. From the left Smart, Spaggiari, Giuliano and Dunscombe
Pictured above is Fabio Taglioni and the Japanese importer who originally brought #075305 into Japan. Taglioni can be seen signing the 750SS side cover, and laying in front of him is the side cover for the exceptionally rare Z-stripe Ducati 750S (also later signed)
Fabio Taglioni in his studio c. 1970s
Continued…
Pictured below is legendary Ducati designer, Fabio Taglioni, who was responsible for the conceptualization, design, and eventual success and notoriety of the 1974 Ducati 750SS. Any Super Sport is intrinsically tied to Taglioni, who personally built and tuned the Imola race 750SS machines and set the groundwork for all future V-twin engines. After Imola, in early 1974, the first and only batch of round-case 750 Super Sports was produced. They were built as homologations specials for the FIM, regulations requiring 200 to be manufactured. Taglioni personally supervised production and as it was presumed this would be the only batch, he had 401 built so as to homologate the 750SS for 1974 and 1975.
The 750 Super Sport was the first factory replica of a race-winning machine and was as close a replica to the Imola 200 winning racer of 1972 that could be built and still be street legal. Only the barest concessions were made for street legality. Silencing was minimal from the Conti silencers, and the 40mm Dell’Orto’s lacked air filtration. There was no provision for turn signals let alone an electric start. Whereas the quality of the fiberglass and some of the ancillary components was dubious, the engine was a masterpiece. A special computerized Olivetti milling machine was installed at the factory to machine from billet each individual con-rod, just as with the Imola racers, and all the rockers were highly polished.
The 750SS was the first Ducati twin with desmodromic valves and triples disc brakes, in this case Scarab on the front and Lockheed on the rear. Setting the 750SS apart was a 750 Sport-style Azzurro-painted frame and 18-inch Borrani wheels front and rear. The frame color seemed to be randomly chosen from the range of outboard motors produced at Borgo Panigale at the time and has resulted in the nickname for the model as the “Green Frame".
Japan, 1974…#075305
Seen here is the original owner of 750SS #075305, photographed as part of a feature in a Japanese men’s magazine in 1974. At the time, the 750SS was considered the most beautiful sports bike ever produced. To this day, it remains at the pinnacle of collectability, engineering, and aesthetics in the motorcycle world.
The moment this Super Sport was passed from the hands of its owner to the hands of collector Hideki Fujikami of Collezione-Giappone, the next chapter of its story began.
“Perhaps the best 750ss motor I’ve ever ridden” Peter Boggia
The original owner of #075305 pictured with the bike as a feature in a Japanese men’s magazine in 1974
Restoration History…
To see the full rebuild gallery with accompanying descriptions click HERE
Unknown to many even in the motorcycle community, Collezione-Giappone is regarded as one of the best caretakers of bevel-drive twins anywhere in the world, perhaps even superior to anyone in the world. This motor was lovingly rebuilt by one of the true masters of his craft, Hideki Fujikami, with no expense spared in the machine shop or workshop to rebuild this “Green Frame”. One should pay close attention to the level of machine shop work done to the motor, it is a work of art. No aftermarket parts were used in the rebuild, as they are dubious at best. The crankshaft was fully reconditioned and balanced with the correct re-polished connecting rods. The Rocker arms were also re-polished and carefully checked. Every thread was chased, and every inch of the motor was inspected.
Time in LA…
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I installed a battery, oil, and some 100 octane fuel. I proceeded to spend the rest of the evening ripping around Mulholland drive on one of the best 750SS I have ever ridden.
I have ridden many 750SS’s, each unique with its own slight nuance and personality. This example in particular deserves to be recognized as one of, if not the best, 750SS motors I have ever ridden.
After having gone through a masterful engine restoration by Collezione-Giaponne, the engine can only be described as precise, direct, and immensely powerful - in other words, perfect. The suspension was also upgraded internally with cartridge emulators providing an excellent feel for the Marzocchi forks. The brakes feel as though you are riding a modern bike and continue to get more precise with further use. Although many machines seem to end up in collections that put them to pasture, this example begs to be ridden.
- Peter Boggia
Details…
Complete known ownership history
Complete Ian Falloon authentification and historical report included with the sale
11.5k kilometers
Complete engine restoration
All original internals, correct and refurbished by builder Hideki Fujikami
Correct original 4777 (/5) Borrani rims are present
Correct JOD Aprilia headlight
Signed side cover, Fabio Taglioni
Original men’s magazine 1974 (bike feature)
Original photo of Taglioni with Japanese importer
Original factory-stamped, 750SS specific, carburetors
Correct Conti exhaust
Brakes renewed with new pistons, seals, brake pads, brake lines
Correct shocks
Original fuse panel
Updated Sachs ignition - original points and condensers included
Additional ethanol-resistant tank included with the sale