BRT Racing
Ducati 860 GTE
The History
The History
The Ducati 860 GT was made in 1974 and 1975, replaced by the restyled 860 GTS for 1976–1979 In 1974–1975 the electric-start version was called the 860 GTE, while all models had electric start after 1975, and for the final two years, 1978–1979, the name was changed to 900 GTS.
​The 860 series used the engine and stressed member frame of Fabio Taglioni's original 750 GT L twin, with bevel cam drive and with the enlarged capacity achieved by using two of the Ducati 450 single-cylinder engine’s sleeves and pistons. The controversial angular design of the cosmetic elements was by noted car stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro.
This Bike
The bike was bought as a box of bits with Honda forks and wheel, the engine has been rebuilt, and the frame deluged for racing, the petrol tank and seat are all hand made to echo the Imola racers,
The front forks fitted when it left the factory are Marzocchi using twin Brembo disc and calipers, the rear drum brake is 200 mm dia and the original Ducati factory unit.
Alloy flanges rims where fitted and Avon tires complete the running gear
The 863cc ‘square case’ L-twin formed the basis for all other ‘square case’ models introduced later on. Although technically based on the 750 ‘round case’ L-twin, this engine had a lot of improvements for faster and simpler assembly. The outer engine cases were designed by Giorgetto Guigiaro of Studio Italdesign. Cylinder head design was based on the 750 GT with the same valves in identical sizes, actuated by single overhead camshafts driven by a set of bevel gears and uses valve springs for closing (non-desmo). The 860 GTE and 860 GTS were fitted with an electric starter motor. All 860 GT’s and GTS’s have Dell’Orto PHF32A carburetors.
The frame was specifically designed for the 860 GT and featured an eccentric pivot chain adjusters and kinked front down tubes, flattened at the end.
The Bike will be used at the CRMC and other classic events and at the Belgium classic GP at Spa etc
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