1973 Ducati Sport 750
GT750 & SPORT 750
Ducati’s GT750 was launched onto the
market in 1971, and immediately carved out
its own niche between the Guzzis, Laverdas
and Hondas. Then, in 1972, Ducati served
notice on the racing community that it
was ready for action. In April 1972 at the
prestigious International Imola 200, Paul
Smart and Bruno Spaggiari, on specially
prepared Desmo versions of the of the 750
L-twin, finished first and second, ahead
of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi,
Triumph, BSA, and MV Agusta. With this
performance Ducati had cracked the big
time. Smart’s lap times even compared
favourably with the 500cc Grand Prix
bikes of the day.
In 1973 Ducati produced a model which
some saw as irrelevant. The Sport 750 did
not have Desmodromic valve gear, it had
a single disc front brake, and a drum at the
rear. Although popular with boy racers,
the feeling was that the progression should
have been from the GT to the Super Sport
750, which would only appear another year
later. The Sport 750 was, however, a very
good looking motorcycle, and many of
those who rode it were more than happy
with its performance.
SUPER SPORT 750
The Super Sport 750, which was the direct
descendent of Paul Smart’s Imola 200
winner, came next. With desmodromic
heads, Dellorto PHM 40 carburettors, larger
valves, single piece con-rods, and a full disc
braking system, it was a beauty to behold,
ride, and, of course, listen to. In 1974 the
Italian magazine Motociclismo said “To say
the Super Sport 750 was one of the most
beautiful sports bikes ever made is no
exaggeration; it may be considered
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82 KIWI RIDER