KIWI RIDER AUGUST 2020 VOL.1 | Page 85

Top left: 1974 Ducati Super Sport 750 Bottom left: 1975 Ducati GT860 Top right: 1977 Ducati Super Sport 900 Bottom right: 1980 Ducati Hailwood Replica Mille amongst the most significant motorcycle designs of its time. It starts with the docility of a utility bike, has no vibration, and runs at high speeds, at low revs. This is an engine able to satisfy the demands of all riders, even for racing purposes”. RACE-ORIENTED Much happened at Ducati at this stage. The 860GT appeared in 1975. Many say prompted by a management calling for less emphasis on racing and sporting-orientated models, and to widen the company’s appeal with more touring and general purpose machines. It appears that management missed the point. Ducati is a sports and race-orientated motorcycle brand. Few people at the time would buy a Ducati for commuting, or even for touring. There were other bikes that did that far better. It seemed that in 1977 the message got through. The Super Sport 900 was launched. A development of the SuperSport 750 with an engine derived from the GT860. It was another Ducati that would assume legendary status. Probably the final, and most outstanding Sharing your passion facebook.com/CaffeineAndClassics KIWI RIDER 85