Ducati 860 GT

The Ducati 860 GT is a Ducati motorcycle that was produced in 1974 and 1975, then replaced by the restyled 860 GTS for 1976 to 1979. The electric-start version of 1974 and 1975 was called the 860 GTE, all models had electric start after 1975, and for the final two years the name changed to 900 GTS. It used the engine and stressed member frame of the original 750 GT 90 degree V-twin by Fabio Taglioni, with bevel cam drive and enlarged capacity made by using two sleeves and pistons from the Ducati 450 single. Its angular styling, a folded paper look by the car stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro with large steel side covers, shocked fans of the earlier round case 750 twins, sold poorly and forced Ducati to restyle it for 1976. Production ceased in 1979, and the later bikes had engines mechanically similar to the Darmah that replaced them.