Description
Please note: We have not confirmed whether this example is a runner. The seller has asked us to sell it as-is.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The 1974 Ducati 750SS is widely considered to be one of the most instantly-recognizable motorcycles of all time. Whether it’s because of the swooping front fairing, the eye-catching Azzurro frame, or the curved Conti mufflers, it’s truly an iconic piece of two-wheeled exotica. Even more important than its good looks, though, was the way that it altered the very course of Ducati’s history.
That’s because, up until the 1970s, the Bologna-based firm was all but a non-presence in the industry, mostly known for its small (and admittedly peculiar) single cylinder offerings. Of course, within Italy, Fabio Taglioni was well-respected for his technological might; elsewhere, however, his name had yet to make an impact.
That all changed come 1972, when race fans finally had the opportunity to watch the best of the best battle it out at the inaugural Imola 200. Competitors lined the grid on bikes representing everyone from Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta to BSA and Triumph to Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki — each one a dominant presence at Daytona. With Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari leading the team, Ducati pulled off the seemingly impossible: a resounding 1-2 victory.
To commemorate the performance, Ducati began selling its legendary 750 SuperSport to the public in 1974. Despite its stable touring geometry, the bike was essentially a Grand Prix racer, barely homologated for road legal riding. So close to the Imola-winning bikes was the 750SS, in fact, that it didn’t even feature provisions for electric start or turn signals. Accordingly, it tipped the scales at a scant 333lbs, and though the mufflers were barely silenced and the carbs lacked air filters, its round case L-twin boasted 748cc of displacement, a 10.5:1 compression ratio, and some innovative bevel-gear-driven camshafts.
This example is VIN: DM750SS075102, Engine #: 075239. The range of Green Frame VINs was 075001-075411, per Ian Falloon. The seller is an avid collector and motorcycle dealer who will be listing ~15 motorcycles with us in the coming weeks. Part of the funds will be going towards a new Triumph dealership in Los Angeles.
The sale includes documentation showing Mario Ioannoni of Ingolstadt, Germany as an owner back in 1992 – we see Mr. Ioannoni also mentioned as an owner on the Bevel Heaven registry.
The seller acquired it at the 2013 MidAmerica Auction in Las Vegas from Keith Campbell.
The odometer shows 599 miles. He has not ridden it, he has just kept it on display.
Modifications:
Iconic is currently in possession of a never-started 750SS that was at the Guggenheim Museum for the Art of the Motorcycle exhibit which we were able to use as reference for some parts.
40mm Dell’Orto carbs (different bodies than originals with provisions for a choke).
German aftermarket spokes.
Hella bar-end turn signals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Spitfire tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any 750SS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
