Sold for just two years, the Ducati 860 GT was a relatively angular bike that didn’t end up being as popular as Ducati might have hoped. The 864cc twin yielded 60 horsepower, and it was capable of hitting 109 miles per hour. The GT was sold just in ’74 and ’75 – the following year it got a rounder fuel tank design, lower handlebars, a different seat, and a name change to the 860 GTS.
A 1976 road test states, “the Ducati 860 GTS, introduced in 1976, was the first indication that the factory was able to offer a machine finished to the same level as the Japanese…[it] was offered with a more sensible seat and tank and makes a much more agreeable tourer.”
The same test continues “Once running, everything that made the old sports singles like Velocettes so appealing – a classical and unique blend of mechanical sound and a broad road flexibility – is recalled on the Ducati. Its road performance is superb.”
Manufactured in February 1977, this example is VIN: 851348. The seller bought this bike three years ago from”Peter Talabach, noted Vincent and Ducati tuner and owner of Mohawk Garage in Becket, Massachusetts who owned it for his and his wife Denise’s personal use.”
If you’re not familiar with Peter, Iconic recommends you check out this video:
During his ownership, the seller covered 3,000 miles. The odometer shows 16,223 miles.
The owner notes that “it was titled as a GT but is a 1977 and carries GTS gear. I was told it’s a crossover, sometimes referred to as a Mark 1 due to the GT frame with grab handle and the Smith’s gauges and the skinny seat.” He adds, “with the flat two-up seat, low bars and large footpegs it has the very comfortable riding position of a BMW airhead. It’s the most comfortable Ducati that I have owned.” He recently sold a 1980 Ducati Darmah 900 SD with three miles with us here on at Iconic.
“Peter Talabach was teaching me to adjust the valves on my bevel 900SS and told me he had an 860GT in his barn for sale. I thought I wouldn’t like it since they are pretty ugly, but when I saw this one I loved it and bought it. It’s an original stock crossover model between the GT and GTS styles, with dual disks and GTS tank, but the earlier frame. I used it for riding in Vermont and the Adirondacks and loved it. I woke it up with Contis and pods.”
Maintenance:
“Regular oil changes. Done by myself with VR1 50wt. New battery 8/22. Kept on battery tender since.”
The seller notes that the headlight, low/high beam, and tail/brake lights work but the turn signals do not function and there is no horn or mirrors.
Modifications:
“By myself in 2022 — Sachse electronic ignition, Conti pipes and K&N pod filters installed. Starter removed and blanking plate fabricated and installed. All original parts kept.
The previous owner repainted the bodywork in the original black color.”
Gear gazer.
Venhill brake lines.
“Original horn has been removed and not reinstalled.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires with date codes of 2616 and 2517.
The sale includes three keys and original parts such as the starter, crankshaft gear, air boxes, and Silentium exhaust.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Surface rust on rims, paint on headlight rim flaking.”
Currently located in Orleans, Massachusetts, this Ducati is offered on a clean Massachusetts title. Have any 860 GT stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
