DUCATI 860 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 1976, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 860 GTS, a standard or sport-touring motorcycle that debuted in 1974 as the 860 GT. Compared to the 860GT, the 860 GTS was restyled.

The 1974 and 1975 Ducati 860 GTE models were fitted with an electric starter. Starting in 1975, all models were fitted with electric starters, and the final two model years had the name changed to 900 GTS.

The bike's visual department was characterized by standard features, such as a round headlight up front with analog instruments mounted on top, a wide handlebar, a one-piece dual seat, side-mounted shocks on the rear, a dual exhaust system, a center stand, and wire-spoke wheels.

The bike's wheels were fitted with two 280 mm discs on the front coupled to single-piston calipers and a 200 mm drum braking unit on the rear, providing optimum stopping performance.

The bike was built around a steel frame with a telescopic fork on the front and three-way adjustable Marzocchi shocks on the rear, delivering optimum suspension performance and handling.

In the performance department, the 1976 Ducati 860 GTS had its soul brought to life by an 864cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine managed by two Dell'Orto carburetors, delivering an output power of 65 hp with a peak force at 7,200 rpm and 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) torque at 4,000 rpm.

The Ducati 860 GT, also known as the 860 GTE, 860 GTS, or 900 GTS, was a standard or sport-touring motorcycle manufactured by Ducati from 1974 to 1975. It was replaced in 1976 by the restyled 890 GTS and produced until 1979.

The 1974 and 1975 models were equipped with electric start and named 860 GTE. Starting in 1975, all models were fitted with electric starters, and the final two model years, the name was changed to 900 GTS.

In addition, an American version was manufactured for every model year, which featured the gear shifter on the left side with an external rod.

In 1974, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 860 GTE, a standard or sport touring machine developed for long hauls. It featured a classic design and an upright riding position.

The bike had standard features, such as a round headlight on the front, analog instruments, a one-piece dual seat, a chromed dual exhaust system, a wide handlebar, a black-finished frame, and lightweight wire-spoke wheels.

The 1974 Ducati 860 GTE had installed an 864cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine underneath its fuel tank, fed by two Dell'Orto carburetors, delivering 65 hp at 7,200 rpm and 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) torque at 4,000 rpm.

The engine was married to a five-speed manual transmission that sent the power to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 195 kph (121 mph).