Ducati twins · 1971–1974
Ducati 750 GT: history and buying advice
The first Ducati V-twin.
History
The 750 GT was the first Ducati with Fabio Taglioni’s 90° V-twin, the engine layout that later made Ducati famous. Each cylinder has its own overhead camshaft, driven by a bevel shaft.
Just over 4,100 were built from 1971 to 1974. The 750 Sport and 750 SS grew out of the GT.
Key data
| Engine | 2 cylinders, 90° V (L-twin), bevel drive |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 80 × 74.4 mm, 748 cc |
| Power | c. 50 hp |
| Gearbox | five speeds |
| Brakes | 280 mm disc front, drum rear |
| Weight | c. 185 kg dry |
What to check when buying
- Listen to the bevel shafts: a slight whine is normal, loud rattling points to worn gears or wrongly shimmed gears.
- Look for oil leaks at the bevel tubes and the heads.
- Matching numbers: compare frame and engine numbers; many GTs have been converted into a Sport or SS.
- Setting up the bevel shafts and bevel gears is specialist work; allow for it in the price.
- Check the charging and the electrics, which often need attention on this generation.