Ducati twins · 1986–1992
Ducati Paso: history and buying advice
Tamburini’s fully enclosed sports bike.
History
The Paso was the first new Ducati under Cagiva. Massimo Tamburini, co-founder of Bimota, drew a fairing that hid all the mechanicals; that was new at the time. The name is a tribute to racer Renzo Pasolini. The design was later shown in the Guggenheim exhibition The Art of the Motorcycle.
The 750 had the air-cooled engine of the 750 F1 with a single Weber car carburettor. That carburettor and the electrics caused many problems. In 1989 came the 906 with a liquid-cooled 904 cc engine, and in 1991 the 907 i.e. with fuel injection, which largely solved the problems. About 4,863 Paso 750s, 1,802 906s and 2,303 907 i.e.s were built.
Key data
| Engine | 90° V-twin, desmodromic, cam belts |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 750: 88 × 61.5 mm, 748 cc |
| Carburettor | Weber (750 and 906); fuel injection (907 i.e.) |
| Power | 750: c. 72 hp; 906: 88 hp; 907 i.e.: 90 hp |
| Top speed | 750: c. 210 km/h |
| Weight | 750: c. 195 kg dry |
| Production | 4,863 (750), 1,802 (906), 2,303 (907 i.e.) |
What to check when buying
- The Weber carburettor of the 750 and 906 is sensitive. Ask whether it has been set up properly or replaced, and take a test ride from cold.
- Check the electrics thoroughly: charging, fuses and connectors under the fairing.
- Ask when the cam belts were replaced.
- The fairing hides a lot. Have it taken off to see leaks and rust.
- The 907 i.e. is the most reliable. Know which version you are buying.
SourcesWikipedia: Ducati Paso (English)Rider Magazine: Ducati Paso 750 (English)