Ducati 860 GT, GTE, GTS and 900 GTS servicing
1974 to 1979 · 864cc square-case bevel-drive 90° V-twin, valve springs · Greenwich, London
Ray Petty Meccanica services, repairs and restores the Ducati 860 GT, GTE, GTS and 900 GTS (1974 to 1979) at its independent Ducati workshop in Greenwich, London. These square-case touring twins use valve springs and electronic ignition rather than Desmo heads and points, and RPM gives them the same care as the rarer sports models.
About the 860 GT, GTS and 900 GTS
The 860 GT replaced the 750 GT, with production starting in September 1974. Boring the 750 out by 6mm to 86mm gave 864cc, and Giorgetto Giugiaro styled the square-edged engine cases and folded-paper bodywork. The bevel drive was revised to be easier to assemble, the oil pump gave more flow and an external oil filter was added. The kickstart GT was joined in January 1975 by the electric-start GTE, and 2,987 of the two were built. Slow sales led to the 860 GTS for 1976, with a less angular tank, a new seat, electric start and twin front discs as standard. It was renamed 900 GTS for its final years, still at 864cc, and production ended in 1979, with the Desmo Darmah taking its place.
Servicing your 860 or 900 GTS
Every 860 and 900 GT model closes its valves with springs, and the clearances are set with screw-and-locknut adjusters, so valve checks are quicker than on a Desmo bevel. The contact breaker housing between the 750's bevel shafts is gone, replaced by Ducati Elettrotecnica electronic ignition. Twin 32mm Dell'Orto PHF pumper carburettors need balancing and the clutch is a wet multiplate. The GT is kickstart only; the GTE added an electric starter, which became standard on the GTS, and the 900 GTS kept a kickstart as well. Testers criticised the 860's switchgear and paint, and the 900 GTS got better switches. RPM works through the whole bike, from the bevels to the wiring, and calls you to agree anything beyond the job you booked.
Book your 860 GT, GTE, GTS and 900 GTS in
Tell us what it needs, or how long it's been off the road, and we'll take it from there.
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Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday and Monday: closed