1974 DUCATI 750 SPORT - Lot 112

1974 DUCATI 750 SPORT

One of approximately 300 fifth series 750 Sports


When Ing. Fabio Taglioni conceived the 750 Ducati he always envisaged it as a sporting motorcycle. The first 750 Sport appeared in 1972 and immediately set a new standard for factory café racers.



Long, low and narrow, the 750 Sport was the perfect café racer. With clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs the rider stretched out over the sculptured tank, mimicking a road racer. Braking was still by the 750 GT’s single front disc brake and Grimeca rear drum and while engine changes consisted purely of lighter 9.3:1 slipper pistons and slightly larger Dell’Orto PHF 32 mm carburettors without air cleaners, the change was dramatic. Power was only up to a claimed 60 horsepower, but the difference in performance between a GT and Sport was considerable. The 90-degree twin cylinder layout ensured the 750 Sport remained vibration free right up to its 7,500rpm redline. And a pair of barking Conti mufflers did little to quell the noise and certainly announced the Sport’s arrival. The 750 Sport now vied for the title of the best performing 750 on the market. Not only was this a respectably fast bike for the day but it was probably also the best handling.



To quote the American magazine “Cycle” in it's June 1974 issue, “The 750 Sport has a great engine packaged with a brilliant chassis”. “Cycle” went on to say, “The Ducati 750, in any of its three incarnations, is still the best handling street machine available.” Praise was also heaped by “Two Wheels”, saying in October 1974, “The Ducati 750 Sport is not just a good bike-it is a truly exceptional motorcycle”. In England, “Motorcyclist Illustrated”, in July 1974 said, “The Ducati Sport stands level with the very best that history can offer to match it, and as a sporting machine probably better than almost any other big roadster in production”. Today the 750 is seen as the definitive 1970s factory café racer and one of the most desirable production Ducatis.



One of the final fifth series 750 Sports of 1974, this is an older restoration by Phil Hitchcock of “Road & Race.” While mostly original, it has been modified to accept a 900 SS seat and a Brembo/Grimeca front brake has replaced the Scarab. The standard seat is supplied. 1974 750 Sports received 860 GT handlebar switches and this example has the earlier, 1973 equipment and aftermarket Magura levers. With very little use since the restoration, a new battery has been fitted and this 750 Sport is offered in fully operational condition. Great to ride, show or display, and not current registered, the Veglia odometer displays 58,012 km.  Sold with an original sales brochure.