1976 Ducati 860 GTS

I have for sale my 1976 Ducati 860 GTS, I am selling the bike as I have lot a bit of my enthusiasm for motorcycling, and I think it's got to the stage where it may become difficult for me to manage it, that is the only reason, I do not need to sell the bike but I would like to, offers considered.

I mention, in the advert that I don't need to sell the bike, however, after much deliberation I have come to the conclusion that I probably will not use it again, therefore I have reduced the price.

I will start first with the bike in general then go onto the engineering work done.

The bike is a 1976 bike in the blue metallic with the silver stripes with the speedo showing 15, 900 miles and is in very, very nice, exceptional, condition as you can see from the pictures, other pictures are available if you require any. The bike is fitted with genuine Conti silencers which give that nice Ducati rumble, it also retains it's original switchgear, which so many have lost over the years and the original headlight with the wide rim, again very expensive to buy, it even retains it's alloy brake master cylinder cap with the cast in triangle.

It is also fitted with an up to date Electronik Sasche programmable ignition system which goes where the original system is fitted rather than the older system the gets bolted onto the end of the rear cylinder camshaft and necessitates cutting the side panel . It is also fitted with the 'window' camshaft cover which allows you to view the bevel driving the cam, one bonus of this is that you can check and ensure that there is a good flow of oil to the cylinder head.

With it being the GTs it is fitted with the mechanical arm starter so it does not have the starter sprag weaknesses of the later bikes, Darmah etc. it has had a new starter chain fitted about 10 miles ago.
The seat looks to have been recovered at some time recently and looks to be a genuine Ducati cover all black with the logo on the back no contrasting stitching or colours.

The wheels are immaculate along with the spokes, I have fitted a new chain and rear sprocket about 10 miles ago. The brakes have been fully serviced recently with complete rebuild of the callipers, replacing pistons and seals with new parts and the master cylinder was also refurbished with a new piston kit and bellows. The brake lines have been replaced with black braided lines but the rubber ones they replaced will come with the bike in case you would like complete originality. The tyres are Continentals Front and Rear, hardly used at all and the moulding 'hairs' not worn off yet. The rear suspension has Koni adjustable units fitted.

The bike will come with spare keys, an original 1976 handbook with the GTS supplement inside, workshop manuals, parts books etc. and a large amount of receipts showing parts fitted/ replaced, I would hate to count the total spent.

On the engineering side, it looks from the paperwork, it has had lots done to it and spent on it, and it has been done on the proper parts of the bike, the engine.
There is one receipt alone from the well known Dutch Ducati Specialists company 'Back to Classics' for nearly 8, 000 Euros which includes;

Cylinder Linings,
Pistons
Con rod Assembly Kit at 840 Euros
Valves
Valve Guides & Springs
Electronic ignition
Along with an engineering report and measurements for work done on the crank shaft.

There is a lot more info in the numerous receipts that are with it and been kept over the years.
I am sure, although this advert is fairly lengthy, I have missed out bits, if there are any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I looked at a number of 860's before finding and deciding on this one, the bike is in really lovely condition, it took me a while, and a bit of travelling to find the right one, it is a great all rounder any prospective buyer would be happy with the bike.

The bike is simple to ride, has a fair old grunt to it and sounds lovely with the Conti's fitted.

If I like it that much and have spent a bit on it why am I selling it?
I could go on about needing cash for another project or something similar but the truth is after 49 years of owning and riding and restoring motorcycles, I seem to have lost my enthusiasm; plain and simple, I have kind of fell out of love with motorcycling that, and managing the bikes, are the only reasons for selling.

I would like to ask £12, 850, which, on looking at the prices of some others I think is reasonable, although I don't have to sell I would like to.

Any test ride would be allowed provided I have a large cash deposit in exchange, proof of ID and insurance which allows you to ride another vehicle fully comp.
Sorry about the rules bit but I would not like to be messed about, just being careful and trying to make life simpler for both parties.

Thanks for looking, as I said ANY questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Cheers
Robert