Ducati GTS 5/77 Manufacture (engine number 854XXX)

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VinceGTS900
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Ducati GTS 5/77 Manufacture (engine number 854XXX)

Post by VinceGTS900 »

Need some help. I picked up a GTS with a manufacture date of 5/77. It is plated as a 1978, but it is not a Bosch engine and has the external shift on the sprocket cover.

It is missing the triple trees, but has a pair of Ceriani forks (may not be original). Two questions:
1. Does anyone know whether this GTS came with Maz. or Ceriani forks
2. I see BevelHeaven has triples available for either type, but does anyone have a complete front end? Forks and triple clamps?

Thanks,

Vince
2013 HyperStrada
2010 KTM450 XC-W
1985 Mille S2
1982 Katana
1978 GTS900
1963 Bronco 125
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Craig in France
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Re: Ducati GTS 5/77 Manufacture (engine number 854XXX)

Post by Craig in France »

VinceGTS900 wrote:Two questions:
1. Does anyone know whether this GTS came with Maz. or Ceriani forks
2. ... does anyone have a complete front end?
Hi Vince

Ian Fallon dates the change over to Marzocchis as coming after frame number 853669, some time during 1979. What number is yours?

(Can't help with a front-end, I'm afraid ...)

Craig
VinceGTS900
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Re: Ducati GTS 5/77 Manufacture (engine number 854XXX)

Post by VinceGTS900 »

Thanks Craig, I read that too. Mine starts 854XXX. The early SDs of 1977 have Ceriani and some say that Ducati would put whatever they had on their bikes.
Vince
2013 HyperStrada
2010 KTM450 XC-W
1985 Mille S2
1982 Katana
1978 GTS900
1963 Bronco 125
User avatar
Craig in France
Paso 906
Posts: 972
Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:58 pm
Location: Montpellier, France

Re: Ducati GTS 5/77 Manufacture (engine number 854XXX)

Post by Craig in France »

VinceGTS900 wrote:Mine starts 854XXX.
It's interesting to see the range of dates given for "854xxx" bikes in Robert Miller's list. Putting aside a few weirdos, it goes right thru from 1976 for 854001 to 1979 for 854958.
VinceGTS900 wrote: Ducati would put whatever they had on their bikes.
For sure. If they're on the shelf, you'd use 'em up, no? (Ceriani finally closed in 1980, btw).
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