Sydney 860 GTS on the road again (after 12 years)

[lampedusa]

A couple of weeks ago I wondered if I'd ever write this introduction - I wanted to get my GTS back on the road first. I bought my 76 860 GTS last July, but it was January before I got stuck into fixing it. The bike had been 'parked' 12 years ago, so I spent most of my time on the front brakes and the carbs - petrol and brake fluid were no longer fully liquid. It took several attempts to get the carbs properly unclogged and functioning. The tank was also perforated by rust - fixed with a local 3-step tank treatment from KBC coatings. Initially the bike would only run on the front cylinder and only on the choke, but little by little it has come good. Last week I got the bike inspected and registered as a NSW Historic vehicle (over 30 years old).

Back in the UK in the 70's the best bike I owned was Z900, but a couple of lengthy test rides from Three Legged Cross on a 900SS made a lasting impression. This GTS is the first Ducati I've ever owned - when it comes to contemporary Italian machinery, I prefer Aprilias - I have a 2002 Mille RSVR and a much modified 2003 SL1000R.

I'll post a couple of photos of the GTS soon - it is remarkably original and apart from a few cosmetic flaws, looks remarkably fresh.

Do the Sydney bevelheads get together from time to time?

Peter

[BevHevSteve]

Welcome aboard Peter