Ducati did at least demonstrate a willingness to listen to criticism, as the following year the 860 GTS was launched not just with the GT’s optional second front disc and electric starter as standard, but with flatter handlebars, too. For European riders the GTS was basically the Gran Turismo machine that the GT should have been all along. Its high-speed stability was impeccable, proving that the original model’s problem was due to the bars, as suspected. And it was well braked and started effortlessly, thanks to the aforementioned updates.

Being a Ducati, of course, it still had a few annoying faults, particularly the corrosion-prone paint finish and truly awful switchgear that made it all too easy to plunge yourself into darkness when trying to operate the headlight’s high beam switch. With a sportier riding position the bike’s performance would be more easily used, but the essential quality of the original GT model’s design still shows through. Ducati’s first 864cc V-twin had a few flaws, but the 860GT deserves a place in the Bologna hall of fame, nevertheless. And while somewhat ignored for years, today it’s perhaps the last affordable classic Ducati available. MC 

Resources
• Bevel Heaven
• Ducati