Still Truckin’ – 1986 Ducati 750 F1

One of Ducati’s earliest racey replica’s the 1985-88 750 F1 was based on the engine from the Pantah.   Rather than retire and restore, this owner has continued to ride, update and repair the bike.  The result is a rider, not a museum piece, but one you could throw a leg over and enjoy today.

1986 Ducati 750 F1 for sale on eBay

Presented as the factory was struggling with cash flow issues, the engineering done for the 750 F1 was limited, and the bikes lightweight, focused on sport.  The desmodue achieved 76 hp, routed through a dry clutch and 5-speed transmission.  Suspension was fairly basic with single-adjustable 40 mm forks and monoshock.  Stoppage provided by triple 280mm Brembo brakes, fronts semi-floating.   Now a classic Ducati look, the trellis frame peeks behind the tricolore endurance fairing.

Showing a little over 27,000 miles, this 750 F1 looks great, as its age translates to less that 1,000 miles per year.  Beside only the normal patina of a road bike, the maintenance history is good news.  From the eBay auction:

1986 Ducati F1 (ZDM3AAALXGB751485) in excellent overall condition with very few minor cosmetic blemishes: two small dime sized dings on right top edge of tank, some spider crazing on fiberglass fairing, some minor paint scratches and touchups where needed. See pictures for some details. 3^rd owner from new.

PHF 38mm carbs fitted. Two into one original Conti exhaust sounds great. Kill switch and switch gear from Bevel Heaven. Belts changed end of 2013; in 2014, less than 700 miles ago, new tires, new chain, replacement rear Hagon mono shock; overhauled front and rear brake calipers; new vacuum petcock. Has slight leak on front fork seals, need replacing sooner or later.

In hindsight, Ducati’s laser focus on getting the F1’s out the door, while depriving them of the latest innovations, made for a lighter, more raw, and sportier build.  It also got them over the hump, and with Cagiva’s ( note Elephant decals ) help, they were on to bigger and better, as the belt-driven desmoquattros were just over the horizon.  Total production of the 1986 F1 was around 1,200 machines, now how many could say they were kept operational, ridden, maintained and updated over that 30 years ?

-donn