The "Grey Bike" Goes On The Block...**SOLD!**

Fran’s “Grey Bike” was the inspiration for my return to the racetrack and gave me a bar to reach for when I was putting together The Original Loud Bike.  I spent my fiirst two years chasing him around Mosport and can bear witness to the impressive (low-mid-70s) horsepower and exemplary handling.  The Grey Bike was different than my old bevel despite the bikes being so similar on paper – Fran’s bike is a true time machine that transports you back to the days when men were men and they actually rode these things to the hairy edge.

In Fran’s own words:

1974 750 Sport desmo.... 

When I bought this bike in ’81 I was told it had originated from Keith Harte, Grimsby, ON although clearly it had served its owner well as a canvas for his personal expression, since many of the bikes original fitments were gone.  Morris Mags, heavy as truck rims were the hot ticket in 1977, Tomaselli Commander multi-adjustable clipons and Mulholland shocks made the scene so the bike was subsequently fitted and prepped for Ducati Owners Club track days (unique in 1980) and Classic/Vintage racing. It was a natural fit since the bike needed a lot of help.

Like all the truly sporting Ducatis, a 750 Sport was engineered to go well, particularly in comparison with its contemporaries.  Since the Morris wheels were naff, the proper 2.15 Borrani 18” front and an Akront 3” rear allowed for track-appropriate rubber on this one.   The leading-axle Marzocchi fork was care-worn as were the Scarab brakes so a 38mm Ceriani kit with uprated Brembos on NOS rotors was adapted to good effect.  Little regret accompanied ditching the points ignition in favour of Dyna and KV coils.

           

Imola high pipes in stainless provide the proper ground clearance, look and most importantly—that sound!  Up the straightaway with those trombones blaring in concert with that smooth engine is unforgettable and unique.

These more practical performance considerations benefitted from ongoing development but engine performance needed to also evolve with the times for sake of reliability and that competitive urge, too.  JE pistons? Check. Better have Carillos and MBP crankshaft upgrade with that.  Might as well have the late model Darmah gearbox lubra-film coated and shimmed to a nice Italian dry clutch (sourced by Reno Leoni who also supplied head work on the last available 750ss desmo heads Ian Gowanloch had).

In point form:
- 1974 750 Sport –
Recently rebuilt 750 Sport motor:

• Reno Leoni ported 750SS DESMO heads
• Carrillo rods
• JE Pistons
• MBP crank
• NCR Dry Clutch
• Darmah dry film lubricated gearbox
• Direct feed line line from main oil gallery to rockers
• 40mm Mallossi (Dellorto) carbs
• Dyna Ignition
• Nology plug wires
• Outlander stainless Imola Replica pipes
• Aluminum bevel tubes

1974 750 Sport chassis:

• 2.15 Borrani 18” front and an 3” Akront rear aluminum rims with stainless spokes and nipples
• AM 22 and AM23 Avon SC compound tires
• Works “Gasser” shocks
• Reworked 38mm Ceriani forks on Marzocchi triple clamps
• Old school Veglia “white face” tach
• 900SS clip-ons
• TA Baker aluminum Imola Replica fuel tank
• Rear disk brake conversion.
• Braided steel brake lines front and rear

High-rez pics are available HERE.

This is a race or track day-ready machine – add gas, tickle the carbs, run, bump and go.

Steal it for $18,000US by emailing Fran at fmcd@storm.caor calling him at 819-647-3920