1971 Ducati GT750
F
ive issues ago we heralded the arrival
at Ducati of designer Fabio Taglioni,
and following several early innovations,
the launch of his GT750 prototype in 1970.
The significance of this was considerable.
There was nothing new about twin cylinder
motorcycles, they had been around since
the dawn of two-wheeled propulsion. What
was new was the L-shaped configuration of
the cylinders. Many called it a V-twin, but in
reality it should be described as an L-twin
– which is how Ducati still describes the
90-degree configuration today.
If the whole engine was slanted backwards
the cylinders would form what would make a
very wide V, but that would produce heating
problems for the rear cylinder. With the front
cylinder being placed almost horizontally,
it meant the almost upright rear cylinder
would be exposed to air flow and not cause
overheating. It also gave the bike a long,
lean and attractive appearance.
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