Well, aren’t online bidding platforms just full of exhilarating surprises?
The 1977 Ducati 500 GTV can’t exactly be described as the manufacturer’s most sought-after machine, but hardcore Ducatistas with a soft spot for classic rides might still be intrigued by the idea of owning one such entity. Its framework hugs a four-stroke 497cc parallel-twin powerplant, with a compression ratio of 9.6:1 and two valves per cylinder.
When the tachometer sits at 7,500 spins per minute, the air-cooled mill is capable of feeding 39 ponies to a five-speed transmission. Ultimately, the oomph is routed to the rear 18-inch hoop via a chain final drive, resulting in a modest top speed of 102 mph (165 kph). At the front, the entire structure is supported by Paioli telescopic forks, while rear suspension duties are taken good care of by dual Marzocchi shocks.
Furthermore, optimal stopping power is summoned by a triplet of Brembo brake rotors. The retro Duc will tip the scales at 430 pounds (195 kg) on a full stomach, and its wheelbase measures 55.1 inches (1,400 mm). Now, you might say these characteristics sound rather unexciting, and we’re inclined to agree.
However, the 500 GTV is one rare piece of Bologna’s moto history. If you’re thinking that a ‘77 MY variant would look right at home in your garage, we’ve got some good news to share with you. The bike we’re featuring here is being auctioned online as we speak, and it manages to look as young as ever.
This whole ordeal is happening over at Bring A Trailer, where the auctioning period is open until Saturday, June 19. For the time being, you’d need just over three grand to top the current bid on this old-school creature. The stallion comes equipped with a pair of rectangular mirrors (not our cup of tea) that sit atop the handlebar, while its bodywork appears to have been repainted to keep things nice and fresh. Lastly, the odometer tells us that it’s been ridden for about 9k miles (14,000 km).
When the tachometer sits at 7,500 spins per minute, the air-cooled mill is capable of feeding 39 ponies to a five-speed transmission. Ultimately, the oomph is routed to the rear 18-inch hoop via a chain final drive, resulting in a modest top speed of 102 mph (165 kph). At the front, the entire structure is supported by Paioli telescopic forks, while rear suspension duties are taken good care of by dual Marzocchi shocks.
Furthermore, optimal stopping power is summoned by a triplet of Brembo brake rotors. The retro Duc will tip the scales at 430 pounds (195 kg) on a full stomach, and its wheelbase measures 55.1 inches (1,400 mm). Now, you might say these characteristics sound rather unexciting, and we’re inclined to agree.
However, the 500 GTV is one rare piece of Bologna’s moto history. If you’re thinking that a ‘77 MY variant would look right at home in your garage, we’ve got some good news to share with you. The bike we’re featuring here is being auctioned online as we speak, and it manages to look as young as ever.
This whole ordeal is happening over at Bring A Trailer, where the auctioning period is open until Saturday, June 19. For the time being, you’d need just over three grand to top the current bid on this old-school creature. The stallion comes equipped with a pair of rectangular mirrors (not our cup of tea) that sit atop the handlebar, while its bodywork appears to have been repainted to keep things nice and fresh. Lastly, the odometer tells us that it’s been ridden for about 9k miles (14,000 km).