The Honda CB750, Moto Guzzi V7, Vincent Black Lightning, BSA GoldStar, BMW R69, Triumph Bonneville, Suzuki GSX-R750, There’s a handful of iconic motorcycles out there that have managed to stand the test of time and carve out a very special place in history. The 1973 Ducati 750 Sport is very much one of those motorcycles. Considered the gold-standard of cafe racers by many, the ’73 750 Sport has been one of the most influential bikes for manufacturers and backyard cafe-builders alike. Ducati’s hip and exclusive 2006-2010 Sport Classic 1000 was largely based on this beloved 1970’s Ducati.
At the 1970 Paris Salon Ducati unveiled the 750 GT. Between the already solid bikes with an array of optional bells and whistles coming from Japan and the GT straying a little too far from what Ducati customers had grown to expect, the bike was met with a cold reception and disappointing sales numbers. Going back to the drawing board , Fabio Taglioni (the bike’s designer) made changes to the GT resulting in the iconic 750 Sport being debuted at Salon of Holidays in Tornio in November of ’72. Before Ducati would begin deliveries in mid-late April, Paul Smart would pilot a Desmo 750 to victory at the 1972 200 Miles of Imola race which would compound what would have already been satisfying sales numbers at the Italian manufacturer, cementing the 750’s place in motorcycle history.
Not only is this example absolutely pristine, but it was also crowned best in class at the Moto Concorso in affluent Monterey, California. From what I gather the bike is all original, never rebuilt and appears to be wearing its factory orange paint. This elite, vintage two-wheeler is one of the most coveted bikes a Ducatista could ever have the privilege of owning.
Based on this bike’s awards, its price, its only having 13.389 original miles and the vehicles it shares a garage with (at least in the photos), it’s more than safe to assume this is one of the most pristine examples of a 750 Sport out there. This gorgeous 1973 Ducati 750 Sport can be found here on Craigslist in San Carlos, CA with a price of $59,995 (because $60k would just be ridiculous).