Ducati’s TT1 was a 748cc race bike based on the iconic TT2, a bike that dominated in competition and won multiple world championships. The TT1 ultimately wouldn’t be as successful as its predecessor, but the 750 was nonetheless a solid racer. Different sources make different claims but depending on who you ask somewhere between 50 and 60 TT1 racers were built, though Ducati would go on to release the TT1-derived road-going F1 750. Today the TT1 is one of the most desirable and collectible Ducati’s ever made, largely thanks to its rarity.
Powering the TT1 was a 748cc version of Ducati’s Desmo Pantah engine that utilized toothed belts to drive the overhead cams instead of the bevel-drive engine’s tower-shaft arrangement. Tucked behind the TT1’s bodywork was a front-mounted oil-cooler which received airflow via the holes in the front fairing. Eventually, this platform would evolve into the air/oil-cooled L-twin that serves as the marque’s trademark engine through today. Another factor that led to the TT1’s elite status was its ridiculous performance capabilities. Upon its release, the TT1 managed to have successful results in endurance competitions, the American Battle of the Twins series, and was used to win an Italian F1 championship.
Wrapped around the L-twin was a Taglioni-designed engineering masterpiece of a trellis frame built by Verlicchi. In addition to the bored and stroked TT2 engine, the TT1 also boasted a Verlicchi swingarm that was widened to accommodate a wider rear wheel, a move that also required an offset countershaft sprocket in order to clear the new larger rubber. The trick frame combined with top-shelf suspenders and a 16” and 18” wheel combo added up to an incredibly sharp handling machine. It was also pretty powerful for its day, making a cool 94 hp at 10,000rpm.
This particular example isn’t all original but some of the non-factory parts do bolster this TT1’s performance and/or reliability. The Verlicchi-framed TT1 is powered by a 750 from a Ducati Paso with dual 36mm carbs like on the original bike as well as a two-into-one exhaust. Unlike the 16” and 18” combo originally on the TT1, this example has 17” rims fore and aft wrapped in Dunlop rubber. The suspension consists of an adjustable conventional fork up front and an Ohlins monoshock in back. A lithium ion battery is paired with the example’s original alternator and an adjustable ignition. Lastly a Veglia tachometer was added along with all new bodywork adorned in newly sprain classic blue and red TT1 paint.
This example isn’t the real thing, but it’s not that far off and the frame alone definitely adds some value. Whether or not it’s original, its certainly a beautiful bike. You can find this 1983 Ducati TT1 (replica build) for sale here on RaceBikeMart in France with a price of $20,000.