1986 Ducatti 750 F1 750cc

Considered by many enthusiasts to be the last of the 'real' (pre-Cagiva takeover) Ducatis, the race-styled 750 F1 first appeared in 1985. Ducati had already enjoyed considerable success with its Pantah-derived F2 racers in FIM Formula 2 racing - Tony Rutter winning the championship four times running between 1981 and 1984 - so a '750' version was the logical next step.

First seen in prototype form in endurance races in 1983, the F1's 748cc engine was the latest in a long line of stretches applied to the original 500c 'belt drive' Desmo unit that had first appeared in the Pantah in 1979. An markedly over-square design of 88mm x 61.5mm bore/stroke, the F1 engine produced around 60bhp and functioned as a stressed element within the frame, the swinging arm pivoting in the rear of the gearbox. Clearly visible above the deliberately cut away fairing sides, the aforementioned frame attracted almost as much attention as the engine: a trellis of short, straight tubes, it has formed the basis of every road-going Ducati since, as well as the first Desmosedici Moto GP racers. In the fashion of the day, the F1 came with a 16" front wheel, while braking power was provided by state-of-the-art triple Brembos. The stock F1 was complemented by a series of hand-built limited edition race replicas – Montjuich, Santamonica and Laguna Seca – the last inspired by Marco Lucchinelli's famous 'Battle of the Twins' race victory at Daytona in 1986.

Today, the evocatively named F1 and its derivatives are highly prized by Ducati collectors. First registered on 7th August 1986, this Ducati F1 was purchased by its second owner, the renowned collector and entrepreneur, Robert White, in September 1989 from Three Cross Motorcycles (sales invoice on file). The Ducati formed part of Robert White’s Collection from 1989 up until 2016 when he then auctioned off his collection, with the current owner being the lucky bidder that day and he, in turn, has kept it in his heated garage ever since.

In late January 2017, the bike was entrusted to Rhodes & Track for recommissioning and they went right through it including a carb overhaul, replacement hoses, chain, sprockets, plugs, gaskets, battery, fresh fluids, new tyres and the fairing was painted. This work amounted to £1,818 and the invoice is on file.

Presented in unrestored condition, this fabulous Ducati displays a, believed-genuine, 10,787km (approximately 6,702 miles) on the odometer and is offered with SORN paperwork and its V5C registration document.

N.B. Please note this lot will be sold with a buyers premium of 15% plus VAT as per our usual motorcycle terms.