Riding A Real 1972 Ducati Imola 750 Racebike
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- Owning and riding a historic racebike is privilege and burden. There is no recovering from a crash. But it must be ridden, it’s what it was made for.
When Ducati showed up at the Imola 200 with a glass-sided transporter containing seven brand-new V-twin Formula 750 racers in April 1972, no one could believe it. The small company was known mostly for its single-cylinder streetbikes, making such a big factory effort outlandish for the time.
Those racebikes used desmodromic valve trains for the first time in a big V-twin, a technology that is still Ducati's signature today. To eliminate valve springs, the desmo's unique camshafts both open and close the valves, eliminating high-rpm valve float and potential spring breakage.
To Build A Brand
Although based upon Ducati 750 GT architecture, the Imola racers were actually hand-built in Ducati's race shop, using special steel frames, sand-cast cases, lightweight crankshafts, high-flow twin-plug cylinder heads, high/low exhausts, racing suspension, revolutionary triple disc brakes, and, suiting the psychedelic era, silver metalflake bodywork. Today, just two or three original 1972 Imola racers survive with this unique gelcoat finish, in which the metalflake was molded directly into the fiberglass.
On race day Paul Smart won, going away with the victory putting Ducati on the superbike map. After, Imola team bikes raced in countries where Ducati wanted to expand, including England and South Africa. The bike shown here last raced professionally in the South African TT, where it bent a rod and was retired. And then in 1996, chance brought it to America, where it was mechanically repaired but not restored.
A Fabergé Egg
Imola 200 champion Paul Smart owns his race winner, making this his backup bike. Every time I put my hands on it I am aware of the privilege and burden of owning a piece of history. It’s so original and authentic that it’s both mystical and terrifying, all at once. Since there are no known factory spares, there’s no recovering from a crash on this bike-and that’s where the terror comes in. The old bodywork is as fragile as butterfly wings, and so even routine servicing must be done with the utmost care.
Before firing the engine, the camshafts must be pre-lubricated by spinning the engine with the plugs out to circulate oil to them through the remote oil cooler. And when it fires up, the straight-cut primary gears, desmo valve train, 40mm pumper carbs, and open megaphones make a gutsy cocktail of noise.
We took the Imola to Corsa Motoclassica at Willow Springs International Raceway for its first track time since Smart rode it there in 2007. There is everything to lose and nothing to gain by running this bike, and yet this is what it was built for, and where its soul lives.
Harder Than It Looks
The ride looks easy but it’s actually not: At 6 feet, I’m too tall for the Imola, and struggle to tuck in my knees and elbows. The Ducati’s long wheelbase and raked-out steering make it super stable at speed but difficult to turn; it tends to push the front end and you must hang off to avoid grounding the right-side exhaust. Another worry is that 18-inch race tires are scarce today, and bombing around on street rubber feels exceedingly perilous.
Famously benefiting from perfect primary balance, the 90-degree V-twin runs as smooth as a lathe. Due to the simple total-loss ignition, there’s minimal flywheel effect and the revs spike quickly. But still, at Willow little happens below 6,000 rpm; instead, the engine just stumbles and misfires-mimicking a dead battery. Then magically at 6,000 rpm, the motor awakens and pulls hard to redline. Ecstasy on wheels.
The Long Run
Designed to survive a 200-mile race, the engine’s powerband flattens purposefully above 8,000 rpm, yet it’s so grunty between 6,000 to 8,000 revs that it always pulls the next gear with no difficulties. Smart remarked once that the engine felt like it fired at “every other lamppost,” and indeed, once in the powerband, the bike rushes along with little drama-except for the ripping wind and that gripping desmo V-twin oratorio.
Top speed is estimated at 150 mph, but there’s not room at Willow to get there. Instead, pulling through fifth gear, the Imola hits probably 130 on the straightaways. Rated at 84 hp, the Ducati has less than half the output of a modern superbike but is potent for a nearly half-century-old piece, and is still willing to run hard.
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Bikes were meant to ride , not sit on side stands . Thanks for not letting this one just sit .🙏👌✌️👍👊🙌
I bought a 1974 Ducati 750 Sport based on their success at Imola. I still have it and still love riding it. Love that sound.
I bought one as well in 1974! Yellow fuel tank. Mine was always hard to start, sold it after a couple of years. It’s good to see you kept yours.
@@gm16v149 Sorry to hear that. They weren't fully understood when they first came out, and the trick to get them running better was 2 things. Always start a cold engine with choke only and don't touch the throttle as it would flood easily. That engine would always fire up easily if choke only. And the biggie... throw the coils away and put some better Japanese ones on, as the Duke ran cold plugs and the supplied coils couldn't throw a good spark in a pink fit. The moment new coils went on, it never missed a beat and could run those cold plugs successfully.
RIP Paul Smart. Watched him race many times back in the 70's. A top bloke!
I had a 750 F-1 from 1986!!!!! The one of two in Sweden.I Race her in BOTT for two years 1989-1991 and sold her to a guy in Stockholm.Now she is back in my town and owend of a good friend of me who have restored her to the finest bike!!!
Back in the 80’s and 90’s I used to be a regular customer of Paul Smart’s Motorcycle Dealership in Paddock Wood, Kent, UK. I only mention this because perched high on a shelf above the main showroom floor was Paul’s winning Imola 750 Ducati displaying it’s battle-scarred patina. It sat their for many years mostly unnoticed by the passing trade and only a few understood the significance of the bike. Pure racing history like Paul himself who is a really engaging guy and happy to share stories of his antics with brother-in-law Barry Sheene. Wonderful memories.
I used to go there for a ride on my Guzzi Le Mans and admiring Pauls bike up on the shelf. Yes, good memories.
RIP Paul ,, went out on a Bike
@@andyb.1026
Do you know the circumstances of the accident in which Paul lost his life ??
Thanks.
@@mrgordonjohn6143 only that it was an RTA, but no details.
Thank you for the great video - RIP Paul killed only this week in a road traffic accident. Such a waste,following a great racing and business career. I was lucky enough to see his winning race Ducati in his Motorcycle showroom in Kent UK many years ago .
Those air-cooled Bevel-Drive Ducatis make SUCH a sound . And , yes , they are VERY stable at speed . The Leading Axle was to make them turn in better .
That was the best motorcycling video I've seen in years. Feels like old school petrolicious, and this is probably the best compliment I can give. What a bike, what a story, please make more of this!
Wow, thanks a lot! That's kind of the vibe I was going for in the edit, glad it came across that way!
When ever I see a Bevel drive race Ducati it reminds me of the greatest Ducati pilot who ever lived. Mike Hailwood.
Paul Smart reportedly passed away on 27th October this year (2021). I knew him slightly in the days when he began racing with a 125 Bultaco. RIP Paul. Les
Movies like these are rarely made.
The imola 750 certainly got it's due!
Urban myth has it that one of the 750s had a genuine Bologna house fly encapsulated in the clear section of the petrol tank; forever preserved, amber like, in one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made. RIP Paul Smart, never met him, but by all accounts a top bloke.
I had a 900ss and when you got that engine up near the red line it was pure magic.
That's what I call a proper bike....:-) I owned a 1973 Ducati 450ss single cylinder desmo bike in glorious yellow. Brought it new from the only Ducati dealer in UK at that time, nearly bankrupted me it was so expensive.....but worth every penny.....I still have it. Watched Paul Smart race quite a few times, great rider, I have a 1:12 scale model of his Ducati Race bike......not quite as good as the real thing...….:-)
I have a sparkletone silver 450 Desmo I acquired in the early '80s. Swapped a running '69 BSA Rocket 3 for it in some assembly required condition. Great bike, ported head, 30mm SS1 carb and Unity Equipe baffled megga, it's been clocked at 115mph. Keeping it 'til I can't ride.
I bought a 1973 750 Sport and raced in ERA and WERA. Later a 900 SS and raced it as well, had much success on both. They both are the most beautiful bikes ever made. I have an original poster of Spagiari that came with the 750 Sport. All much loved.
Rest in peace, Paul Smart.......
RIP Paul Smart. You'll be missed!
Many thanks for this loving depiction of a legend.
RUclips doesn’t get much better than this!
That sound!!! Is the sound of racing history ....
Thank you. That was wonderful.
I did notice that the steering dampener knob was loose.
Dampening probably not needed given the handling.
Wow. its so modern, that the steering damper is automatically adjusting all the time. They really were cutting edge :-P
The steering damper is loose, old mate forgot to tighten it!
@@ryanfelton7938 Thats the joke ;-)
That bike is a work of art and the artest is it's teacher . The Rider . Watching these bikes back then in the 60 and really the 70's was great thing to watch when I was a kid . Watching the riders lean their bikes into a curve is like a Ballaerina dancing in the rain . I bit of thunder and a bit of sun at the same time . The rider is like a lionhart taming a beast . The art becomes tame and dance .
The Bruno Spaggiari bike found its way to Melbourne, Australia, I believe. Saw it raced several times and it's still the best ex-works bike I've ever seen.
🙏Rip Paul Smart🌹
What a Dream Machine! Its an Artwork for All the Senses!! Keep the Rubber to the Road & Rpm's High! -Cheers🇦🇺👍🍻
Lovely machine,have had 900's in my time. Thanks for sharing.
Thank You so much for making this high quality video, so that we, the masses, can live vicariously through this. What a beautiful, reverent clip, appreciate it so.
Thanks so much for sharing your Ducati Factory built Imola Bike with us. Truly a legendary machine.Your video and words are top quality and pay tribute to Eng. Fabio Taglioni and of course Paul Smart. Really appreciate you putting this video together, I have watched it many times and enjoy it every time.
What beautiful music that bike makes at speed! Thanks for sharing this!
Fantastic story of a classic bike . Cheers
raced a 750 S and the bevel is the best technology enabled experience on 2 wheels, the long wheelbase is a thing but Willow Springs just looks like the right territory, thanks for taking it around gave me a good idea about the track and look forward to take my Ducati TTF1 there
Beautifully conceived and executed, with great mix of archival documents and garage and track video.
Great video. Thanks for letting us hear that engine hum. 😍
headphones a must for this great soundtrack. !!!
An old mate had an ex race MV for a while. It was perhaps even a bit special within its own class as it was bought from John Surties and finally ended up in the Barber museum. I always regret not taking Peter up on the offer when he first wanted to sell it as I suspect it is one of the most desired bikes of all time.
RIP Paul Smart.
A very special greet from Italy and a ❤ful thanks for this video that moved me so ! 👏👍💯 God bless you all guyz !!
“Drive like the wind
Straining the limits of machine and man” Beautiful video
Thanks for this amazing and beautiful movie ! Just great !
Fantastic video. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.
Nice video John! Loved it.
I'd say this one definitely belongs in a museum
Proudly Desmo Owner
Fantastic. Lovely bike. Hasnt dated at all. Still looks hot. He understands riding a motorcycle too. Brought back lots of memories of being on a bike. I rode for 25 years, hard core. I dont any more.
awesome reverence for an awesome machine
Thank you so much for sharing.
On board sounds amazing!
RIP Paul Smart , legend 👌🏻😎
RIP Paul Smart 23-04-1943 to 27-10-2021 ( is up on You Tube ) God speed to a real Gentleman racer of the (any) paddock ...."knock it down, chuck it in , scrag it out" Sir like ...THE BOTTOM OF BARREGARROW...
Goosebumps.
It's a beauty. You're priveleged. Thank you for filming it.
My brothers mates were Ducati fans. GT750, 750SS greenframe, and silver/ blue 900SS, 750SS all of them broke down. I loved them but .......
Magnificent!
Thank you 🍀
If only Ducati got the styling, the sound and the performance of these machines right, they would have been legendry.
A video that was pure pleasure and nostalgia to watch. Many thanks.
Beautiful
i WAS RIDING WITH YOU, SAW THE AREAS YOU WERE SAFE ON, GOOD JOB. i PUT MANY LAPS AROUND WILLOW, LOVED THAT TRACK. i'M FROM THE ALAMEDA BUT ALWAYS MADE WILLOW
Whoa. MUSIC! What a bike.
Music to my ears
What a Honor to ride this ducati. Awesome.
In 1972 Paul Smart was competing for the Bob Hansen Kawasaki team in the AMA road racing events in the United States riding the newly introduced Kawasaki H2R. Paul was under contract with Team Hansen and told Bob he was offered the ride with Ducati. He asked Bob if he would let him do it and Bob said "Don't let me stand in your way" Paul went on to win the race. Then continued to race the Kawasaki until his contract was over.
Sounds amazing for Gopro audio!!! They did a great job in Post..............😎
AWESOME!
Terrific! Thank you.
I know the area well, having worked a total of 6 and a half on one of the big wind farms just north of there.
Wonderful video to watch.
On a related note, a pal and I went exploring just over the hill above the track. It turns out that the first few minutes, and the last few minutes of "Blazing Saddles" was filmed there.
It would seem prudent to me that if you are taking it to the track or even riding it all that modern replica bodywork which is readily available should be used. Even if it's just a display bike. Wooden crate that butterfly bodywork up in foam and save it for special occasions!
Thanks for the lap of Willow. It's been decades since I've been on that track and it doesn't look like much has changed out there.
Beautiful bike on a beautiful day. A perfect ride and video.
Just stupendous! what a fantastic and wieldy machine. Sounds like a single goes like a bat out of hell!
What a beautiful video!
Nice bike. Them 2 thumbers have always produced a special ride and amacing sound.
There are really only a few racing bikes in the world that carry a certain mystic about them. Mike Hailwoods TT returning Ducati, Joey Dunlops 2000 Isle of Man winning SP1 Honda, Kenny Roberts TZ750 flat track Yamaha and even maybe one of Evel Knievels Harley Davidsons... To mention a few..
the MV Agusta 500 triples take some beating
@@gillb2268 well said... Even the 4 cylinder 350 held its own against the TZ 350..
@@Team-fabulous the sound of the four strokes of the fifties and sixties made the hairs on the back of your neck raise, ironically now I would love to hear the wail of the two strokes too
Things of beauty! Thanks for sharing!
Great movie. You should ride this diva in the „Lap of honour“ at the classic TT isle of man. Fabio T and Mike the bike would send a smile for you from heaven....
Excellent, thank you for sharing that beautiful machine ...next film, what made the Honda Trail 90 so popular
RIP Paul Smart
Well done.
I will hope they secured the steering damper as it's rattling around.
I owned a '76 900 SS in 1979 and a 74 yellow sport found in 1990 in the states
RIP Paul Smart..
great video , very nostalgic ... cheers ..
Very cool, thank you.
One very lucky man
One word. Awesome!
Beautiful !!!
Yes!!! Keep it going!!!
Wonderful!!?
real legend
If it was made by man it can be remade by man. But it will cost 3 times as much lol.
Fantastico! Go John!
this rider is smooth
Awesome
Is that Jarno Saarinen`s wife holding the pit board at 1:12? Looks like Soili.
lovely film! tell me "bike bent rod" I thought the point of desmo its no pushrods
A bent rod typically refers to a bent connecting rod, which is the thing between the crankshaft and the piston. And no overhead cam Ducatis had pushrods. The desmo eliminated the valve springs by adding a closing cam.
Fantastico!
Who owns number 16 now. I saw one at Daytona around 1993, with the number 16. It was amoung the bikes owned by Tean Obsolete.
Pity one can't hear it over that darned piano!
That big nob on top of the upper triple tree is moving around when he's in a full tuck shots! Isn't that supposed to be tightened down and not moving around?
Probably not needed for a smooth course. Dampers are needed when the corners are bumpy and/or have dips and crests.
Normally, the rider will tighten the steering damper a little bit so it doesn't dance about, but I can assure you, tightening the damper so it will eliminate wobbles, cornering weaves, and dreaded tank slappers is not needed on a properly set up bevel drive Ducati.
I believe Borat once said "Wawa Wiwa it's a very nice"
Outstanding! :)
It sounds and rides a lot like the Sport 1000.
At 1:14 you can see the magnificent Soeli Saarinen signaling her husband...a top-class racing wife.
Why does Cycle World only make videos about expensive European bikes?
Why are you not driving in Imola !