The Ducati 860, 900 & Mille Bible

By Ian Falloon ISBN: 978-1-845-841218 Published by Veloce 160 pages hard cover RRP: $79.99 For the died-in-thewool Ducatisti, it was a sad day when the company’s trademark – bevel driven overhead camshafts – gave way to the characterless but highly efficient toothed rubber belt. But at least the vee twin (or L-twin) in true Ducati parlance, has stayed with us, ever since 1973. Tracing the numerous variations, prototypes, and production models is what this book is all about, and there are many more than you’d think. For the restorer there is important data as to switchgear, lights and other information as to what fits what. There are several racing sections, including a tilt to the ‘nearly man’ of the Castrol Six Hour Race, John Warrian, who almost won the 1975 race until the engine of his 900SS expired. The Appendix supplies not just specifications on the 860, 900 and 1000cc models, but colour charts and production run figures.