BIKE:	1974 750 Super Sport
OWNER:	Keith Hale
LOCATION:	California
MILEAGE:	100,000+
ENGINE:	Motors for the 750 Super Sports, Ducati's first desmodronic L-twin, were built  in the race shop under the direct supervision of Dr. Taglioni. Special milled and polished crankshaft and con-rods attach to forged Mondial slipper type 9.5:1 pistons. Air and fuel is managed by a pair of Del Orto PHM 40As. I've replaced rings and guides as required, tossed the helper springs and swapped the "bird screen" velocity stacks for proper air cleaners. I've also changed out the points for a Rita electronic ignition.
CHASSIS:	Stock except: Wider rear rim to accomodate Goodyear slicks "back in the day". Both rims gold anodized with stainless spokes. Custom built Works Performance rear shocks. I shelved the Scarab front brakes and installed Grimeca calipers and a modern Brembo master cylinder. This winter I reluctantly replaced the repainted (twice), relined (thrice), but still leaking (arrgh) fiberglass fuel tank with a hand formed aluminum unit by Evan Wilcox. Purists may object, but the polished tank looks rock'n'roll and keeps the bike on the road. Besides, I don't want my bike to look like every other "green frame" out there, heh heh.
OTHER:	I've submitted photos taken over several years. I hesitated to send photos with the new gas tank and primered fairing (it goes to the painter next week) but, upon reflection, decided they were appropriate as the bike has always been a work in progress. I purchased this bike new in April of 1975. I've used it as a club racer (track photo is me, turn 10, Sears Point Raceway, 1982), a touring machine (photo with saddlebags was taken at Tioga Pass, circa 1986. It snowed on me about 20 miles later), and for many years as my daily rider. I do my own maintenance including a complete overhaul in 2001. In May, 2002, Cycle World magazine featured my bike as the "100,000 Mile Duck". It was also included in "The Seven Wonders of Motorcycles" on the Discovery Channel in 2004. My only serious mishap on the duck occured last year while riding to the MotoGP at Laguna Seca. A tire blow out forced me into a graveled median strip where I was highsided back onto the fast lane of the freeway resulting in a busted windscreen and fairing, assorted bent levers, pegs, brackets and six broken bones. I was able to talk my way out of the hospital, so I didn't miss any racing, and my bike was displayed, scuffed up and slightly embarrassed, at the Concorso event on Ducati Island. With LOTS of help from some great friends and family (thanks Darrell, Steve, Matt, Jamie, Dennis and Jim!) my bike was returned to duty this winter and I'm looking forward to riding to the Concorso at this year's MotoGP, shiny side up.
SIGNIFICANCE:	Ducati built 410 750 Super Sports in 1974 to commemorate Paul Smart's and Bruno Spaggiari's upset one-two victory at Imola in 1972. My bike is one of 88 that were imported to the United States.

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