KIWI RIDER MARCH 2018 VOL.1 | Page 69

Did you see these other Classic features?  American V-Twins  Race bikes for sale... car, but this didn’t proceed, and the concept became the predecessor of the V7 motorcycle. The V7 Special with the capacity increased to 758cc followed in 1969 with a claimed 45bhp at 6000rpm. In 1971 it became the V7 Sport with 30mm Dell’Ortos and 52bhp. There was also a longer stroke 844cc 850GT. The transverse V-twins seemed to increase their cubic capacity with every new model, but in 1977 the factory produced two smaller versions, the 500cc V50, and 346cc V35, both shaft driven and air-cooled. The same distinctive engine configuration has endured into the 21st century. Unlike the BMW and Moto Guzzi, the Ducati, often described as a V-twin, is actually an L-twin, so all three bikes have differently configured twin cylinder motors; transverse flat twin, a transverse V-twin, and a longitudinal L-twin. In 1970 ace designer Fabio Taglioni was given the task of designing a new 748cc L-shaped twin; the front cylinder not quite horizontal, and the rear just as nearly vertical. The result was the GT750 which entered production the following year, and what could signal the 1976 Moto Guzzi transverse V-twin engine at 45 degrees each”. In fact, the alternators on some V7 twins are interchangeable with BMWs. The low-stressed engine and comfortable power delivery was ideal for use by the police and military. The original design concept, then a 500cc motor, was also considered for use in a small Fiat 500 Ducati 900SS 1975 Sharing your passion facebo ok.com /Caffein eAndCla ssics KIWI RIDER 69