|
Make Model |
Ducati 750 Indiana |
|
Year |
1987 |
|
Engine |
Air cooled, 90°“L”
twin cylinder, SOHC desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder, |
|
Capacity |
748 |
|
Bore x Stroke |
88 x 61.5 mm |
|
Compression Ratio |
9.3:1 |
|
Induction |
2x 36mm Dell'Orto PHM carbs |
|
Ignition /
Starting |
Bosch PTZ Electronic
/ electric |
|
Max Power |
53.6 hp @ 7000 rpm |
|
Max Torque |
45 Nm |
|
Transmission /
Drive |
5 Speed / chain |
|
Front Suspension |
40mm Marzocchi forks |
|
Rear Suspension |
Marzocchi dual shocks
swinging arm |
|
Front Brakes |
Single 260mm discs |
|
Rear Brakes |
Single 280mm disc |
|
Front Tyre |
110/90 -18 |
|
Rear Tyre |
140/90 -15 |
|
Dry-Weight |
207 kg |
|
Fuel Capacity |
13 Litres |
The Indiana was the response of Ducati to the US
Custom cruiser fashion. Each maker responded to the invasion of Japanese
cruisers with a version of the road touring bikes they had at home: Guzzi simply
changed the bodywork of its small block series and made the “C” series bikes,
then the Florida; Morini built a very extroverted “Excalibur” (Morini had the
advantage of having a V engine that looked slightly Harley-Davidson-ish), Ducati
took…. The Elefant and modified it. Modifications were few but cunning: away
went the progressive single shock, in came two paired chrome plated shocks, the
front end was virtually that of the Elefant, but with simpler hydraulics, the
wheels were, more or less, those of the later Alazzurra.
The Elefant motor received a pair of Bing CV carbs for better smoothness. A lot
of chrome and a very classic American-style looks with a relaxed riding position
completed the figure. The result was a bit intriguing: you knew from the start
that this was not an ordinary cruiser.
A Ducati desmo motor on a sedate cruiser? Sedate it was not. Despite all
attempts of Ducati to make it slow, and hard steering, the Indiana was a fast,
quick steering bike, in cruiser terms of course, and it had a mighty engine. It
could easily outrun any cruiser of the same capacity, and most cruisers of any
capacity.
