In 1976, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 860 GTS, a standard or sport-touring motorcycle that debuted in 1974 as the 860 GT. Compared to the 860GT, the 860 GTS was restyled.
The 1974 and 1975 Ducati 860 GTE models were fitted with an electric starter. Starting in 1975, all models were fitted with electric starters, and the final two model years had the name changed to 900 GTS.
The bike's visual department was characterized by standard features, such as a round headlight up front with analog instruments mounted on top, a wide handlebar, a one-piece dual seat, side-mounted shocks on the rear, a dual exhaust system, a center stand, and wire-spoke wheels.
The bike's wheels were fitted with two 280 mm discs on the front coupled to single-piston calipers and a 200 mm drum braking unit on the rear, providing optimum stopping performance.
The bike was built around a steel frame with a telescopic fork on the front and three-way adjustable Marzocchi shocks on the rear, delivering optimum suspension performance and handling.
In the performance department, the 1976 Ducati 860 GTS had its soul brought to life by an 864cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine managed by two Dell'Orto carburetors, delivering an output power of 65 hp with a peak force at 7,200 rpm and 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) torque at 4,000 rpm.