The Ducati Bible: 860, 900 & Mille All models 1975 to 1986

by Ian Falloon

Overview

The bevel-drive 860 and 900 was one of the most significant motorcycles of the late 1970's, providing a unique combination of power and handling that was unequaled by other motorcycles at the time. When Italian car stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro penned the 860GT in 1973 few would have believed it would evolve into one of the greatest Ducati line-ups of all time. The square-case 860 become the legendary 900 Super Sport, Darmah and eventually the Mike Hailwood replica, built to honor Hailwood's spectacular comeback victory at the Isle of Man in 1978. The square-case Ducati engine eventually lasted more than a decade, sustaining the company through a downturn in the early 1980's. This book covers every incarnation of this great model, from the first 860 through until the final Mille. Illustrated  with 200 pictures and with complete appendices of technical specifications, this book is a must have for any motorcycle aficionado.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845841218
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing
Publication date:	05/15/2008
Series:	Bible Series
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.75(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Ian Falloon is one of the world’s foremost motorcycle historians. In his career as an author, he has penned more than forty books on motorcycles. His titles include The Ducati 750 Bible, Ducati 900 Bible, The Moto Guzzi Story, Honda Story, Kawasaki Story, BMW Story, The Book of MV Agusta Fours, Moto Guzzi Sport Bible and Laverda Twin and Triple Bible. He has a small collection of classic sporting motorcycles, including a 1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport that he has owned since 1976. A contributor to a number of motorcycle magazines around the world, Ian Falloon was born in New Zealand, but currently lives in Australia with his wife Miriam, and sons Ben and Tim.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Rapid Bikes, November 2008
Australian magazine
 
There is a certain amount of romance that surrounds Ducati and this was never more prevalent than in the '70s.   Ian Falloon takes the reader through the 860, 900 and Mille models. Each model has a special story behind it like the time Mike Hailwood ground the exhaust header pipe almost to dust during his stint on the Moreparts 750SS that he shared with Jim Scaysbrook during the 1977 Castrol 6 Hour.  The book also takes an in-depth look at the early to mid '80s Ducatis like the Mille 1000 S2 with its unique color scheme and bright red fork legs.  Ian has laced the pages with engine blueprints as well as individual model specs.  If you have Ducati blood in your veins, 'The Ducati Bible,' by Ian Falloon is the book for you!
 

Review by Ian Kerr for inter-bike.co.uk, 2008
UK biker website

What can you say about any book written by Ian Falloon, other than it does exactly what it says it will do, give you lots of information in a very readable style and you never end up disappointed.  In 2006 Fallon (and Veloce publishing) gave us the ‘Ducati 750 Bible,’ now two years on he has turned his attention to the larger machines.  You could of course argue that this book is purely for the owner of these now iconic motorcycles. However, like many of his books, despite it giving all the facts and figures an owner requires, it still ends up as a good, general read as well. You learn about the development, the people behind it and the racing heritage.  Twenty-plus books to his credit, the Antipodean motorcycle historian knows how to put across the story, helped by using superb color and period black and white plates to illustrate the text.  Even if you have owned one of these bikes, or just read every word about a particular bike you have lusted after, such as the Hailwood Replica, you will still learn a lot from the 160 pages.  A with all Veloce publications it is a top quality hardback that is well worth the $59.95 cover price.

Desmophiles, May 2008
Bi-monthly magazine for the Ducati Owners Club of New Zealand
 
Published in April this year, 'The Ducati 860, 900 & Mille Bible' is Ian Falloon's second book on the Ducati bevel-drive bikes of the 70s and early 80s – the first, 'The Ducati 750 Bible', available from the same publisher. The book covers design and production details of the models developed around the larger bevel-drive engine, and highlights racing successes of models using these engines throughout the period.  Each chapter covers a model year, and describes each model in detail, listing changes from previous years, differences between the distinct models, and even inconsistencies in the manufacture of each model. The level of detail is up to Falloon's usual high standard – want to know the frame, engine, or exhaust homologation information for a 1981 Mike Hailwood Replica? Or the differences between the kick-start and electric start engines of the 1983 900 S2? Or how the handlebar switch gear differs between US and European market models? It's all there, and much, much more. There are also plenty of photos (more than 170) showing many of the details and bikes as a whole.  Falloon has researched every aspect of these bikes – with information and photos from the Ducati factory and museum, interviews with Fabio Taglioni, owners of the various models, as well as his own database of information collected over the years, and photos of his own bikes. If you need to know something about a model covered by the book you'll find it.  I have long been a fan of Ian Falloon's books. The level of detail he delivers, and the obvious interest he has in his subject matter always makes for a good read. This book is no different. So whether you own one, have an interest in the landmark bevel-drive Ducati models, or just an interest in Ducati and its history I recommend you get hold of a copy of 'The Ducati 860, 900 & Mille Bible.'

"Books like this are tremendously important to motorcycling. On behalf of Ducati owners and motorcycling generally, thanks Ian." – Motorcycle Trader

"Square-case bevel heads get excited! Ian Falloon, master of the Ducati Bible series has done it again ... it truly is a bible ... It also has complete appendices of technical specifications making it an absolute must-have for any serious ducatisti." – Two Wheels

Editorial Reviews

Rapid Bikes, November 2008 Australian magazine There is a certain amount of romance that surrounds Ducati and this was never more prevalent than in the '70s. Ian Falloon takes the reader through the 860, 900 and Mille models. Each model has a special story behind it like the time Mike Hailwood ground the exhaust header pipe almost to dust during his stint on the Moreparts 750SS that he shared with Jim Scaysbrook during the 1977 Castrol 6 Hour. The book also takes an in-depth look at the early to mid '80s Ducatis like the Mille 1000 S2 with its unique color scheme and bright red fork legs. Ian has laced the pages with engine blueprints as well as individual model specs. If you have Ducati blood in your veins, 'The Ducati Bible,' by Ian Falloon is the book for you!"

Square-case bevel heads get excited! Ian Falloon, master of the Ducati Bible series has done it again ... it truly is a bible ... It also has complete appendices of technical specifications making it an absolute must-have for any serious ducatisti." – Two Wheels"

Books like this are tremendously important to motorcycling. On behalf of Ducati owners and motorcycling generally, thanks Ian." – Motorcycle Trader

From the Publisher