Gtl 500 1978

[frankiefoureyes]

Looking at one of these wanted to k ow if it was worth buying and restoring she looks neglected how desirable and how hard are parts to get
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[kwakanut]

Definitely an unloved model. I was looking at getting one a few months ago, but the guy just wanted WAAYY too much for a project bike. He based his pricing on the rarity, but he forgot that it's not necessarily rarity, but desireability that puts a high price tag on a bike, and the desireability level for these bikes is around zero as near as I can tell, which is precisely why I wanted it.

I think parts are not too easy to come by, but I'm not certain as I haven't tried. There is a member on the forum who owns one so maybe he'll chime in.

[Desmo_Demon]

IIRC, they had issues with oiling to the head/cam and were known to trash valve trains and cams in a heartbeat. There are a few threads on the bike where they address issues with the bikes and how they were a design flop. I want to say I recall someone stating that that added external oil lines to aid with the oiling issue. As stated above, you will almost never be able to find any parts of them. To get parts, you'll have to collect non-running bikes - that probably have the same issues as the one you will be trying to fix.....on a side note, I've always thought it would be cool to have one.....even if it was just a nice, clean dust collector (for the right price).

[Macdesmo]

There seems to be a growing interest in these bikes here in Australia especially the Sport model. From what I have read about the engines it looks like careful assembly of the engines (as always) takes care of quite a few things. Try the bevelheads forum before you discount the bike. I have seen a single cylinder motor mounted into the twin rolling chassis and it was a very neat special.What headlight does the GTL have?
Ian

[DesmoDucks]

Some people Hate em some Love em The parts aren't impossible to find unless you want a headlight but people are giving the motors away for about $50.....I don't have enough money to work on mine until I get rid of the 1960 Bronco I have.....You should buy it plenty of parts out there for it

[Desmo_Demon]

Originally Posted by DesmoDucks

people are giving the motors away for about $50

If you find one for $50, let me know. I want to turn it into a coffee table or an end table.

[Duccout]

Ducati made a hell of a lot of parallel twins and there are plenty of spares around, especially in Italy. I believe that Ian Gowanloch has lots too. The problem with the lack of oil pressure to the top end should surely be easy to fix?? I read somewhere that it was due to the two-piece camshaft allowing the pressure to escape in the joint. Don't forget that they have a high-pressure oil system.

[Macdesmo]

Ian Gowanloch certainly has parts for them. He was going to buy pistons for them from the factory at $500/set but ended up buying complete motors when he found out he could get them for $600 each.
Ian

[DesmoDucks]

$50 come get it this thing is a heavy Lawn ornament

[DesmoDucks]

literally a lawn ornament.....not sure why i couldn't email you the picture it didn't give me the option