'64 Ducati 200 - Want stories/info!

[Bill4LE]

So, the picture attached is my dad's old '64 Ducati. I know few facts about this bike: its a 1964, 200cc, single cylinder. But what I REALLY want to know can't be found on a spec sheet online. I want to know what this bikes is/was like to ride and own. My dad was 17 when he had this bike and I'd love to hear from anyone else who owned one in the past or currently owns/rides one.

So lets hear your '64 Ducati 200 stories!

[krupp13]

Hello,

Your father's Ducati is a 200GT. I currently own two of them. One is in need of restoration and the other is an all original survivor. They are not a very powerful bike, but there is some good information in the book "Standard Catalog of Ducati Motorcycles" and in a book by Tom Bailey, "Ducati Singles First Person".

This is one of my favorite motorcycles that I own. They were tuned down a bit in comparison to the 200 Elites, but a beautiful, classy bike. I have not begun to restore my 200GT, but have an absolute perfect piece to ensure a correct and proper restoration.

I have only owned the original one for a few months and I have not had the time to freshen up things to make sure it is safe for the road.

Please let me know if you need any other information.

Best regards

[Bill4LE]

Great info! Thank you!

My dad is a big guy (~6'5'') and his dad was just as big. He's told me stories about them BOTH on that thing going across the Brooklyn bridge heading to Up-State NY. That poor little bike!

Is there a special reason why you like the 200GT so much?

[krupp13]

Hi,

I truly love the 200GT because it has all the classic lines of the Blue Diana, but is in Claret Red. The valanced fenders give it a classy look. I also like them because you just don't see a bunch of them around. I know of a handful around the US, but most people are after the Mark 3, Mach 1 and 200 Elites. Don't get me wrong, I have all those bikes, but the 200GT just is fantastic in my mind.

The 200 motor is a rarity and then you put it in a bike that people did not truly like because it was not made to race. I think that is a lot of the reason I appreciate it.

Best regards

[captpaul]

I didn't own a 200GT but a new 200TS similar in ride and performance. Bought a 1962TS in 1963. It didn't have GT swan neck bars,seat, or gas tank. but for a 200cc it was fun, fast, and reliable. The first thing I did was take off the factory crash bars and silencer, and put on a reverse cone megaphone.
The bike would do 60-65 all day long in Florida summer, but in the cold winter days to work more than 70. It was my first of 14 Ducati singles. A friend gave me, a 200 motor, throttle side swan neck bar, I'd like to find the left swan neck bar and make a 200 GT clone to ride. I probably had more fun riding a 200 than the 250mk3 or 450 mk 3 that I've had.

[Bill4LE]

Thanks for stories!

[Bill4LE]

Krupp13, can we get some pictures of your 200GTs?