Displacement was increased to precisely 864 cc and the desmodromic timing system was adopted.
Easily recognisable due to the square shape of the crankcases, this new engine debuted on the 900 SS in 1975 and was used on other models until 1984.
In 1973, the prototype of the 860 cc engine made its debut in the 24 Horas de Montjuic.
In winning what was considered one of the classic endurance races of the time, Ducati sent a clear message as to the power and reliability of its new engine.