Re: DUCATI PASO

["Tom Sanor" <mygoose@domain.elided>]

  I can't stands it no longer!  If you don't own a Ducati 750 Paso, you
don't know what you're talking about (little Alfa content follows).

If you've never driven, or ridden a machine with a power/weight ratio of
6 -7# per HP then you haven't lived.  The Paso 750, like many, many modern
mo'cycles will out accelerate 98% of the cars on the road today.  You will
not call it disappointing or low on power.  Handling is quick and sharp like
any modern Ducati.

The engine is the standard 750 Ducati mill with desmodromic valve actuation.
The Paso, and a number of other Ducs of the period (including the 906 Paso)
suprisingly used a Weber 2bbl downdraft 44DCNF carb which was not jetted
correctly from the factory (it was jetted for top end power at 9500rpm),
hence it exhibits a part-throttle hesitancy that some Alfisti will be
familiar with (an Alfa engine of corresponding cylinder size would use a
40mm carb.).  Paso enthusiasts are aware of rejetting information.  However
if you give it the spur, the stock 750 Paso will tear your head off.  (The
final Paso version, the 907, was fuel injected.)

The "box frame" vs the "trellis frame" represents semantical differences,
because the Paso frame is merely made from square steel tubing, not round,
and not exposed like most newer Ducs.  The Paso frame is well designed,
rigid, but possibly less attractive, HOWEVER the Paso bodywork covers all of
it.  That bodywork was a source of dissatisfaction when the bike was
introduced ('87), because bikers weren't used to the full enshrouding.
Today it is commonplace.  I happen to find it attractive, and so I
specifically searched out a Paso in my quest for a Ducati.

Just like Alfas experience, any electrical glitches found in the Paso are
the result of bad ground connections (electricals were mounted to an
aluminum plate which was then fastened onto the steel frame), and you just
have to search them out and clean and tighten them.

The Paso was not popular when new due to it's all-enveloping bodywork, but
it is a cult bike today with a healthy following.

Each to his own.  I find a mix of Italian cars and Italian bikes extremely
satisfying.

Mr. Goose
(ex-Moto Guzzi)
750 Duc Paso
900 Benelli SEI
Fiat X1/9
A.R. Montreal
A.R. 2600 Sprint
Lancia B24S
Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3S
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