Beschreibung
This unique Ducati 750SS was built by legendary southern California Ducati hot rod shop, Woods Motor Shop. The Woods Bike was originally delivered to Storm’s Cycle Sales in Texas and first sold in 1975. In the mid-1980s, a subsequent owner commissioned Jim Woods to reinterpret and build this one-off 750SS custom. Woods— a renowned bevel engine builder and tuner — transformed the traditional green and silver color scheme by adding subtle gold and black pin-striping and Jim’s signature “eagle” to the fuel tank.
THIS BIKE’S HISTORY
“The Woods Bike” was originally delivered in 1974 to Storm’s Cycle Sales, Grand Prairie, Texas where she sat until May of ‘75 and sold to first owner Kent W. Ferrell of Mesquite, Texas. Accompanied by the original sales receipt, first registration, and many other subsequent registrations, the provenance of this amazing machine is without question.
The bike’s engine and frame numbers correspond to both Robert Miller’s “Bevel List” and Ian Falloon’s seminal book of the Ducati 750SS.
In 2013, the current owner set about a peerless historical restoration while preserving the unique custom-build by Woods in the ‘80s. The level of detail and no-expenses-spared restoration is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Below is a shortened version of some of the amazing highlights of this machine.
Engine:
Dismantled in 2016, vapor blasted and assessed for assembly by Ian Gowanloch in Australia. All internal bearings, seals, gaskets were replaced. Gowanloch dismantled the crankshaft, serviced it and balanced it. The pistons were Teflon coated and new rings were fitted. New valves, valve guides, and seats were installed during the complete cylinder head overhaul. Gowanloch also serviced the gearbox, replacing layshaft, 3rd gear and 5th gear for longevity. (All with completely documented photos and receipts.)
The correct over-stamped 40mm Del’Ortos were completely rebuilt, finished with the correct wire mesh screens and green fuel line.
Bodywork:
The fuel tank created by the Woods Motor Shop had deteriorated beyond saving, and so an exact replica in ethanol-resistant fiberglass was created inclusive of the hand-painted Ducati emblem with the eagle and pinstriping. This meticulous recreation allows the bike to continue its documented history without a gap. The original compromised tank is included with the bike.
Wheels / Brakes:
Period correct Borrani rims, with tapered, Alpina straight-pull spokes.
A fully refurbished pair of MOTOR-SCARAB-MOZZI calipers with the larger 6mm bleed screw are fitted and connected via new black plastic-coated period correct 770mm hydraulic lines.
Every 750SS Green Frame has a unique history and the “Woods Bike” is no exception with the look and feel of the bike bringing one directly back to the southern California hot rod culture of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.
This bike represents a direct link from the era of Cook Neilson's famous "California Hot Rod" — a time when racers and enthusiasts would ride right straight from the race shop or cafe to the race track.
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