DUCATI 860 GT TURBO

The Ducati 860 GT Turbo by Hazan Motorworks is a one-of-a-kind turbocharged custom motorcycle built around a 1978 Ducati 860 GT engine, with a fully handmade chromoly steel frame constructed around the forced-induction drivetrain by master builder Max Hazan, widely regarded as one of the finest custom motorcycle builders in the world.

The Concept

Adding a turbocharger to a 1978 Ducati 860 GT is neither the obvious modification nor the straightforward one. When Max Hazan accepted the commission, the challenge was clear: build something that could contain a forced-induction Ducati V-twin in a package that looks as refined as it performs. Hazan Motorworks approached the build by heavily tuning the engine first, then constructing an entirely custom chromoly steel frame around it, ensuring the induction system, exhaust, and ancillaries could be routed with the precision and cleanliness that defines every Hazan build.

The Build

The engine received a Garrett GT15 turbocharger, a Weber DCOE 40 carburetor, a Holley fuel pump, Electronik Sachse ignition, an electric oil system, stainless steel intake manifolds, and a fully custom exhaust. The entire frame was handbuilt from chromoly steel around the engine, with a custom chromoly swingarm and a slightly shortened wheelbase that sharpens handling response. The bike sits on Excel rims and uses Wilwood calipers on GSX-R brake rotors to deliver stopping power commensurate with the turbo's output. According to Max Hazan himself, the most distinctive feature of the Ducati 860 GT Turbo is its dump valve, audible on every gear change, a sound that announces the machine's character more precisely than any visual detail could.

Specifications

• Builder: Hazan Motorworks (Max Hazan)
• Base: 1978 Ducati 860 GT
• Type: Turbocharged custom cafe racer
• Frame: Fully handbuilt chromoly steel (bespoke, built around engine)
• Swingarm: Custom chromoly
• Turbocharger: Garrett GT15
• Carburetor: Weber DCOE 40
• Fuel pump: Holley
• Ignition: Electronik Sachse
• Intakes: Stainless steel custom
• Exhaust: Fully custom
• Rims: Excel
• Brakes: Wilwood calipers on GSX-R rotors
• Build type: Commission (built to order by Max Hazan)

Discover the full Hazan Motorworks Collection at TheArsenale.