Well, Sort of...Ducati 500 Bicilindrica GP

Classic Race Test: This article marks the 50th anniversary commemorated in 2021 of the debut of Ducati's first-ever 90° V-twin racebike in the 1971 racing season

- 

After the Ducati factory stopped racing the 500 Bicilindrica, in 1973 the two Seeley-framed bikes, each fitted with SOHC two-valve motors, were passed on to Ermanno Giuliano and Sergio Baroncini for them to continue to race on their own account as privateers. In due course Baroncini's bike ended up belonging to Pino Moretti, a Ducati collector in Northern Italy.

This 500 Bicilindrica wears the second of the two Seeley frames constructed, which according to Colin Seeley was ordered by Ducati in August 1971 during the Snetterton test, when he rode the bike for the first time himself. This had been prepared for the 1974 season with a fresh engine, before at the last minute Baroncini secured himself a sponsored ride on a Yamaha two stroke in preference to the rapidly outmoded four-stroke twin. But he returned to the Ducati for the 1975 season, finishing 16th and last aboard it in the 1975 Italian GP at Imola. Thereafter it was acquired by Pino Moretti, complete with one of the original Verlicchi-built Ducati factory frames as an interesting historical comparison. He kept the bike in period condition, right down to the glitter flake tank and seat, turquoise frame and even the period black plastic 6v batteries, which still worked just fine. Friends had demonstrated the bike at Italian historic meetings from time to time, and the engine was inspected periodically by a local racing Ducati specialist.