Earned - The Story of Keith Hale and his 100k mile 1974 Ducati 750SS

Ойын-сауық

Director Roberto Serrini’s documentary about Keith Hale and his singular, continuous ownership 1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport.
The Ducati 750 Super Sport was the first of its kind. A factory race bike that the public could buy. Only 401 examples were produced and every one built was personally supervised by Fabio Taglioni. When Keith Hale first heard the sound of the 750 SS in 1974, he knew he had to own one at all costs. Although only 22 years old at the time, even then he knew it was not just another motorcycle. After taking out a bank loan and begging the Fresno, CA dealership to sell him their only 750 SS in 1975, he went on to use this race bike like no other before him, or since.
Read more about Keith Hale and the history of the 750SS at www.ducati750ss.com and www.motoborgotaro.com

Пікірлер: 77

  • @chhindz
    @chhindz6 ай бұрын

    Saw a cop giving one a parking ticket. I told him the city should be paying him to park there.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    6 ай бұрын

    Agreed -- we got a ticket when we were filming this --- HAHAHHA

  • @pervertt
    @pervertt6 ай бұрын

    Back in the 70s, when I was a motorcycle-mad university student riding a Japanese bike, I came across a pinned note on the motorcycle club noticeboard. "Taglioni is God" the note declared. I didn't know who Taglioni was at the time, but years later I came across the terms "750 super sport" and "green frame." Then I understood the reference to the divine.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    5 ай бұрын

    Taglioni is God! love it !!

  • @salskars6637
    @salskars6637Ай бұрын

    Bravo. Great film. The man, Keith Hale, is as awesome as the 750SS. Godspeed, K. Hale.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    25 күн бұрын

    LABOR OF LOVE !

  • @jonpeters5194
    @jonpeters51946 ай бұрын

    Keep riding Keith, just as long as you can.

  • @carlobrotto7132
    @carlobrotto7132Ай бұрын

    This man is a legend as much as Ducati Imola 750 Ss.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    25 күн бұрын

    AGREEE--- LEGEND

  • @thurstonhowelliii9501
    @thurstonhowelliii9501 Жыл бұрын

    You earned it Mr. Hale! You took care of it as best you could for all these years. It will take care of you when the time comes. Much like a parent raising a child, then later in life the child tending to the parent. Thank you for sharing this incredible story with us.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, the story has so much meaning. One the proudest projects I have ever been apart of.

  • @johncameron125
    @johncameron1257 ай бұрын

    Lovely. I have my story with my 900SS and this film captures so much and tweeked old feelings that i never realised others have experienced. Thank you for the film and love to Dave.

  • @johncameron125

    @johncameron125

    7 ай бұрын

    Correction....Keith.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    6 ай бұрын

    @@johncameron125 this was a project of love for us -- the love and respect of our shared passions for 2 wheels

  • @sr400_ikustat
    @sr400_ikustat2 жыл бұрын

    This is the best video I’ve watched on KZread

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you -- it was a pleasure to tell this story

  • @kdsowen2882
    @kdsowen28826 ай бұрын

    I had the 750GT and the later 900 Darmah , nothing sounds like those bikes especially with a pair of Conti's to make them 'Bark' . These-days after 55yrs of riding , I ride the poor-mans Vincent (TR1 XV1000) an XS-2 Cafe' and a W650 .There is a Bond when riding certain-bikes that is like nothing-else ; that Visceral-connection with a roaring-beast where the exhilaration simultaneously connects you with Life while you know any second could bring Death . It truly makes you feel alive . Dave nz

  • @derherrbyc4128
    @derherrbyc41286 ай бұрын

    Thank you Keith for letting us share your story.

  • @user-jc7cw3zr5j
    @user-jc7cw3zr5j6 ай бұрын

    I can relate to this bikes mileage. I owned a brand new 500sl pantah for 12 years and sold it with over 120k miles on the same engine. Some ducati's run and run.

  • @olerakette
    @oleraketteАй бұрын

    My father rode his 900 SS for over 100.000km and only had to change pistons and rings once, the rest of the engine is stock. Still looks incredibly beautiful. He had a slim racingseat on it and rode on that from northern Germany down to Greece and then over to the island Crete and back, he must've had a butt of steel ;D Now it's sitting and waiting for its restauration

  • @georgeharrod7805
    @georgeharrod78056 ай бұрын

    A beautiful story, Keith truly deserved that bike and fingers crossed the next caretaker respects the condition and doesn't attempt a "restoration".

  • @worldofameiso5491
    @worldofameiso549110 ай бұрын

    A Diamond of a man, with a gem of a bike...

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    10 ай бұрын

    Truly amazing story

  • @padraigcrowley4008
    @padraigcrowley40083 ай бұрын

    Awesome story Awesome bike.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    3 ай бұрын

    THANK YOU -- the story was a pleasure to tell!

  • @billyhong5071
    @billyhong5071 Жыл бұрын

    What a great story, beautifully told.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU -- it was a great pleasure to be apart of this

  • @stevec-b6214
    @stevec-b62146 ай бұрын

    SO beautiful. I am genuinely moved and can only say thank you to all involved. I would like to donate to this man`s retirement fund, is there a way?

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you -- this was a very important story to tell for us.

  • @frankmlchaelglasscock6539
    @frankmlchaelglasscock65398 ай бұрын

    What a lovely story stay safe young man true motorcycle

  • @sbsb4995
    @sbsb49956 ай бұрын

    Great video. Very very nicely made and edited. 🎉❤

  • @richardbehrle1496
    @richardbehrle1496 Жыл бұрын

    I saw this bike at Laguna Seca at Ducati Island probably around 2008 or 9 and then saw it parked in Monterey sometime after Superbike. Then I saw Mr. Hale at that time and even followed him on his 750 a little on my 600SL Pantah while there. My Hat's off to you sir! The only other time I had seen a real 750SS round-case was at the Art of the motorcycle in NYC and it might have been that very bike. Lovely!

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    I heard Keith was hard to keep up with on her... Not the same as the Art of the MC bike -- I have handled that 750SS as well -- posters coming soon

  • @burdineestep4224
    @burdineestep42243 ай бұрын

    bought one of the Other Rare ones a Mach 1 in Germany in 66 - in the Air Force, worked later on at MILLER Cycle specialties, restoring Ducati's, many a time at Berliner Motors, Long Island, Hamden cycle cntr, was a Ducati dealer owned by Bob Miller, Great video on Mr, Hale

  • @S735334
    @S7353348 ай бұрын

    ...Such a heartwarming & interesting story... A beautiful bike & a wonderfully appreciative guy... Thank you Moto Borgotaro for bringing us this short film. !!

  • @inialoane
    @inialoane6 ай бұрын

    The conrods and valve lifters are polished to prevent breaking.

  • @tomme2314
    @tomme23142 жыл бұрын

    That “aging” shot with the discovery channel footage sold me

  • @rockymtnnut
    @rockymtnnut7 ай бұрын

    Cool story cool bike.

  • @63grandsport11
    @63grandsport11 Жыл бұрын

    First time I head a Ducati at Road America coming into turn 14 and up the straight it sounded like a Chevy V8 coming. I didn't know what a Ducati was But I knew I was getting one. I did the next year.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    I hear you -- same as Keith -- same as me -- I have one one way

  • @63grandsport11

    @63grandsport11

    Жыл бұрын

    @@motoborgotaroinc7343 Side stands are bad. If you sit down then start the engine. That awesome drumbeat. can make you forget to put the side stand up. Then you remember when making that first left hand turn.

  • @beefabbear4104
    @beefabbear41048 ай бұрын

    Such a fantastic, warm story of a quiet man and his love. I’ve watched and referred this clip many times to friends and we’ve all enjoyed it. I hope you didn’t sell the bike, Keith. It’d break my heart and I think yours too. I wish you many more, endless rides. You’re meant to be together ✌🏻

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    8 ай бұрын

    It is perhaps the piece I am the most proud to be apart of --

  • @philhotchin284
    @philhotchin284 Жыл бұрын

    Great story, excellent video, good luck Mr Hale.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @vincentcalcopietro6970
    @vincentcalcopietro6970 Жыл бұрын

    Great story thank you. I have 2 1975 ss and love them. But the 74 will always be my favourite.

  • @markhancock7527
    @markhancock7527 Жыл бұрын

    Great bike.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    the best !

  • @zidanamruarif3084
    @zidanamruarif3084 Жыл бұрын

    what a gorgeous video, I love it, hard to find that bike in my country, I'm sure that I fell in love when the first time I heard the sound of a DUCATI 1974 750ss greetings from 16 years old boys that live in Indonesia😁

  • @rcnelson
    @rcnelson Жыл бұрын

    Only two hundred of these magnificent machines are still around? What the hell is wrong with people?

  • @stephenbogert2109

    @stephenbogert2109

    Жыл бұрын

    A lot of those early super sports were raced and presumably trashed.

  • @tomme2314
    @tomme23142 жыл бұрын

    Incredible video, watched it at least 3 times already. Subbed in an instance. Keep it up, greetings from Yokohama

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you -- this video was very important to me to be apart of

  • @johnmartin6854
    @johnmartin68542 жыл бұрын

    I sold my GT750 after pressure from a m8 as I had a 78SD that I still have.

  • @bunnyrabbit4972

    @bunnyrabbit4972

    2 жыл бұрын

    From one Darmah owner to another. 👍

  • @rbouncier669
    @rbouncier669 Жыл бұрын

    How can this have less than 1 million views?!! And so few comments? A beautiful story and movie.

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much -- make sure to share ! lets get the views up !!!!

  • @user-kl4sq7db9m
    @user-kl4sq7db9m6 ай бұрын

    Sell it and use a fraction of the funds to buy another bike. It doesn’t particularly matter which bike, if it does nearly everything you need it to, it’s comfortable for you ( unlike this bike…let’s be honest ), and you gel with the bike, you’ll have a great experience each ride. I’m currently in love with my Z900RS Kawasaki Jaffa, and would not swap it for any other bike.

  • @giampieroprevidi6575
    @giampieroprevidi6575 Жыл бұрын

    👍👍👍Very very good 🔝🔝🔝

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you !

  • @DustyVisorMotorcycles
    @DustyVisorMotorcycles Жыл бұрын

    Lovely video. I have a friend with a low Km one sitting in his shed. Few people know of it, but I'm hoping one day he fires it up for me to record it running. 😎

  • @paulm749

    @paulm749

    6 ай бұрын

    Your friend is sitting on a gold mine.

  • @williamrickerby9149
    @williamrickerby9149 Жыл бұрын

    There is only one better that that ..... my old 1978 ss 900

  • @motoborgotaroinc7343

    @motoborgotaroinc7343

    Жыл бұрын

    A fine machine as well !

  • @stephenbogert2109
    @stephenbogert2109 Жыл бұрын

    I wonder how many 'engine rebuilds' this bike had? Those bevel drive Ducati engines rarely made 15- 20 k miles in my experience without a crank rebuild as well as major work to the gears. The round case engines did not have ANY oil filter except a coarse screen, My own '73 750 GT had the case 'pounded out' where the main bearing was supported; it was NOT ever raced! The gears were infamous for 'popping out' under load until they changed to gears with 3 dogs instead of the earlier 6 dog version, some of us had the extra dogs removed- The 600 Pantah and the Mille towershaft finally 'got it right'. The 750 round case engine was truly a piece of art! The original Conti glass pack mufflers were louder than legal in '74 but we all loved the sound! When Ducati went to the giguaro 'square case' the 'art' was lost! Those also were not as smooth running with their shorter rod engines. No more balacing a nickel on edge as the engine is revved!

  • @edmundomouet

    @edmundomouet

    Жыл бұрын

    I can ask Keith if youde like. I had lunch with him today 10/04/2022

  • @tdkeyes1

    @tdkeyes1

    Жыл бұрын

    Actually, if the round case engine has it's oil changed frequently, wore air filters and was not abused, it is not unheard of to get fairly high miles out of them. Being entirely ball and roller bearing, the engines were fairly tolerant of crap in the oil. And the crank has a sludge trap that was fairly effective at catching crap before the crank pin. To have damaged your cases, I would have to guess that your 750's crank had been improperly shimmed, the wrong bearings, or both, most likely by someone outside of the factory. Those bearing are 15 degree contact and very expensive. Often someone who didn't know better would use 40 degree bearings with poor results. The early 860 based engines had short crank life due to using the 750 crank pin. The upgraded pin in the later 900 cured the short crank life. The "popping out" was more to do with abused dogs and speed shifting. Yes, removing the shorter dogs did help engagement, at the expense of more backlash. The 3 dog box became standard around 1980. And fyi, the Conti isn't a glass pack, rather it is all steel with a perforated straight through center tube. I completely agree that the Round case is a work of art. Some of that was lost with the Square case. The best is the Mille. Ducati got it's looks and mechanicals right.

  • @stephenbogert2109

    @stephenbogert2109

    Жыл бұрын

    @@tdkeyes1 Gearboxes on those bikes were very poorly machined, when the various dogs between a pair of ears were supposed to mesh in Siri all the dogs with mash on both pieces evenly at the same time. But in reality they were not machine evenly and in fact maybe one dog pear would engage and take the entire load because the machining was lets a higher or less material had been removed. Of course then that particular dog would soon fail because one dog can’t take the entire load for any length of time pretty soon you have a gearbox that is popping out of gear. And then of course means the engines comes apart. When they went to the external crossover shift mechanism it was even more likely to have incomplete shifts due to friction in the linkage and then the gears would also be popping apart and soon be ruined. That would be in the 76 and up engines. Ducati eventually admitted the tolerances for assembling their crankshafts were questionable, ha ha as in I think if you got 15 or 20 k Miles on a crankshaft you are doing well. And that has nothing to do with oil changes. My first tower shaft bike was a GT 750. On that bike first I had the gearbox problem but then the crankshaft got loose in the cases. As I recall the bearings sat in steel rings but the steel rings were loose in the aluminum case. I eventually put a Darmsh engine into a frame. Well that time at least they had a decent Japanese style internal shifting mechanism

  • @jackgreen9062

    @jackgreen9062

    Жыл бұрын

    If balanced, shimmed and assembled correctly and with regular two to four k oil changes, the roundcase engines will run a lot longer than 20k. Not that it’s difficult to remove and tear them down. Quite a few were used for endurance and production racing here in Australia in the 70s. We were Ducatis biggest market for them at one time around 1975 I believe. The factory even built some GTs and Sports in 1978 just for the Oz market in response to a request to Fraser’s, the NSW distributor. I’ve owned and built a few and I never saw any fibreglass packing in Contis, Lafranconis or Imola exhausts( all perforated steel internal tubes and none at all in the case of the latter.There was also a race kit supplied with the 74 models and a factory race kit available which included a long list of parts including oil cooler, cams and a bunch of sprockets. Don’t know if any of the kits have survived. Ian Falloons books on various Ducati models provide all the answers.

  • @fretworka3596

    @fretworka3596

    9 ай бұрын

    I rode my first 750 GT roundcase in Western Australia in the 70s, typically everywhere at 100mph, and in searing heat. Every 1000 miles, changed the oil - BP Corse 50+ - no multigrade. It would run like that for a very long time. I've done 750+ miles in a day like that - mostly sitting on 100 mph. You'll have less big end bearing problems if you get the timing sorted with the single timing plate, but twin points - and there's a trick to doing that. IIRC, the front pot ran hotter than the rear too, so it worked better with different heat range plugs. Like most owners, I quickly ditched the standard air cleaner system and used the mushroom washable foam filters. I never had problems with the gearbox on either roundcase that I owned. The roundcase engine is as much art as it is engineering. Dr Taglioni was a true genius.

  • @domingonavarro1288
    @domingonavarro1288 Жыл бұрын

    100K miles in a lifetime of ownership is nothing. I routinely ride 7k-8k miles a year, for decades. Many of my fiends also do the same. I like the last generation of the Super Sport, fuel injections being top on the list. These also come with 17” rims, 4 pot Brembo in the front. The last generation could actually be cut in two. This generation of Super Sport started in 1998/9. It was a bad financial time for Ducati as well as the start of a recession. I owned a 1999 SS 900. After a scary road accident, and an insurance payout on the damages, I race/track dedicated it. It was better there. Small, inexpensive improvements made for a better bike that it’s parts. I also owned a 2000 SS 750. That was a perfect street bike. I also out handled newer, flashier bikes. I very recently purchased a 2004 SS 800. This is a the second half of the last generation Ducati Super Sport. It operates at a higher level of performance. A lot more engine, very well matched/improved chassis, but basically the same chassis. Small, incremental frame tweaks seem there. The rear end sits higher, the rear shock longer, firmer. Great for the track. Not so much for the street. Anyway, it’s a new bike for me. I’ll see if I’m not too old to adapt. I expect things will go well. After all, It’s a Super Sport!

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