1961 Ducati 175 Sport

This is Ernesto's third win for Bike of the Month. The other times were in December and November 2007 with his 1972 Ducati Desmo 450 Super Sport and his 1961 Aermacchi 250cc Model C. Every bike he owns is a gem. However, this is probably the third time he brought this beautiful Ducati to the meet and had never won. Finally he has gotten the recognition that he deserves with this bike. Congratulations Ernesto.

Ernesto has owned this bike for five years. He finished the full restoration on it in September 2008. It is restored to the original condition with the exception of a modern carburator and a new pipe that was better suited for the carb.

The Ducati 175 Sport was in production from 1957 until 1961. The unique shape of the tank is known as the Jelly Mold Tank and the color scheme is original to the bike.

Ernesto has competed in the Motogiro Giro d'California with this bike 4 years in a row, starting back in 2005. The Giro d'California is a retrospective tribute to the Giro d'Italia Motociclistico (a.k.a. Motogiro), Italy's premier long distance motorcycle road race of the 1950's. www.girodcalifornia.com Primarily for pre 1957 motorcycles, Ernesto is able to qualify because his 1961 is virtually identical to the 1957 model.

Check out all the pictures in the May Gallery. Thanks again Ernesto for bringing out this piece of history.