I raced that XT500 in 600 production. Was winning for a year then the Seca and GPZ 550's came out. Funny how brakes and horsepower can affect the outcome of a race.
I remember the first time I saw a Ducati back in the 70's. I figured any manufacturer that would put v-stacks instead of air cleaners on a street bike had the right direction.
Wise was hot stuff for a while till he realized crashing in a road race left a bigger dent than crashing on a motocross track. BTW the photo is from '78. We were well ahead of the motard curve...the only way to stop that thing at the end of a long straight after the little front brake would cook was to chuck it sideways. Pretty white knuckle when the guy in front of you would shut the door.
Man that brings back memories. So does this back pain
