Ducati 200 Elite / SS

Make Model	Ducati 200 Elite
Year	1961 - 65
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, shaft and bevel gear driven, 2 valves per cylinder
Capacity	203.8 cc / 12.4 cu in
Bore x Stroke	67 x 57.8 mm
Compression Ratio	7.8:1
Induction	Dell'Orto UBF24BS carburetor
Ignition	Points & coil, 6V 40 W generator
Spark Plug	Marelli CW250A
Battery	SAFA 3L3, 13.5Ah
Starting	Kick
Max Power	13.1 kW 18 hp @ 7500 rpm
Clutch	Multi wet plate
Transmission	4 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio	2.520:1
Gear Ratios	1st 2.75 / 2nd 1.65 / 3rd 1.18 / 4th 0.97:1
Final Drive Ratio	2.812:1
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Single cradle
Front Suspension	Hydraulic telescopic forks, Ducati 31.5 mm
Rear Suspension	Swingarm, dual Marzocchi shocks, 3-way adjustable
Front Brakes	180 mm Drum
Rear Brakes	160 mm Drum
Front Tyre	2.75 -18
Rear Tyre	3.00 -18 (GT: 2.75-18)
Dimensions	Length: 2000 mm / 78.7 in Width: 580 mm / 22.8 in Height: 965 mm / 38.0 in
Wheelbase	1320 mm / 52.0 in
Dry Weight	111 kg / 244 lbs
Fuel Capacity	17 L / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Top Speed	140 km/h / 87 mph

Designed by Fabio Taglioni, the first Ducati overhead-camshaft single - the 100 Gran Sport - appeared on the racetrack in 1954 and soon proved unbeatable in its class. Taglioni's versatile design proved capable of considerable enlargement, being produced in various capacities from the original 98cc up to 450cc. A pair of 175cc roadsters was introduced for the 1956 season, the sports version of which (known as the 'Silverstone' in the UK) was capable of more than 80mph, an astonishing achievement at the time and one that helped establish the giant killing reputation long enjoyed by Ducati's miniature masterpieces. In 1959 the engine capacity was increased to 204cc for the Elite and 200SS models but from 1961 onwards the Elite's engine was based on that of the 250cc model. Top speed of either was in the region of 85mph. Lightweight, nimble, sure-footed and possessing a gem of an engine that sounds glorious when it comes 'on the cam', these little Dukes are a purist's delight to ride.

First introduced in 1959, the Ducati 200 Elite was developed by boring the 175-cc motor by 5 mm, to a capacity of 204 cc. That move resulted in an increased output of 18 horsepower at 7,500 rpm with a faster top speed of 87 mph. More than just its performance capabilities, the Elite 200 also featured a jelly mould tank, clip-on bars and dual mufflers of the 175, and 18" wheels.