1964 - 1966 Ducati 250 Mach 1

Make Model	Ducati 250 Mach 1
Year	1964 - 66
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, Desmo SOHC, bevel gear-drive
Capacity	248.6 cc / 15.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke	74 x 57.8 mm
Compression Ratio	10:1
Cooling System	Air cooled
Induction	Dell'Orto SS1 29A carburetor
Ignition	Battery and coil, 6V 60W generator
Spark Plug	Marelli CW260N
Starting	Kick
Max Power	20.6 kW / 28 hp @ 8500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate
Primary Drive Ratio	2.500:1
Transmission	5 Speed
Gear Ratios	1st 2.53 / 2nd 1.73 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.10 / 5th 0.97:1
Primary Drive Ratio	2.500:1 (24/60)
Final Drive	Chain
Final Drive Ratio	18/40
Frame	Single downtube, open frame with large diameter backbone tube
Front Suspension	Hydraulic telescopic fork, Ducati 31.5 mm
Rear Suspension	Swingarm, dual shocks, Marzocchi 295 mm, three-way adjustable
Front Brakes	Drum, 180 mm
Rear Brakes	Drum, 160 mm
Front Tyre	2.50-18 CEAT
Rear Tyre	2.75-18 CEAT
Dimensions	Length: 2000 mm / 78.7 in Width: 590 mm / 23.2 in Height: 920 mm / 36.2 in
Wheelbase	1350 mm / 53.1 in
Seat Height	760 mm / 30.4 in
Dry Weight	116 kg / 255 lbs
Fuel Capacity	13 L / 3.4 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Top Speed	177 km/h / 110 mph

To truly grasp the rationale of Ducati production in the sixties and seventies one must look at the evolution of the single-camshaft single-cylinder engines and their division into “wide casings” and “narrow casings”.

Offspring of the Marianna, the Ducati single-cylinders quickly grew in capacity from 100 cc to 175 cc to the 250 cc of the Diana model. The Diana offered a great deal of pleasure to the motorcylists of the time, given that in ideal conditions (straight-through exhaust, choke wide open, and the rider in a head-down position), the bike could reach 140 km/h.

This sports bike was followed in 1965 by the even more aggressive Mach 1 250, a classic in its own time. For thousands of riders the Mach 1 was the world’s ultimate motorcycle. The engine was inspired by the renowned SOHC 175, and had a five speed gearbox (a real rarity at the time). It had a clean profile, with clip-ons, set-back footrests, and a narrow saddle – a great variety of sports

features when sports features were truly uncommon. Motociclismo magazine summed up the bike as follows, “The latest model from this illustrious brand is without a doubt one of the best sports 250’s available today, for its technical
features, style, and rideability. Particularly noteworthy are the powerful SOHC engine with five speed gearbox, powerful acceleration, excellent road handling, and efficient braking.”