Ducati 250 Mark 3 Desmo

Make Model	Ducati 250 Mark 3D Desmo
Year	1968 - 69
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, Desmo SOHC, bevel gear driven
Capacity	248.6 cc / 15.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke	74 x 57.8 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Cooling System	Air cooled
Induction	Dell'Orto SS1 29D carburetor
Ignition	Coil, 6V 30W generator (later 6V 70 W)
Battery	SAFA 3L3 13.5 Ah
Spark Plug	Marelli CW260N / Lodge 2HN
Starting	Kick
Max Power	16.4 kW / 22 hp @ 7500 rpm
Primary Drive Ratio	2.500:1
Transmission	5 Speed
Gear Ratios	1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.73 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.10 / 5th 0.97:1
Final Drive	Chain
Final Drive Ratio	2.812:1
Front Suspension	Hydraulic fork, Ducati 31.5 mm
Rear Suspension	Swingarm, Marzocchi dual shocks, 3-way adjustable
Front Brakes	180mm Drum
Rear Brakes	160mm Drum
Front Tyre	2.75-18
Rear Tyre	3.00-18
Dimensions	Length: 2000 mm / 78.7 in Width: 600 mm / 23.6 in Height: 940 mm / 37.0 in
Wheelbase	1360 mm / 53.5 in
Seat Height	735 mm / 28.9 in
Dry Weight	127 kg / 280 lbs
Fuel Capacity	13 L / 3.4 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Standing ¼ Mile	18.9 sec
Top Speed	150 km/h / 93 mph
Road Test	Ducati MK3 Group Test

The narrow case Ducati single cylinders were selling well and known worldwide through out the decade. Later in the decade when Ducati introduced the wide-case production models they represented the pinnacle of Ducati singles for the times. A single camshaft that was driven by bevel gears characterized the wide-case Ducati motorcycles.

As a direct descendent of the narrow-case family, the Ducati 250cc and 350cc versions of the wide-case models were first produced in the spring of 1968. The Ducati 450cc was added in the following year. The performance and elegant mechanics of the motorcycles immediately caught the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Perhaps the most famous wide-case Ducati was the Scrambler. The Ducati Scrambler motorcycle sold tens of thousands around the world, leading to its legendary status. The fast and agile Ducati Mark 3 sports model was soon joined by the Ducati Mark 3D - the first Ducati with the now famous Desmodromic valve gear on a production model.

The word ‘Desmodromic' is not actually derived from Italian but rather from two Greek roots, desmos (meaning - linked) and dromos (meaning - track). The Ducati Desmodromic system is unique in that the valves are positively closed and opened by a cam and leverage system, rather than relying on standard valve springs. The same basic Desmodromic layout continues to win world championships today and is deeply seated in the Ducati Brand identify.

Ducati 250 Mark 3D