Ducati 250 Mark 3 Desmo (1968-69)

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The Ducati 250 Mark 3D Desmo motorcycle was produced from 1968 to 1969 and had a four-stroke, single-cylinder Desmo SOHC engine with a capacity of 248.6 cc. It had a compression ratio of 10.0:1 and used a Dell’Orto SS1 29D carburetor. The ignition system consisted of a coil and 6V 30W generator, later upgraded to a 6V 70W system, and a SAFA 3L3 13.5 Ah battery. The bike had a kickstarter and could produce a maximum power of 16.4 kW or 22 hp at 7500 rpm. It had a five-speed transmission, with gear ratios ranging from 2.46 to 0.97:1. The final drive was via chain, with a final drive ratio of 2.812:1. The front suspension was a hydraulic fork system, while the rear suspension used a swingarm with Marzocchi dual shocks that could be three-way adjusted. The front and rear brakes were drums, with sizes of 180mm and 160mm, respectively. The bike had a length of 2000 mm, width of 600 mm, height of 940 mm, and a wheelbase of 1360 mm. Its dry weight was 127 kg, and its fuel capacity was 13 L. The bike could reach a top speed of 150 km/h and complete a standing quarter-mile in 18.9 seconds.

Technical specifications:

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 1/4 Mile: 18.9 sec
Top Speed: 150 km/h / 93 mph

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