Ducati 50 SL (1966-68)

The Ducati 50 SL (1966-68) was a tiny, yet powerful motorcycle. It was equipped with a two-stroke, single cylinder, piston port engine that had a capacity of 49.7 cc/ 3.0 cu in, and a Dell’Orto SHA 14/12 carburetor. The engine had a compression ratio of 9.5:1 or 11:1 and was air-cooled. The bike had a 6V 18W flywheel magneto ignition with a 16-18 starting system. With a kick start, the bike’s maximum power was 3.1 kW / 4.2 hp at 8600 rpm. The Ducati 50 SL had a four-speed transmission and a wet, multiplate clutch. The final drive was a chain drive, and the bike had a tubular steel, dual cradle frame. The telescopic fork front suspension and swingarm, twin shock rear suspension provided a smooth ride, while the drum brakes (105 mm for both the front and rear) stopped the bike effectively, and the tyres 2.25 x 19 at both the front and rear gave it enough grip. The dry weight of the bike was 58 kg / 128 lbs, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 80 km/h / 50 mph. The Ducati 50 SL/1, 50 SL/1A, and 50 SL2A were later models that came with slight modifications but retained the same engine and basic structure. These small displacement motorcycles were popular in the European market, and their rarity today makes them a valuable collector’s item.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Ducati 50 SL / 50 SL/1 / 50 SL/1A / 50 SL2A

Year: 1966 – 68

Engine: Two-stroke, single cylinder, piston port

Capacity: 49.7 cc / 3.0cu in

Bore x Stroke: 38.8 x 42 mm

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 or 11:1

Cooling System: Air cooled

Induction: Dell’Orto SHA 14/12 carburetor

Ignition: 6V 18W flywheel magneto, 16-18

Starting: Kick

Max Power: 3.1 kW / 4.2 hp @ 8600 rpm

Clutch: Wet, multiplate

Transmission: four Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Tubular steel, dual cradle

Front Suspension: Telescopic fork

Rear Suspension: Swingarm, twin shocks

Front Brakes: Drum, 105 mm

Rear Brakes: Drum, 105 mm

Front Tyre: 2.25 x 19

Rear Tyre: 2.25 x 19

Dry Weight: 58 kg / 128 lbs

Top Speed: 80 km/h / 50 mph