Ducati 98T / 98TL (1953-58)

The Ducati 98T/98TL was a motorcycle produced by the Italian company from 1953 to 1958. The bike features a single cylinder, four-stroke, overhead valve engine with a capacity of 98 cc and a compression ratio of 8:1. The engine is air-cooled and has a dry sump lubrication system, as well as a Dell’Orto carburetor and a 6V flywheel magneto ignition. The bike has a 3-speed transmission, which was later upgraded to a 4-speed in 1957, with gear ratios of 2.690 for 1st, 1.850 for 2nd, 1.365 for 3rd and 1.000 for 4th. The final drive is a chain with a ratio of 2.706. The frame is an open spine pressed steel frame, featuring a telescopic fork for the front suspension and non-adjustable twin hydraulic shocks and swingarm for the rear suspension. The Ducati 98T/98TL has drum brakes on both front and rear wheels, with 2.50 – 17 and 2.75 – 17 size tires respectively. The bike’s dimensions are 1890 mm in length, 1245 mm wheelbase, and a seat height of 762 mm. The dry weight of the bike is 80 kg with a fuel capacity of 14L, and a top speed of 75 km/h.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Ducati 98T / 98TL

Year: 1953 – 58
Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, OHV, pushrod
Capacity: 98 cc / 6.0 cu in
Bore x Stroke: 49 x 52 mm
Compression Ratio: 8:1
Cooling System: Air cooled
Lubrication System: Dry sump
Induction: Dell’ Orto MA16B carburetor
Ignition: 6V, 25W, Flywheel magneto
Starting: Kick
Max Power: 4.3 kW / 5.8 hp @ 7500 rpm
Transmission: 3 Speed From 1957: 4 speed
Gear Ratios (from 1957): 1st: 2.690 / 2nd 1.850 / 3rd 1.365 / 4th 1.000:1
Final Drive: Chain
Final Drive Ratio: 2.706
Frame: Open spine pressed steel frame
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork.
Rear Suspension: Non-adjustable twin hydraulic shocks, swingarm
Front Brakes: Drum
Rear Brakes: Drum
Front Tyre: 2.50 – 17
Rear Tyre: 2.75 – 17
Dimensions: Length: 1890 mm / 74.4 in
Wheelbase: 1245 mm / 49.0 in
Seat Height: 762 mm / 30.0 in
Dry Weight: 80 kg / 176 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 14 L / 3.7 US gal / 3.1 Imp gal
Top Speed: 75 km/h / 46.6 mph