Ducati singles · 1961–1968
Ducati 250 Monza: history and buying advice
The touring version of Ducati’s first 250 road bike.
History
The Monza was the touring version of Ducati’s first 250 cc road bike; its sporty counterpart was the Diana. Testers praised the speed, handling, smooth engine and brakes. Up to and including 1964 it had four gears, from 1965 five.
In 1966 it got the same new styling as the Monza Junior and the Sebring, and in 1967 a square headlamp. In the last year, 1968, came the wide crankcase with a stronger bottom end and a larger sump. The Monza was also part of the batch of 3,500 machines sold in England via Bill Hannah.
Key data
| Engine | Single-cylinder four-stroke, overhead camshaft via bevel shaft |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 74 × 57.8 mm, 249 cc |
| Compression | 8:1 |
| Power | 22 hp at 7200 rpm |
| Gears | four (1961–1964), five (from 1965) |
| Top speed | c. 128 km/h |
| Weight | 125 kg dry |
What to check when buying
- Narrow or wide case? Only the last (1968) has the wide case. Parts and frames do not interchange.
- Many Monzas have been converted into a café racer or a ‘Mach 1’. Watch for a tank, seat or bars that do not belong on a Monza.
- Four or five gears? That depends on the year.
- Listen to the bevel shaft and the crankshaft.
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesWikipedia: Ducati Monza (English)Wikipedia: Ducati singles (English)