Ducati singles · 1961–1964
Ducati 250 Diana (Daytona): history and buying advice
The sporty 250 that was called Daytona in England.
History
The Diana was the sports version of Ducati’s first 250 road bike and debuted at the Milan show in April 1961. The styling was by Renzo Neri. In England it was called the Daytona. With a tuning kit (bigger carburettor, higher compression and a megaphone exhaust) a Motorcycle Mechanics test bike did over 160 km/h.
In 1962 America got the Diana Mark 3: more highly tuned, with five gears instead of four. Cycle World measured a top speed of over 165 km/h. In Europe the Diana was succeeded by the Mach 1 in September 1964.
Key data
| Engine | Single-cylinder four-stroke, overhead camshaft via bevel shaft |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 74 × 57.8 mm, 249 cc |
| Compression | 8:1 (9:1 with tuning kit) |
| Carburettor | Dell’Orto UBF 24 (SS1 27 with kit) |
| Power | 24 hp (claimed) |
| Gears | four (Mark 3: five) |
| Top speed | c. 137 km/h (claimed) |
| Weight | 120 kg dry |
What to check when buying
- Diana or Diana Mark 3? Count the gears and look at the origin (Europe or America).
- Many Dianas were once tuned or used on the track. Ask what has been done to the engine.
- If the tank, seat or bars are not original, it may be a converted Monza.
- It is a narrow-case with magneto ignition. Check the charging and lighting.
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesWikipedia: Ducati Diana (English)Wikipedia: Ducati Diana Mark 3 (English)Wikipedia: Ducati singles (English)