Ducati singles · 1959–1965
Ducati 200 Elite: history and buying advice
The bored-out 175 that carried on Ducati’s sporting line.
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History
In 1959 Ducati bored out the 175 engine by five millimetres, to almost 204 cc. The result was the 200 Elite: a sporty single with two silencers, a rounded tank, clip-on bars and 18-inch wheels. Alongside it there was the 200 SS with one silencer, and from 1962 the GT with a Diana-style tank.
When it appeared the Elite was considered the most refined Ducati so far. The engine later became the basis for the first Scramblers.
Key data
| Engine | Single-cylinder four-stroke, overhead camshaft via bevel shaft |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 67 × 57.8 mm, 203.8 cc |
| Compression | 7,8:1 |
| Carburettor | Dell’Orto UBF 24 |
| Power | c. 18 hp at 7500 rpm |
| Gears | four |
| Top speed | c. 135 km/h |
| Weight | c. 111 kg dry |
What to check when buying
- Elite, SS or GT? Look at the number of silencers, the tank shape and the bars.
- The original tank and silencers are hard to find. An Elite with the right tank is worth more.
- It is a narrow-case: listen to the bevel shaft and ask about the condition of the crankshaft.
- Check whether parts from later 250s have been fitted; that often happened.
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesMotorcycle Specs: Ducati 200 Super Sport (English)Bike-urious: 1961 Ducati Elite (English)Wikipedia: Ducati singles (English)