Ducati singles · 1965–1968
Ducati 350 Sebring: history and buying advice
The biggest Ducati of its time, made at the request of the American importer.
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History
The Sebring was an enlarged version of Taglioni’s 250, made at the request of the American importer Berliner. When it was introduced in 1965 it was the biggest Ducati. The name refers to the race at Sebring, where works rider Franco Farnè won the 350 cc class.
The engine was deliberately tuned mildly, with soft cams, small valves and a 24 mm carburettor. In 1967 Berliner refused a batch of 3,500 machines. Bill Hannah of Liverpool sold them in England from 1968 to 1972, often at a discount. In 1968 just over 200 Sebrings were built with the wide case. In total about 3,500 were made.
Key data
| Engine | Single-cylinder four-stroke, overhead camshaft via bevel shaft |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 76 × 75 mm, 340 cc |
| Compression | 8,5:1 (1968: 9,5:1) |
| Power | 20 hp at 6250 rpm (claimed) |
| Gears | five |
| Top speed | c. 125 km/h |
| Weight | 123 kg dry |
| Tank | 17 litres |
What to check when buying
- Narrow or wide case? Only the 1968 models have the wide case, and only a few hundred of those exist.
- Because the engine was so mildly tuned, many Sebrings have been tuned up. Ask what was changed on the camshaft, valves and carburettor.
- English Hannah examples have often stood for a long time. Check rubbers, cables and the inside of the tank.
- Listen to the bevel shaft and the crankshaft.
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesWikipedia: Ducati Sebring (English)Wikipedia: Ducati singles (English)