Ducati 250 Diana (1961 – 64)

Ducati 250 Diana (1961 - 64)

The Ducati 250 Diana is an iconic symbol of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s foray into high-performance sports bikes in the early 1960s. Its sleek, racing-inspired design – complete with clip-on handlebars and a distinctive exhaust note – was the epitome of style and substance. With its lightweight frame tipping the scales at just 265 pounds, the 249cc SHC single engine proved to be a potent combination, delivering a punchy 24 horsepower and a top speed of 85mph.

Riding a 250 Diana is an experience like no other – the bike’s responsive handling and agile demeanor make it a joy to navigate twisty roads and corners. And yet, despite its relatively modest power output, the Diana has a raw, unbridled energy that’s impossible to ignore.

Built on the success of this model, the Mark 3 Super Sport was eventually born, boasting an impressive 30 horsepower and five-speed transmission – but it’s the original 250 Diana that remains the true gem of Ducati’s early racing pedigree.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, single cylinder, Desmo SOHC, bevel gear-driven
Engine Capacity248.6 cc / 15.2 cu in
Max Power14.4 kw / 19.5 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity17 L / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Seat Height29.5 inches / 750 mm
Ducati 250 Diana (1961 - 64)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati 250 Diana
Year1961 – 64

Engine

Engine TypeFour stroke, single cylinder, Desmo SOHC, bevel gear-driven
Displacement248.6 cc / 15.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke74 x 57.8 mm
Compression Ratio8.0:1
Max Horsepower14.4 kw / 19.5 hp
Engine Management SystemDell’Orto UBF24BS carburetor

Performance

Top Speed140 km/h / 87 mph

Transmission

Gearbox4 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.500:1
Gear Ratios1 st 2.75 / 2nd 1.65 / 3rd 1.18 / 4th 0.97:1
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

StarterKick

Chassis & Suspension

Front SuspensionDucati 31.5 mm hydraulic telescopic forks
Rear SuspensionSwingarm, dual chocks, 3-way adjustable

Wheels & Brakes

Front Tire Size2.75 -18
Rear Tire Size3.00 -18
Front Brakes180 mm Drum
Rear Brakes160 mm Drum

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2000 mm / 78.7 in
Overall Height960 mm / 37.8 in
Seat Height29.5 inches / 750 mm
Wheelbase52.0 inches / 1320 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity17 L / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Dry Weight120 kg / 265 lbs

Features

  • 249 cc SHC single engine
  • Racing heritage styling
  • Racy clip-on handlebars
  • Handsome new styling
  • Crackling exhaust note
  • 265 pounds dry weight
  • 24 horsepower output
  • Top speed of 85 mph
  • Five-speed transmission
  • Successor model: Mark 3 Super Sport
Ducati 250 Diana (1961 - 64)
Ducati 250 Diana (1961 - 64)
Ducati 250 Diana (1961 - 64)
Ducati 250 Diana (1961 - 64)

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