Ducati 250 Mark 3D Desmo (1968 – 69)

Ducati 250 Mark 3D Desmo (1968 - 69)

The Ducati wide-case singles revolutionized the motorcycle landscape with their sleek designs and exceptional performance. For enthusiasts, the arrival of the Ducati 250 Mark 3D Desmo in 1969 marked a significant milestone – the first production model to feature Ducati’s innovative Desmodromic valve gear.

This unique system, derived from Greek roots ‘desmos’ (linked) and ‘dromos’ (track), employs a cam and leverage mechanism to positively close and open valves, eliminating reliance on standard valve springs. The result is a more efficient and responsive engine character that rewards agile riding.

The 250 Mark 3D Desmo’s engine is an extension of the narrow-case family’s spirit, with its single camshaft driven by bevel gears, delivering a thrilling experience for riders who crave speed and agility.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, single cylinder, Desmo SOHC, bevel gear driven
Engine Capacity248.6 cc / 15.2 cu in
Max Power16.4 kw / 22 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity13 L / 3.4 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Seat Height28.9 inches / 735 mm
Ducati 250 Mark 3D Desmo (1968 - 69)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati 250 Mark 3D Desmo
Year1968 – 69

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 Ratio10.0:1
Max Horsepower16.4 kw / 22 hp
Engine Management SystemDell’Orto SS1 29D carburetor
Cooling SystemAir cooled

Performance

Top Speed150 km/h / 93 mph

Transmission

Gearbox5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.500:1
Gear Ratios1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.73 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.10 / 5th 0.97:1
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

BatterySAFA 3L3 13.5 Ah
StarterKick

Chassis & Suspension

Front SuspensionHydraulic fork, Ducati 31.5 mm
Rear SuspensionSwingarm, Marzocchi dual shocks, 3-way adjustable

Wheels & Brakes

Front Tire Size2.75-18
Rear Tire Size3.00-18
Front Brakes180mm Drum
Rear Brakes160mm Drum

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2000 mm / 78.7 in
Overall Width600 mm / 23.6 in
Overall Height940 mm / 37.0 in
Seat Height28.9 inches / 735 mm
Wheelbase53.5 inches / 1360 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity13 L / 3.4 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal
Dry Weight127 kg / 280 lbs

Features

  • Narrow-case Ducati single cylinders were selling well worldwide
  • Wide-case production models represented the pinnacle of Ducati singles for their time
  • Single camshaft driven by bevel gears
  • 250cc wide-case model produced in spring 1968
  • 350cc wide-case model produced in spring 1968
  • 450cc model added in following year
  • Performance and elegant mechanics caught attention of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide
  • Ducati Scrambler was a famous wide-case model, selling tens of thousands worldwide
  • Ducati Mark 3 sports model fast and agile
  • Ducati Mark 3D introduced Desmodromic valve gear on a production model
  • Desmodromic system unique in positively closing and opening valves with cam and leverage
  • Standard valve springs not used in Desmodromic system
Ducati 250 Mark 3D Desmo (1968 - 69)

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