First Ducati Project - 1967 Monza 250

[NL_DM250_SH]

Hi there, I am a new member and new to Ducati Singles...My son purchased a 1967 Ducati Monza 250 several months ago as a restoration project for us to work on. The Monza was missing some obvious cosmetic parts including a battery when purchased thus would appreciate any help as to what battery type can be used as a substitute for the original 6v battery. Also, this Monza has not been started for the past 10-20 years, if any one has suggestions or precautions to follow before attempting to start/run the engine that would be appreciated too...the old engine oil was drained...oil filter washed and new oil added.

[Nick]

Congratulations on your acquisition and welcome to the forum.

Before attempting to start you should remove the spark plug and valve covers and squirt oil round the guides, the cam, rockers and down the cylinder. Also pull the cam cover on the right side of the cylinder head and squirt some oil on the gears, bearing, etc. Then kick the engine over a number of times to circulate the oil, or push the bike for a short distance in 2nd or 3rd gear.

Then check for spark, disassemble and clean carb and see what happens. If you plan on using the bike as the manufacturer intended, ditch the stock carb for something more modern such as an Amal concentric, Mikuni or something similar.

The ignition points will almost certainly be oxidized, so file/sand the contacts, clean them and put a very small amount of grease on the points cam.

Any 6V battery should work fine.

[SP3]

start posting pics of the 'before' so we can see your progress and help with any issues.