Random questions

[Kittay]

Hope you guys don't mind, trying to learn as much as I can about these. I love Ducati's and love vintage bikes!! I have a few random questions, so maybe can get some help out

I'm curious is there much of a difference between the 250 models? The main thing I'm noticing is styling. Do all the 250s have the same forks, hubs, headlight? The Monza seems to have a square headlight.
What size wheels are supposed to come on the scrambler, and what other models had the same size?

I'm collecting parts now and am sure I'll have a ton of questions along the way, so I'm thrilled there is an awesome community

[JimF]

No one here minds, in fact we are all here because we like riding Ducati singles and talking about them is almost as fun.

I'll get the responses rolling.

To my thinking there isn't much difference between the narrowcase 250s. Some engines had bigger valves and carbs, or a higher compression ratio to eek out a few more horsepower, but really when you have 20+hp on a 250 pound Ducati single you are in for a heap of fun. For most of us guys, instead of trying to get three more horsepower out of an engine we could achieve the same result by leaving the engine alone and loosing 20 pounds which would serve our health too.

I personally have an affinity for the narrowcases. They feel to me a little lighter than the widecases and a little more nimble. I think too they are a little closer to the ground which makes the ride even more fun.

You mentioned the square headlight. That along with squared-off fenders and tank was a styling exercise by Ducati around 1966, intended I think to update the look of the bikes in the late 60s. Some people like the square look, but many people replace their square-styled parts for rounder parts from earlier models.

Basically the narrowcases all had the same front fork and brake, close to the same engine, one of two basic electrical systems, the same rear brake, etc. The Scrambler's frame offered a little extra ground clearance.

One of the fun things about having an old Ducati is that most all fenders, tanks, tool boxes, and fenders are interchangeable between the narrow case models and the same goes for the wide case models. That's why you see so many "bitsas", that is a bike made out of bits of different models. You can kind of tweak your bike to your taste and no one judges you.


Have fun with it.

[amartina75]

Kittay,
I recomend you buy two books by Tom Bailey, follow the link below to his website.

http://motyeliab.com/otm.html

the buyers guide will probly answer most of your general questions, and will go over different models and Ducati history in general
it should be quite an interesting read.
the other book is mostly a workshop manual, and it has the widecase supplement and service bullitens, and some other added information all quite usefull.

Ducati used a few different forks over the years, the most common are the 31.5mm forks, that would be what you would have on a narrow case 250 scrambler
and a NC Monza as well. (and a lot of other models)
Ducati used a lot of different headlights, they varied by shape, size, design, mostly changing due to what they needed to contain...ie. switches, gauges, wireing ect.
I wouldnt concern yourself with that too much just yet.

as far as wheels goes, generally scramblers came with a 19" front and an 18" rear. road bikes generally came with 18's front and rear.
most of the hubs Ducati used for singles are basically the same.
If you post some pictures of your project we can identify what you have for you.

[Kittay]

That's good to know. I'm having a blast learning all the cool things!
I have to admit though, I am slightly dissapointed to find out that these older bevel motors (at least the one for my 66 250) does not have a desmodromics system.

With that aside, I mainly am curious about a few parts since those are things I am missing. I have a complete frame, motor front wheel and misc pieces. I need to find forks, triples, headlight assembly, tank, rear wheel and float assembly for the UB27 carb. I think those are the main things.

What are ways to get weight out? These don't seem like there is a whole lot to them to get weight out lol

What is your guy's opinion on running 35mm forks on the scrambler?

My goal is to do something similar to this:

image.jpg

I would like to keep it as correct/ accurate as possible but have a nice cafe racer look incorporated.

[double diamond]

The Ducati you posted a picture of looks like it has Japanese forks and hubs. 35mm forks are probably a better choice than the original 31.5mm forks. Most of these original forks are in pretty poor condition. The tubes weren’t hard chromed and the springs were external under the shrouds. Tended to rust and the springs would wear the tubes as well as collecting dirt, ruining the fork seal surface. A set of 35mm Betor forks or any number of Japanese forks would be good alternatives and not too difficult to come by. If you go with originals, expect to replace the fork tubes. There were two types of hubs, the scalloped Grimeca hubs and the 7 fin Campagnolo hubs. If you go with original hubs, you should try to get a matching rear. There’s not much opportunity to lighten the parts you already have (frame, engine, hub) without a lot of effort (such as lightening the clutch basket) but you can do things like installing alloy rims, fiberglass or aluminum bodywork, alloy controls, etc. to keep the weight down. The big difference between the scrambler and the street frames was the seat mount tube between the rear shocks. You’d probably have to remove this to fit one of the seats you’re considering.

[Kittay]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350-ducati-sing ... f5&vxp=mtr

Can anyone verify that these forks are Ducati NC? I'm thinking about picking them up so I can have a complete front end

[joe46ho]

Tami, Those are the ones you are looking for... although technically they could be from a widecase or a later narrowcase. Either way they are 31.5 mm Marzocchi's, the shipping price is the only thing i dont get ? $95.00 in "two boxes" lol... I could ship a complete engine for less than that...in "one box"
Look for these to go for more than the start price though, even with that crazy shipping quote.

Joe

[Kittay]

Tami, Those are the ones you are looking for... although technically they could be from a widecase or a later narrowcase. Either way they are 31.5 mm Marzocchi's, the shipping price is the only thing i dont get ? $95.00 in "two boxes" lol... I could ship a complete engine for less than that...in "one box"
Look for these to go for more than the start price though, even with that crazy shipping quote.

Joe

I'm not too sure either about the shipping. I know UPS would most likely only charge 30$ for the complete unit. I was going to try calling him to ask about it

[Bevel bob]

My understanding is that the Desmo operation did not produce any significant power improvement ,only an ability to rev higher than the motors could use with the poor breathing and accelerated crank wear. Tom Baileys Book says the fastest stock Ducati single of any capacity was the 250 Narrow case without desmo. Don't look down on the lowly valve spring motor!!.

[Kittay]

I'm really excited about the forks/ triples and really hoping that I can get them One step closer to being done!!!