In 1965, Ducati added power to its 250cc Diana bike. The following year, Ducati restyled the model using design cues from sportier offerings like the Monza Junior and the Sebring.
Race-Derived Motor
In 1962, Ducati introduced the Mark 3 with a race-derived, single-cylinder motor. Sales could have been better. Frustrated with a lack of power in an otherwise charming bike, US importers lobbied for Ducati to fit the engine from the 250 Scrambler. That promised higher compression, a hotter camshaft, a larger carburetor, and a cylinder head with bigger valves.
Ducati relented, thereby increasing peak power from 25 horsepower to 30. That was enough to whet the appetite of US customers, and the Mark 3 Diana was born.
The motor was exotic compared to what everyone else was producing. Which other motorcycle producer in the 1960s was using roller-bearing big-ends and ball bearings for the mains? None.
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With those design changes, the bike took on a more angular look. The elevated handlebars and repositioned footrests added comfort. A Grimeca front brake, also new for 1966, further altered the new sharper style.
The bling didn’t end there. Consider these stylistic touches:
The seller describes the patina as a “nice quality rider’s grade.” The bike was restored but maintained a finish, revealing that this bike is meant to be experienced on the road.
The Seller Is a Parts Specialist
Parts for a vintage bike can be challenging to find. But this Ducati was offered by William Kuehn, a vintage parts specialist in Philadelphia.
Kuehn says:
When purchasing vintage parts collections, I sometimes find complete motorcycles as well. This exceptional Ducati was included with a collection of parts I purchased about a year ago.
He adds:
I sell vintage parts all over the world, and the majority are Ducati, Benelli, and Moto Guzzi.
So keeping this Diana in tip-top shape is feasible after all. But how will a new owner use this lovely 1966 Ducati 250cc Diana Mark 3?
Track days are out of the question because even in the slowest group, you’d be a nuisance. Also, only masochists would consider long-distance travel on this hard-riding bike. Instead, we imagine pleasant evenings fettling and polishing before an early rise to follow a coastal road to the best scenic vistas. Park it up there and wait for the compliments to arrive.
