Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
In the early 1960s, American and British importers were asking Ducati for a “weekend racer” model. The prototype first appear in 1962 with a blue frame and finished in blue and silver.
Ducati advertised the Diana as the, “Choice of the two-wheeled generation.” The 248.8cc engine was good for a claimed 28 horsepower, and a top speed of approximately 110 miles per hour. The weight was 242 pounds and if you were being good, you could get close to the advertised fuel mileage of 68 miles per gallon.
This example is VIN: DM25094955; Engine: DM250M394955. The seller purchased the bike from a Ducati mechanic at Euro Cycles (now called Tampa Bay Motos) in Tampa, Florida, and states, “I restore vintage motorcycles as a hobby (now a full time job since retirement in 2022). I have had several Ducatis over the years and always wanted a single. It was fascinating restoring the bike and I had a lot of help from famed Duc shop Syd’s Cycle in Clearwater FL. The little Mk3 won several awards including Bike of the Year at the Riding Into History show at St Augustine, Florida. Note the M3 on the crankcase which denotes that it’s a true Mark 3 (5-speed and high compression piston). Lots of fakes out there.”
True mileage unknown. The seller has covered approximately 50 miles since the restoration. The odometer shows 72 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Full frame off restoration including a complete engine tear down. Spared no expense. All new Italian gaskets, seals. All new engine bearings. Complete top end work done by Dutchman Racing (Pittsburgh, PA). New clutch, points, sprockets and chain. All chrome was redone, tank relined with all body parts (including made-in-Italy reproduction front fender and side boxes) painted by master restoration expert Morrell Roberts at Moe Colors in Tampa, FL. Original, un-modified or refurbished seat. 12 volt conversion replaced the flimsy original 6V system famous for its weak spark. New AGM battery. New stainless steel spoked aluminum shoulder rims spinning Avon Roadriders. New brakes on round-bored hubs. All new cables.”
Modifications:
Not shown: “12V electrical system with electronic regulator/rectifier. There is a modern Dell’Orto on the bike now for easy start and reliability.”
Inside of the tank:
“The tank was lined with POR-15 so its “metallic” color reflects the camera flash a bit but you can see the clear gasoline inside.”
It is riding on Avon RoadRider tires with date codes of 0516 and 1166.
The sale included one key and original Dell’Orto 29 carburetor
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Dahlonega, Georgia, this Ducati is offered on a clean Georgia title. Have any 250 MK3 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
