After Ducati’s success with the 250 F3 racer, they created a pair of 250cc road bikes in 1961: the Monza tourer and the Diana sport bike. Neither sold particularly well in the US so the American importer (Berliner) asked Ducati to make the Diana more powerful. The Italian firm responded quickly – one year later, Ducati replaced the Diana with the Diana Mark 3 in the United States using some of the higher-performance parts from the 250 Scrambler.
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.
The press ate it up. Cycle World called it “single-cylinder engine notwithstanding, the fastest, and nearly the smoothest, standard motorcycle in the 250cc class. Morever, it delivers performance without fussiness, and the example provided us for purposes of testing was returned to its owners only after all excuses for keeping it longer had been exhausted — we liked it that much.”
They wrapped up their review by saying, “In its appearance, the Ducati Diana is second to none. The overall finish is superb, especially in the care applied in polishing the many aluminum castings. The low bars lend a lot of raciness to its appearance, and so does the big 5-gallon fuel tank, which has knee-notches and a quick-release filler cap that not only look racy but are functional as well. In all, we were absolutely enchanted with the Ducati Diana; we think you will be too.”
This example is VIN: 98734. The seller acquired it from a private party in Vero Beach, Florida in October 2023.
The seller has not ridden the bike during his ownership. The odometer shows 1 mile after a restoration, true mileage is unknown.
“I have 3 other early Ducati from 1960 100cc through this bike. The style of this bike is very appealing but is completely different than my other 3 so I’m letting it go.” He is also listing a 1958 Ducati 100 Sport with Iconic Motorbikes.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Rusty and Dry
Engine Oil Level: Fail
Engine Oil Quality: Fail
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Non-Functioning
Headlight Low Beam: Non-Functioning
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: Non-Functioning
Brake Light (Front Switch): Non-Functioning
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Non-Functioning
Plate Light: Non-Functioning
Horn: Non-Functioning
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90+%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90+%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 13/12
Tire Date Code Rear: 13/12
Tire % Remaining Front: 90+%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90+%
Tire Press. Front: 30 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: None
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: Kick No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Shifter is bent
-Missing Air Pump
-Rear Brake is sticky
-No oil in engine
-No Battery
-Side cover/boxes are false + fiberglass
-Coil wire has been repaired improperly
-Wiring under seat has notes on it and labeled unsure if complete
Recommendations:
-Oil and Filter Change
-Battery Replacement
-Electrical Diagnostic
-Clean and Line Fuel Tank
-Fuel System Refurbishment
-Etc.
Modifications:
Aftermarket fiberglass side covers.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Duro tires with date codes of 1312 and 1312.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean Arizona title. Have any Diana 250 MK3 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
