Walkaround Video:
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.
As Cycle World put it in a 1963 review, “A VERY BIG NAME in Italian motorcycling is Ducati, and it is a big name for an excellent reason: Ducati’s machines are among the best engineered and best finished to be found anywhere in that country. Gilera and MV get most of the glory, with their racing “fours,” but it is Ducati that produces a top-flight motorcycle for the man on the street.”
Despite its less than sporting pretensions, the Monza was named after the famous Italian racetrack. The SOHC 249cc was good for a claimed 24 horsepower and a top speed of 77 miles per hour.
Journalists loved not just the engine but the components around it. Back to Cycle World: “The Ducati’s frame and suspension system are nothing very much out of the ordinary — but they do give extraordinary results.” They wrap up their review with more praise for this machine: “For all around sports/touring/racing use, it would be hard to find a better bike than the Ducati. Its finish is marvelous, it is quite fast, and it handles in a way that few others can match. Also, it is so smooth that one begins to wonder if there is any point in building twins (we know there is, but not for reasons of smoothness) and we have had good reports of its durability. Try the Ducati and you will like it; we did.”
This example is VIN: 83658, Engine #: 83658. The owner acquired it 17 years ago.
The odometer shows 25,860 kilometers (16,068 miles).
The seller is the wife of well-known motorcycle collector Alan Chalk, she is listing it on his behalf as he has passed away. Several details of the ownership history are no longer known.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Mileage: 25880 KM
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
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: Unknown
Headlight Low Beam: Unknown
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Unknown
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: Unknown
Brake Light (Front Switch): Unknown
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Unknown
Plate Light: Unknown
Horn: Unknown
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 75%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Covered Forks appear to be ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: PDC
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 0 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 0 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 0V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: Kick, No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Dipstick threads are damaged
-Missing Air pump assembly
-Electrical condition unknown; bike needs to run in order to determine functionality
Recommendations:
-Battery Replacement
-No Start Diagnostic
-Carburetor Rebuild
-Front and Rear Tires
-Repair Dipstick
Modifications:
This Monza appears to be stock with no modifications. The seller states that the bike is completely original.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key and some documentation.
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 California title. The Pennsylvania license plate is just for decoration only.
Have any Monza 250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
