Please Note: This bike has been on display and needs carb work in order to run. As such there is no cold start video.
After spending the first quarter century of its existence churning out condensers, vacuum tubes, and other radio components, Ducati pivoted to working in the two-wheeled realm when in 1950 the company unveiled the Cucciolo. Given its monicker due to its high pitch bark—with its name meaning “puppy” in Italian—the Cucciolo was a small engine designed to be mounted onto a bicycle. This motor consisted of a 48cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine that was good for about 1.5 horsepower.
In the 1950s, Ducati began allowing other companies to built their cyclemotors under license—with one outfit being the French firm Rocher. Released from Ducati’s own material choices, Rocher built high-end cyclemotors with unique and often extravagant designs. They manufactured Ducati Cucciolo engines with the best materials and cast parts in aluminum rather than using Ducati’s inferior high silicon content alloys. This means that damage to Rocher engines can be repaired through welding, which is not possible with Ducati’s engines.
Having said that, the Rocher engines share many Ducati internals and standard parts with additional Rocher branding on the cases, the barrel base, the chain wheel and usually a distinctively different flywheel. The flywheel on this engine denotes it as a rare Rocher Mark IV. It also has a typical Rocher shouldered oil filler plug, which although is a minor style change to the Ducati original, is a very rare item in itself. Only a handful of Rocher Mark IV engines are believed to exist, making this a very rare complete machine.
Per the seller: “This particular bike was previously owned by famous British film producer and director, Richard Loncraine (Richard III, Firewall, Wimbledon, Band of Brothers, etc) so it has an interesting past link to the British film and television industry. Mr. Loncraine had the bike overhauled for riding at a local garage who over a period of time charged him for work amounting to more than twice the price of the bike itself; over five thousand pounds!”
During their ownership, the seller has covered zero miles. True mileage is unknown.
Per the seller: “The VIN is on the frame but has been painted over so would need paint removing to expose it. Its exact location is unknown but it is usually one of the rear spindle lug placements or is on the bottom bracket if the engine is removed.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller: “The tank was restored and repainted. New control cables, new tyres, and tubes were installed. The engine was rebuilt and restored using new bearings and seals throughout, as well as a new spark plug. The casings were also vapor blasted. The frame is an older restoration. Aside from the frame itself, everything else has been more recently restored, including the chrome elements. The bike is also painted in a standard factory grey color used by Fiat.”
“The engine restoration leaves it with a very healthy 60 psi of compression and a big fat spark at the new plug. The engine has proven to be oil tight (currently full of oil), it just needs the carb setup completing. The Weber carb is a simple relatively non-adjustable carburetor so should be a simple job for someone who knows what they are doing.”
“If desired, it will need an internal for the delicate original front light which needs the wiring and bulb fittings to have the lights working. Power is provided off the small terminal pole on the top left side of the crankcase and a very simple loom of about 4 wires is all that’s needed.”
“The unusual locking toolbox cylinder under the seat does not have a key, however the locking mechanism is relatively simple and I’ve had it open in the past using a small piece of wire. A more permanent key could probably be fashioned as it will be like a corned beef tin key more than a modern type.”
Mechanical Issues:
Per the seller: “Carb needs setting up to get the bike to run.”
Modifications:
Per the seller: “This bike is stock with no modifications.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on white wall Ammaco tires from 2014 that have aged out.
This bike doesn’t have or use an ignition key.
Per the seller: “The bike will come with an extensive history file including totaling thousands of pounds, and some interesting letters between mechanics and its Loncraine (its previous owner). It also will come with a copy of a Rocher maintenance manual covering every aspect of this model, its restoration, and setup.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Sandbach, Cheshire, UK, this Ducati Rocher is offered on a Bill Of Sale Only.
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