In 1954, Fabio Taglioni (Ducati Meccanica’s chief designer and technical director) introduced the Gran Sport: a 98cc single with an OHC (overhead-cam) driven by a vertical shaft with conical gears, and a ten-degree forward tilt to the (nearly) vertical cylinder head. The Gran Sport would directly influence two-decades of engine development at Ducati. In 1956, the Gran Sport was revised and bumped up to a 125 cc double overhead cam (DOHC) setup. On an semi related note: Ducati’s history in the United States also began during this era. As the bikes won more and more races, they caught the attention of Joseph and Michael Berliner of the influential and powerful Berliner Corporation. The brothers would eventually go on to open the first US Ducati distributorship.
In 1958, Ducati introduced 100cc and 125cc “Sport” models. As Cycle World put it in their 1966 article on Ducati’s history, “By then, Ducati’s goal was obvious; they were out to expand their sales to all comers of the world. To do this meant two things: they would have to produce a line of really good motorcycles, and then they would have to get the message across to riders all over the world. The new ohc Ducatis certainly fulfilled the first requirement, and for the second it was decided, and wisely so, to conduct an aggressive campaign on the world’s grand prix tracks.”
The 100 Sport wasn’t very popular outside of its native Italy and as a result would only see two years of production, making them rarer than both the Sport 125/175 and a hard to find model today.
This example is VIN: 251208, Engine #: 251212. The seller acquired it from the Museo Moto Italian Collection of John Goldman via a Mecum auction in 2024.
During his ownership, the seller has not ridden this bike but notes that it has “very few miles since restoration.” There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
The seller is slimming down his collection of older Ducatis and is also listing a 1966 Ducati Diana 250 Mark 3 with Iconic Motorbikes. His 100 Sport was restored at an unknown date in the past and was also featured in Ian Falloon’s book “The book of the Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1955-1974“.
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: Fail
Engine Oil Level: Low
Engine Oil Quality: 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: Dirty
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: 70%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 47/15
Tire Date Code Rear: 15/16
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 38 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 0.3V Dead
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: Kick, No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Fuel tank is full of bad gas and very rusty
-Air Pump is non-functional
-Oil at the bottom of the engine
-Rocker Cover has been previously repaired
-Carburetors are stuck
-Left handlebar pinches riders hand at full lock left
-No oil in engine
Recommendations:
-Clean and line fuel tank
-Refurbish Fuel System
-Battery Replacement
-Carburetor Rebuild
-Oil Change
-Front and Rear Tires
Modifications:
This bike appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon AV83 Streetrunner tires with date codes of 4715 and 1516.
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. There is a California plate on it for display purposes only, it will not be included in the sale. Have any 100 Sport stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
