1965 Ducati 250 Mach 1 – $30,000
SELLER SAYS: Ducati produced the 250cc Mach 1 from 1964 through to 1966; a total of 838 units were made. They were a high performance road machine and won many races.
A race prepared version won the prestigious Barcelona 24 hour endurance race outright in 1964. In 1969 Alastair Rogers surprised everyone by winning the Isle of Man 250cc Production TT race on his 1964 Mach 1.
In November 1964 the (English) Motor Cycle magazine proclaimed the “…Mach 1 is the fastest production two fifty ever tested by ‘Motor Cycle’. …… Geared for 115 mph, the bike will fulfill the manufacturer’s claim of 106 mph, given neutral conditions….”
In 1963 the American magazine Cycle World achieved 104 mph on their test of a Diana Mark 3 Super Sport. This was the forerunner of the Mark 3 and Mach 1 Ducatis.
The Mach 1 engine differed from the standard Diana/GT model 250s of the time in having 10:1 compression ration, shim valve caps, greater cam lift duration and a larger race style, Dell’Orto SSI 29 D carburetor fitted. A sporty riding position was facilitated by rear set foot pegs and clip on handlebars. A special kick start crank was required due to the rear sets. This restricted the amount of effective kickstart travel and it was rightly criticized by many journalists and, no doubt, owners.
THE MACH 1 OF THIS SALE:
This machine was purchased by myself, in late 1973 from Ron Barrett of Murrumbeena. It was registered HG-522 and had previously been registered in New Caledonia. Build date is October 1965.
I used it as everyday transport till mid 1974.
In 1975 I raced it in C grade and Open road race events at Calder and Winton. It was still competitive for C grade at this time.
RESTORATION
Most of the restoration work took place in 2005.
Many ‘new old stock’ items were purchased in the 1980s from Mota Bitz in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne at bargain basement prices.
The silencer was ‘new old stock’, when purchased, the quality of its original chrome was very poor, it had deteriorated despite having been stored carefully since purchase.
Other ‘new old stock’ used for the restoration included the headlight rim, primary drive case, seat, tool boxes, seat, fork shrouds, various electrical switches, taillight lens and taillight bracket.
Since its restoration in 2005 it has won the ‘Best Ducati Single’ award at Melbourne’s Festival of Italian Motorcycles each time it has been shown. In 2017 it won ‘Best of Show – restored’
It is in good running condition having done only a few hundred kilometres since full engine rebuild in 2005. 50,000 km is a complete guess. This field must be filled in. This restoration and engine rebuild cost about $8000, receipts for all work are available.
I have added indicator lights so it is safe in today’s traffic conditions. There are mirrors available that clip into the top of the fork caps. These are quickly removable as they are functional but they look out of place. I don’t think mirrors were supplied from the factory anyway.
I will have this machine at the Broadford Bike Bonanza this weekend for inspection. It will be run but test rides will not be given. Machine is on Club Permit Scheme.
Price is negotiable. Contact Stewart on 0409 852 597 (Melbourne, Victoria)