The Classic Motorcycle

Ducati dating

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I’ve been offered a claimed 1964 Ducati Elite, which, although having no documents, has a C index coded (1965) numberplat­e. I thought Ducati Elites were only made in the very early 1960s? Although I would like to have this bike, I don’t want to buy a ‘pig in a poke,’ so could you confirm the Elite’s production dates, how the machine was conceived and what carburetto­r should be fitted, as this one currently has a Mikuni.

Graham Nichol, email and telephone, Greater London.

The 204cc sohc single cylinder Ducati 200 Elite was developed from the existing 175cc sohc Ducati Americano (175TS) built 1958-60 with engine dimensions of 62x57.8mm bore x stroke. To achieve the 204cc 200 Elite (aka 200 Americano and TS), the 175cc engine’s bore was opened out to 67mm. The Elite was in production 1959-1965 and the 244lb (111kg) machine had a power output of 18bhp at 7500rpm, giving a factory claimed top speed of 85mph. Originally, the Elite was fitted with a 24mm Dell’Orto carburetto­r.

 ??  ?? The handsome Ducati Elite, which was made from 1959 until 1965. Claimed top speed was 85mph. It certainly looked racy!
The handsome Ducati Elite, which was made from 1959 until 1965. Claimed top speed was 85mph. It certainly looked racy!

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