Ducati 250 Circuit 1 | Ducati returns from mediocrity

Ducati 250 Circuit 1

With Ian Fallon

The introduction of the Fiat 500 Bambino automobile in 1957 almost devastated the Italian motor industry as nearly every Italian family wanted an affordable Bambino. In the early 1960s, Bambino wiped out the basic two-wheeler transport market in Italy.

After the success of the Fiat 500, many Italian motorcycle manufacturers disappeared and only a few survived. They are fortunate enough to have strong family support (like Laverda and MV Agusta), or government ownership (like Ducati).

But government ownership comes at a cost. Not only was the racing program cut, but Ducati management also decided the future lay in a series of uninteresting two-stroke bikes.

Fortunately, there were still enough enthusiasts at the factory in Bolognese to ensure the sportiness persisted and in late 1964, Ducati launched the 250 Mach 1.

This gives performance unmatched for a single production 250 and stands out as a beacon in the sea of ​​mediocrity typical of Ducatis of the period.

The impetus to create the Mach 1 came from the Mark 3 Super Sport. This was released for club racing in the United States in 1963 and was a real production racer.

The Mark 3 Super Sport produces 30 hp and has a 10:1 compression ratio, Dell’Orto SSI 27A carburetor, magnetic ignition and racing speakers. Other racing gear includes grip handlebars, minimal fenders, racing tires and competition discs.

In 1964, the Mark 3 received a five-speed transmission and it was a very competitive club racer. But with minimal sound reduction and no efficient lighting, the Mark 3 Super Sport’s market is limited. So in 1964, Ducati developed it into a more engaging sport single; 250 Mach 1.

Although it is sold as a street machine, the Mach 1 speed is even more tuned than the Mark 3 Super Sport. The 74 x 57.8 mm single cylinder engine was taken from racing F3s and consisted of a single upper camshaft driven by a vertical shaft and bevel gear.

The Mach 1 also has a 10:1 compression ratio, but the engine has larger valves (40 mm and 36 mm) and hotter camshafts. As with all single overhead camshafts, the valve springs are hairpin type and with an unfiltered Dell’Orto SSI 29D carburetor and street muffler, claimed power is 27.6hp at 8,500 rpm.

Since it was intended for general street use, the battery and ignition coil replaced the Mark 3 Super Sport’s racing magnet. The rear seesaw shift pedal operates a five-speed transmission, and while the steering is generally clamp-on, a rather odd option is the Mach 1 with rear-mounted foot control and high handlebars, tour type.

Despite the increase in generator power to 60 Watts (from 40 Watts), the electrical system remains a cause for concern, with six-volt 25W floodlights providing slightly better light than a candle. But with quality front and rear Marzocchi suspension, a modest dry weight of 116 kg and a short wheelbase of 1350 mm, the Mach 1 can hold its ground in the handling department.

The drum brakes are generously sized, measuring 180 x 35 mm at the front and 160 x 30 mm at the rear, and 18-inch wheels with steel rims. While these components are shared with Ducati’s other 250 cc singles, the Mach 1 is the only one with a red bezel and an extremely upbeat Veglia 240 km/h speedometer.

Despite the quick Mach 1 250 and handling, the large 29 mm carburetor and high compression ratio contributed to the difficult and troublesome starting at low speeds.

This was ultimately the downfall of the Mach 1 because in the mid-1960s the Japanese started producing 250s that were equally fast, but made starting easier and more user-friendly. Mach 1 continued through 1966 before another Mark 3 replaced it.

While sharing the same well-tuned engine, the new Mark 3 is now less of a cafe racer but more of a mainstream. Ducati has gone for their new wide-box singles, some with Desmodromic van transmissions, and for the delicate and delicate narrow-box singles their time is up.

Nearly sixty years on 250 Mach 1 has achieved cult status. Rare and beautiful, this was Ducati’s most prominent production bike of the 1960s and it epitomizes the finest of Ducati overhead camshaft sports bikes.

Five facts about the Ducati 250 Mach 1

1. The Ducati 250’s first major racing success was at the 24-hour race in Barcelona in 1962 when Ricardo Fargas and Enzo Rippa won the prototype Mototrans 250.
2. At launch, Ducati claimed the Mach 1 was the fastest 250 in the world with a top speed of 170 km/h. However, this is optimistic and there is no modern road test to back up this number.
3. Even after the wide-box single replaced it, the Mach 1 continued to be the preferred choice of private racers as it was significantly lighter.
4. In 1969, Alistair Rogers on Mach 1 gave Ducati its first win on the Isle of Man TT. Rogers won the 250cc production race with an average speed of 134.84 km/h.
5. The relatively low total production of 838 also contributes to the mystery and collectability of the Mach 1. Only 45 Mach 1s arrived in Australia between 1964 and 1966.

Specifications Ducati 250 Mach 1

Specifications Ducati 250 Mach 1Specifications Ducati 250 Mach 1