The Book Of Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles: 1955-1974

Features • Full description of the model development • Analysis of the singles by each Model Year • All models covered, from 100 to 450cc • Unravels a myriad of different models and changes • Complete Appendices of technical specifications • The ultimate source book for Ducati single information Description With a 20 year production run, Ducati's overhead camshaft singles established Ducati's current reputation for building exceptional sporting motorcycles. The overhead camshaft single provided the DNA for Ducati motorcycles but with little accurate documentation and information available before now they can be difficult to restore and authenticate. This is the first book to provide an authoritative description of the complete range of Ducati OHC singles. When Fabio Taglioni designed his 100cc Gran Sport Marianna back in 1954, it was unlikely he expected this engine to have such a long and lingering influence on Ducati design. Over the next 20 years, the single was developed into a myriad of different types, in capacities up to 436cc, and was the first production engine to utilise desmodromic valves. Incorporating features that continue to this day, the overhead camshaft single would become one of the most important designs in Ducati history. Years of research have resulted in this, the first book to document in detail all the types of Ducati overhead valve singles, making this book an invaluable resource to the collector, restorer, and enthusiasts of these magnificent motorcycles. Chapter 1. The Early Singles 100, 125 175 Gran Sport plus early racing versions. Chapter 2. Production models of the late 1950s; 100s, 125s and 175s. Chapter 3. Production Racers; 125, 175 and 250 F3. Chapter 4. The early 1960s; Four-speed 200s, 250s and 160. Chapter 5. Five-speed narrow-case; 125s, 250s and 350s Chapter 6. 250 and 350 production racers; Mach 1/S and SC Chapter 7. First wide-case singles; 250 and 350 from 1967 Chapter 8. Desmo singles; 250 and 350 from 1968 Chapter 9. The largest singles; 450s from 1969. Chapter 10. The 1970s; the 450 R/T and Silver Shotgun Chapter 11. Final singles; 1973 and 1974.