1962 Ducati 250 Diana
Specifications
- Category
- Sport
- Displacement
- 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)
- Displacement (cc)
- 249.00
- Engine details
- Single cylinder, four-stroke
- Power
- 19.0 HP (13.9 kW)) @ 7750 RPM
- Top speed
- 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)
- Compression
- 8.0:1
- Bore × stroke
- 74.0 x 57.8 mm (2.9 x 2.3 inches)
- Fuel system
- Carburettor. DellÓrto 29mm carbs
- Fuel control
- Desmodromic valve control
- Cooling
- Air
- Transmission
- Chain (final drive)
- Front suspension
- Hydralic telescopic forks
- Rear suspension
- Dual choks
- Front tyre
- 2.75-18
- Rear tyre
- 3.00-18
- Front brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Front brake Ø
- 180 mm (7.1 inches)
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Rear brake Ø
- 160 mm (6.3 inches)
- Dry weight
- 135.0 kg (297.6 pounds)
- Fuel capacity
- 13.00 litres (3.43 US gallons)
- Starter
- Kick
The 1962 Ducati 250 Diana
The 1962 Ducati 250 Diana sits as the mid-range sport offering in Ducati's quarter-liter lineup, specifically developed to capture American riders looking for European performance in a manageable package. This single-cylinder machine delivers genuine sport bike character with its 19 horsepower pushing riders toward a respectable 93 mph top speed, wrapped in classic Italian styling that distinguishes it from more utilitarian competitors.
The Diana rewards smooth, technical riding rather than brute force acceleration. Its 13-liter fuel tank provides decent range for weekend sport touring, while the overall package feels nimble enough for canyon carving yet refined enough for longer rides. The bike responds well to riders who understand how to extract performance from a smaller displacement engine through proper technique and rpm management.
The 1962 model represents the Diana's debut year, making it the original expression of Ducati's vision for an American-market sport bike. Early production examples carry the appeal of first-year authenticity without the typical bugs that plague initial releases.
This Ducati 250 Diana attracts riders stepping up from smaller machines who want genuine Italian sport bike DNA, plus collectors drawn to its moderate investment potential and historical significance as Ducati's targeted entry into the American market.
