Ducati 125 Scrambler

Ducati 125 Scramber
Manufacturer Ducati
Production 1971-1972
Class On/off-road
Engine 124.4 cc (7.59 cu in) Air-cooled bevel drive SOHC single cylinder four stroke
Bore / stroke 55.2 mm × 52 mm (2.17 in × 2.05 in)
Compression ratio 8.5:1
Top speed 90 km/h (56 mph)
Power 10 bhp (7.5 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Transmission Multiplate wet clutch, 5 speed
Frame type Full duplex cradle
Suspension Front: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm
Brakes Drum front & rear
Tyres Front: 250×19
Rear: 350×18
Wheelbase 1,340 mm (53 in)
Dimensions L: 2,040 mm (80 in)
W: 860 mm (34 in)
Seat height 850 mm (33 in)
Weight 105 kg (231 lb) (dry)
Footnotes / references

The Ducati 125 Scrambler is an on/off-road 124 cc (7.6 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati in 1971 and 1972. Although Ducati had stopped production of the ‘narrow case’ singles in 1967, the Scrambler used a narrow case engine made by MotoTrans in Spain. The model was not a sales success with less than 200 sold worldwide and was soon taken out of production.

Technical details

Engine and transmission

The Ducati OHC singles had been designed by Fabio Taglioni. The initial engines, known as ‘narrow case’, were superseded by the improved ‘wide case’ engines in 1967, although the narrow case engines continued to be manufactured by MotoTrans in Spain. The smallest wide case engine was 250 cc and the new 125 Scrambler was fitted with a Spanish made engine. The single cylinder bevel drive OHC engine was of a vertically spilt unit construction and had alloy head and alloy barrels with austenitic liners. Ball bearings were used in the main bearings and roller bearings for the big end. Hairspring valve springs were used to close the valves. Bore and stroke were 55.2 mm × 52 mm (2.17 in × 2.05 in) giving a displacement of 124 cc (7.6 cu in). Compression ratio was 8.5:1. and claimed power output was 10 bhp (7.5 kW) @ 8,000 rpm, giving a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).

Fuel was delivered by a 20 mm Spanish built Amal Monobloc carburettor. Wet sump lubrication was used and ignition was by battery and coil.

Primary drive was by helical gears to a multi-plate wet clutch to a 5 speed gearbox. Chain drive took power to the rear wheel.

Cycle parts

Unlike other OHC models, the 125 Scrambler used a full duplex cradle frame. Rear suspension was by swinging arm with twin Marzocchi shock absorbers. At the front Marzocchi telescopic forks were fitted. Brakes were drums, the front being 158 mm (6.2 in) diameter front and 136 mm (5.4 in) rear. Wire wheels were fitted with a 250×19 tyre front and 350×18 rear.

References

Bibliography

  • Falloon, Ian (July 2016). The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles: Every Model Since 1946. Minneapolis, MN: Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-5022-5.

  • Walker, Mick (2003). Ducati Singles Restoration. MotorBooks International. ISBN 978-1-61060-919-7.
  • “1973 Ducati 125 Scrambler”. Bikez.
  • “Ducati 125 Scrambler Motorcycles – Photos, Video, Specs, Reviews”. Bike.Net.
  • “Original Ducati Scrambler – 1962 to 1976”. Timeless 2 Wheels. 28 April 2020.


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