Ducati Forza

Ducati Forza

Series 1 Ducati Forza
Manufacturer	Ducati/MotoTrans
Production	1976-1983
Predecessor	Ducati Road 350
Class	Standard
Engine	Air-cooled bevel drive SOHC single cylinder four stroke
Bore / stroke	76 mm × 75 mm (3.0 in × 3.0 in)
Compression ratio	9:1
Top speed	145 km/h (90 mph)
Power	22 bhp (16 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Transmission	Multiplate wet clutch, 5 speed
Frame type	Single cradle
Suspension	Front: telescopic forks Rear: swinging arm
Brakes	Disc front Drum rear (series 1), disc rear (series 2)
Tyres	Front: 325×18 Rear: 350×18
Wheelbase	1,370 mm (54 in)
Weight	148 kg (326 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity	13 L (2.9 imp gal; 3.4 US gal)
Footnotes / references

The Ducati Forza is a 340 cc (21 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Spanish manufacturer MotoTrans, who were licensed by Ducati to produce motorcycles under the Ducati brand name and was produced from 1976 to 1983. The model is based on the 350 ‘wide case’ Ducati singles which the Italian Ducati factory had stopped manufacturing in 1974, but which MotoTrans continued to develop and produce.

A prototype was shown at the 1974 Automobile Barcelona Show.

Production started in 1976 and ran to 1979. The model was fitted with a disc front brake. Electrics were uprated to 12v and an electric starter fitted. The machine was finished in metallic red with chrome headlight and mudguards.

The model was updated in 1980 with cast wheels and a rear disc brake. The starter was moved from in front of the engine to behind the cylinders. The machine was finished in orange and the engine finished in black.

The single cylinder bevel drive OHC engine was of unit construction and had an alloy head and alloy barrel with cast iron liners. Bore and stroke were 76 mm × 75 mm (3.0 in × 3.0 in) giving a displacement of 340 cc (21 cu in). A 9:1 piston was fitted. Claimed power output was 22 bhp (16 kW) @ 8,000 rpm, giving the machine a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph).

Fuel was delivered by a Dell’Orto PHF 30 AS carburettor. The engine used wet sump lubrication and ignition was by battery and coil.

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

The single cradle frame used the engine as a stressed member. Rear suspension was by swinging arm with twin adjustable Telesco Hydrobag gas shock absorbers. At the front Telesco telescopic forks were fitted. A Brembo 260 mm (10 in) diameter disc brake was fitted on the front. Series 1 models had a 200 mm (7.9 in) diameter rear drum. A rear disc brake was fitted on the 2nd series.

Tyres were 325×18 front and 350×18 rear, fitted to spoked wheels on series 1 models and cast wheels on series 2.

Some 1976 models were fitted with a nominal 300 cc engine. This model was also known as the 300 Electronic. The bore and stroke of the engine was 66 mm × 75 mm (2.6 in × 3.0 in), giving an actual capacity of 256 cc (15.6 cu in).

• Burgaleta, Pepe (15 May 2019). “Ducati Vento 350”. La Moto (in Spanish) – via www.pressreader.com.

• Svenson, Enrique (2013). “Club de Motos Antiguas Granada – Ducati”. motosantiguasgranada.es.tl (in Spanish).
• Walker, Mick (2002). Illustrated Ducati Buyer’s Guide. MotorBooks International. ISBN 978-1-61059-045-7.
• “03-Forza 350”. Chugüilsyonki (in Spanish).
• “Modelos Forza 350”. Mototrans (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 24 February 2013.
• “Mototrans Brochures”. www.ducatibrochures.com (in Spanish).

• on YouTube (series 1)
• on YouTube (series 2)