Identification Help-My 1965 Mark 3 Diana'ish Find - Ducati.ms

erockson · Mar 22nd, 2011, 8:36 pm

The foil #'s on the frame seem to have been removed at some point. From what I was able to tell it's a 1965 (found the 65 stamped on the inside brake stay of the left fork after searching around on the internet for hours on ways to identify these bikes). Everything on it matches with the Mark 3 Diana's I've seen except the handlebars, the off color (blue) chain guard, and the rear shocks. Also couldn't get an exact match on the engine #'s: DM250M1 00617.

Any and all help is much appreciated!

marret · Mar 23rd, 2011, 5:39 am

Have you looked at the Bevel Heaven website? There is a Data Index listed under the Technical Info section on the left side of the page. This is a simple compilation of info and I'm sure not definitive, but it helps get an idea.

Bevel-Heaven · Mar 23rd, 2011, 10:43 am

Here is a direct link to the engine # list for singles, please have a look. single cylinder frame/engine #s

You also need to arm yourself with this book called "The Standard Catalog Of Ducati Motorcycles" by Ian Falloon which outlines and shows examples of every scooter and motorcycle Ducati ever produced from the Cucciolo to the 999. Bevel Heaven - Std Catalog

You will find all sorts of info in the book, and the more you read up on and talk to other owners of [especially bevel drive] Ducati motorcycles, you will find that there are no exacts when it comes to what bits were on which models on which years etc. There are only general rules/guides that are mostly true, but there will always be the exceptions to those rules.

erockson · Mar 23rd, 2011, 11:08 am

Thanks guys. That was one of the sites I had come across in my search to positively identify this bike. My engine # isn't listed of course and the closest 2 are a 1966 Mach 1 (DM2501M1 00529) and an unlisted year 250 Diana Supersport (DM250M1 00648).

Like I said I'm 99% it's a 1965 Mark 3 Diana, but don't know if someone slapped on random parts and then from what bike they are off (scrambler, monza, etc.) The original complete and restored Diana's I've seen all have clip on bars and exposed coil shocks, and I know that color blue that's on the chain guard is incorrect and has to be from another model.

Here's what I'm seeing:

Original 1965 Mark 3 Diana (matches my bike except for handlebar setup and rear shocks)

1965 Monza (has the same shocks and handlebar setup but not the exact height of bars)

Eldert · Mar 23rd, 2011, 3:58 pm

the bike you have is worth restoring for sure .
the engine with the DM 250 M1 prefix is a rare ( and valueable ) Mach 1 engine

i doubt that this was the original engine but who cares

build the bike the way you like it

Eldert

chimera · Mar 28th, 2011, 1:13 pm

This is a late Mk3, the M1 engine was installed in these late production USA model Mk3's. Early production USA Mk3's had the M3 engine numbers. All the chassis equipment (including the high handlebars; bars and footpegs were according to buyer preference) is consistent with a late production Mk3 except: shocks (Scrambler/Monza shrouded shocks), control levers look like they might be those british type steel levers (hard to tell by pics) and there's another lever? clamped on the left handlebar that isn't original. The gas tank paint scheme is an earlier Diana type. This might be the larger capacity tank from a ~'64 vintage Diana. Does the tank have the dented area underneath to clear the carb? The headlight rim isn't original. The chainguard paint color is similar to early Dianas. Chainguards had some detail changes from year to year so it would take some investigation to determine if the changuard is correct. You'd have to determine the rim sizes and manufacturer and spoke profile to see if the wheels are original. Missing a few (expensive) parts to complete: carb/manifold, front fender, left toolbox, exhaust and the rust/split cases on the motor are a red flag but absolutely worth the effort to restore to original. MW

erockson · Apr 1st, 2011, 10:44 am

Here is the underside of the tank, it doesn't seem to have any indent for the carb. What does that mean? Good, Bad?

chimera · Apr 4th, 2011, 5:23 pm

This is the type of tank that was installed on the 1963-65 Diana. These bikes came with a Del'Lorto SS127A carb. Prior to that the Diana had a UBF carb and the underside of the tank was also different (see Ducati Diana Mania 2010 - www.coolitalianbikes.com for a side-by-side comparison) The later Diana Mk3 had a SS129D installed. The 27 and 29 carbs are similar in size but Ducati saw fit to modify the gas tank to provide more clearance for the 29 carb. Basically, they took a ball peen hammer to the underside of the tank where the carb locates to provide some clearance, then brazed the seam. Your tank doesn't have this modification. Since the bikes that came with the type of tank you have didn't have the frame you have (rearset mounts, triangular tool boxes), I'm inclined to believe the tank isn't strictly catalog original specification, but, Ducati did indulge in building what they had on hand to a certain extent. The " '65" stamped on the brake stay is probably indicative of late '65 production, i.e. a '66 model which fits with all the other bits except for the tank, which is consistent with a '65 model. You could just say it's a transition model, a 65 1/2 if you will, and restore it as you found it. The only issue would be if the SS129D carb will clear the tank. The other conundrum is the M1 engine. Just haven't seen USA production Mk3's with an M1 engine number that early. Might have to rethink the theory on that. Is there any manufacturer iedentification stamped on the rims? All Ducati singles had some type of rim identification. MW

erockson · Apr 5th, 2011, 12:11 am

The rims are stamped: M Baruzzo - Torino:

I tried to Google that but noting of any use comes up?

shat · Apr 5th, 2011, 11:00 am

Are aboslutely correct for both Mach Ones and Mark IIIs narrow case sporting models. Treasure them as they are near impossible to find as spares. When you have them rechromed, make sure you use a reputable chromer and one who can follow your instructions to the "T". The engraving/stamping must not be diminished in the restoration process or the value of these parts and accuracy of your restoration will plummet like a rock. Your are very fortunate to have these rims. I've seen them go for as high as $1,500 a pair (or more). Good luck and have fun!