Cobbling together a Ducati 350

[jag767]

Man, it's been a minute since I've been on here. Anyhow, in the very early stages of making something new for myself. Snagged a ducati 350 for dirt cheap on Ebay, now need to de ide what to do with it. Motor was sold ss parts, but it appears its anything but. The piston is about as rusted on as ive even seen, the liner is junk, and the valve are toast, but thats solely from being left to the elements for who knows how many decades.

As far as the motor is concerned, I'm thinking i want to do it right. Complete tear down, lightened 3 piece crank, new con rod, high compression piston, misano head, new clutch components, new electrics (maybe total loss), so the works. From othera dynos, looks like it should be good for 40 Bhp, not bad at all.

The real question is where to go from there. I know I'm going to build the frame, but I'm split on the style. First idea is retro cafe, like what you'd expect. Second is modern style cafe, usd front end, all that jazz. Third, is more of a lightweight upright riding position, just an enjoyable ride around town or on longer jaunts.

I already have enought parts to go in any of those directions, but im not sure which makes the most sense. Opinions?

 

[Brent]

Is it a Desmo, GTL, Mk3? I always liked the lines of the early 80's sport desmo. With the volumes of traffic and the large percentage of drivers on the road that shouldn't have even been allowed a licence I prefer to be upright in the city. Mall parking lots are another place I prefer to be upright. There are few things more dangerous than a moron in a compact car pulling out from between two pick ups doing the "bonsai back out" move.

 

[jag767]

Is it a Desmo, GTL, Mk3? I always liked the lines of the early 80's sport desmo. With the volumes of traffic and the large percentage of drivers on the road that shouldn't have even been allowed a licence I prefer to be upright in the city. Mall parking lots are another place I prefer to be upright. There are few things more dangerous than a moron in a compact car pulling out from between two pick ups doing the "bonsai back out" move.

350 single springer head. Looks to be 1968 widecase.

 

[Rider52]

I really liked the Ducati 250 Scramblers.

 

[jag767]

I really liked to the Ducati 250 Scramblers.

The bikes themselves I don't particularly love. On the other hand, the motors are awesome. Lacey Ducati offers everything to make them a bangin little powerplant, so it'll be my job to design the rest around it.