Ducati 160 Monza Junior
ManufacturerDucati
Production1964-1970
ClassStandard
EngineAir-cooled bevel drive SOHC single cylinder four stroke
Bore / stroke61 mm × 52 mm (2.4 in × 2.0 in)
Compression ratio8.2:1
Top speed63 mph (101 km/h)
Power13 bhp (9.7 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
TransmissionMultiplate wet clutch, 4 speed
Frame typeSingle cradle
SuspensionFront: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm
BrakesDrum front & rear
TyresFront: 275x16
Rear: 325x16
Wheelbase1,330 mm (52 in)
DimensionsL: 1,980 mm (78 in)
H: 930 mm (37 in)
Seat height760 mm (30 in)
Weight106 kg (234 lb) (dry)
Footnotes / references
[1][2][3][4][5][6]

The Ducati 160 Monza Junior is a 152 cc (9.3 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1964 to 1970. The model was the most successful of the Ducati OHC singles.[7] The exact number produced is not known, but estimates put the figure between 13,000 and 15,000. This exceeds the total number of all other Ducati singles produced from 1967 to 1975.[1]

History

in 1955, Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni designed a 98 cc SOHC single on which the range of Ducati singles was based. The 98 was soon enlarged to a 125. The American importers, Berliner Motor Corporation, felt a larger version of the machine would sell better in the American market.[2] The announcement of Honda's soon to be introduced CB160 may also have been a factor.[1] The factory responded by increasing the 125's bore from 55.2 mm (2.17 in) to 61 mm (2.4 in) whilst keeping the same 52 mm (2.0 in) stroke, giving a displacement of 152 cc (9.3 cu in). The 125's frame and cycle parts were retained and the machine was styled in a similar way to the 250 cc Monza. The machine was launched in 1964 as the 160 Monza Junior. Initial versions had a 3 speed gearbox but this was soon changed to a 4 speed unit.[2]

A variant of the 160 with a more angular tank and mudguards was introduced in 1965,[8] and the next year a more angular front headlight was added with a new seat. The styling then remained virtually unchanged until production ceased in 1970.[9]

Most of Ducati's production was sent to the US, however in 1967 Berliner were in financial trouble[1] and refused a consignment of 3,500 machines from the factory. These machines were sold to Liverpool businessman Bill Hannah, who sold the bikes to the public between 1968 and 1972.[10] 1,500 of these were Monza Juniors, which were sold at 25% less than the same machines being sold by Ducati's UK importer Vic Camp.[11] Hannah offered no support or spares network for the bikes he sold which damaged Ducati's reputation in the UK.[12] The machines were under-geared which led to main bearing failures or dropped valves on some machines.[13]

Technical details

Engine and transmission

The 160 engine was an enlarged version of the company's 125. The single cylinder bevel drive OHC engine was of unit construction and had alloy head and alloy barrels with cast iron liners. The 125's bore was increased 5.8 mm to 61 mm (2.4 in) whilst the stroke remained at 52 mm (2.0 in) giving a displacement of 152 cc (9.3 cu in). Main bearings were ball bearings with roller bearings for the big end.[14] A Borgo 4 ring piston was fitted which gave a compression ratio of 8.2:1. Claimed power output was 13 bhp (9.7 kW) @ 8,000 rpm,[1] giving the machine a top speed of 63 mph (101 km/h).[15]

Fuel was delivered by a remote-float 22 mm Dell'Orto carburettor.[1] The engine used wet sump lubrication.[3]

Primary drive was by helical gears to a multi-plate wet clutch. Initially a 3 speed gearbox was fitted but this was soon changed to a 4 speed unit. Chain drive took power to the rear wheel.[2]

Cycle parts

The single cradle frame was the same as the item used on the 125 and used the engine as a stressed member.[2] Rear suspension was by swinging arm with twin shock absorbers. At the front 30 mm (1.2 in) 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. 16 inch wire wheels were fitted with a 275x16 tyre front and 325x16 rear.[6]

References

Bibliography

  • Dall'Oslo, Gaven (September 2018). "Ducati Monza Jr". Old Bike Australia – via PressReader.com.
  • Falloon, Ian (18 March 2016). The Book of the Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles. Poundbury, Dorchester: Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-84584-566-7.
  • Falloon, Ian (July 2016). The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles: Every Model Since 1946. Minneapolis, MN: Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-5022-5.
  • Garlitos, Kirby (11 May 2012). "1966 Ducati 160 Monza". Top Speed. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  • Haylock, Bill (1978). "Ducati Singles" (PDF). Classic Bike (1). OCLC 1250189614 – via www.hogervorst.tech.
  • Huber, Tim (12 July 2018). "Bevel Drive Single – 1965 Ducati 160 Monza Junior". Bike-urious. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  • Salvadori, Clement (3 March 2016). "Retrospective: Ducati Monza Junior 160: 1964-1970". Rider Magazine.
  • Walker, Mick (2002). Illustrated Ducati Buyer's Guide. MotorBooks International. ISBN 978-1-61059-045-7.
  • Walker, Mick (2003). Ducati Singles Restoration. MotorBooks International. ISBN 978-1-61060-919-7.
  • "1965 Ducati 160 Monza Jr". Motorcycle Classics. 28 December 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  • "1965 Ducati 160cc MONZA JUNIOR Frame no. 18430DM160". Bonhams. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
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