Specifications: 98 cc OHV single, four speeds.

The first Ducati with sporting pretensions appeared at the 1952 Milan show as the 98 model. They were quite handsome with a pressed spine frame and 17-inch wheels. Power output was 5.5 horsepower at 6,800 rpm with a top speed of 46.5 mph. An “S” for Sport model introduced in 1953 improved performance slightly. Fabio Taglioni was working on his bevel drive SOHC engine by 1955, and when it emerged as the 175-cc T and S models in 1957, the writing was on the wall for this model. It soldiered on until 1963; by this time the bike had evolved. The bike on offer is restored with excellent paint and chrome and certainly makes an interesting footnote for a Ducati collector.