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Hi, I've just bought a 250 Mk3 narrow case project bike from an auction. It's a partially completed restoration. I haven't seen the bike in the flesh yet, but I know it's missing some parts, and I would appreciate some help identifying the right parts to fit. It doesn't have the footrests, or rear brake lever, handlebars and levers. On eBay I can see a few pairs of footrests for bevel singles, and also various brake pedals. Does anyone have photos of the correct parts please?

Thanks, Neville

What Country are you in?

The MK3 generally came to the US with “western” style handlebars. Many people prefer the clip-ons which are getting difficult to source (including short headlight stanchions and a smooth triple tree top clamp.

I believe the MK3 used the standard kick start lever and brake pedal, but had the rear set shift linkage.

However, the advert photo attached shows the rear set brake pedal and the curved kick start lever that avoids the brake lever (again, difficult to source.

Someone more knowledgeable than me will help you sort this out. Post some pictures when you get the MK3.

Congratulations on getting a rare and valuable Ducati!

Hi Jim,

The bike is being delivered tomorrow. I'm in the UK.
Here are the pictures from the auction catalogue:




The forks and top yoke are for handlebars, I'm thinking of fitting some low rise bars for a compromise between the high rise American bars, and clip-ons. This is a bike I intend to keep until I'm too old to ride anymore.

Regards,
Neville

Hi Neville, Where abouts in the uk are you ?, I am in the south east . I have a Mark 3. There is a guy in the Uk that makes and sells good cheap machined parts, inc rear sets etc. The std cast footrests (not reasets, are easily found). Looks like you have all the most difficult stuff. If you are building a rider for yourself in old age then orriginality is not so relevant as comfort and practicality are king. I am 75 and intend to keep my 3 as its light and easy to push about. I am in the process of making it more practical.

Hi Bob,
I'm in Witney, West Oxfordshire, but grew up in Eltham so know your area pretty well.
The bike was delivered today, and the pleasant surprise was that there were three large cardboard boxes containing most of the parts I thought were missing, plus some additional spares.
I now have the footrests and brake pedal, but still need handlebars and levers.
The bike currently has a top yoke with handlebar clamps, but the headlight brackets are the shorter ones, with very nicely machined alloy spacers to cover where the clipons would mount, so I could go for either.
Still need to find exhaust downpipe and silencer. Can't decide for the downpipe to go for chromed steel, or stainless.
Would appreciate details of the guy you mentioned who makes parts.

Thanks, Neville

Looking at the standard of restoration it was pretty obvious that there just HAD to be a box of bits somewhere !. Exhaust pipes do seem to blue, but I think that preferable to the yellow that stainless goes.I don't think anyone is making the correct ( big outlet ) silencer that the Mach1 and Mark 3 need to run well.No reason a current offering could not be modified ,I use a Norton Cheroot silencer which nearly fits and is not restrictive, but a bit noisy !. Tank fixings can be vastly improved on , and need it. Barlecorn make some swan neck bars that would allow you to use your orriginal HL brackets and a smooth top yoke ,check the dimensions . My bike runs so much better with a remote float ( as supplied and fitted to some orriginal bikes ) . I will forward details of stainless supplier. Control perches and levers need to have the correct leverage ratio's if you are to avoid heavy clutch and poor brake. Fit an accessable grease nipple to the offside swinging arm.

Good looking bike. Must be a sad story that restoration stopped so close to finishing. Good luck with completion and enjoy ownership.

Looking at the standard of restoration it was pretty obvious that there just HAD to be a box of bits somewhere !

That was my thought, I did enquire of Bonhams, but they told me the lot was only what was shown in the photos. If I was the seller I'd be very annoyed about that, possibly a reason why my maiden bid won the auction.

Must be a sad story that restoration stopped so close to finishing.

I did wonder about trying to contact the previous owner from the details on the V5, but worried that I might be intruding on a family's grief.

We are all very interested in what it cost !!. It does look a really good job, but I have been "taken " a couple of times like that. I would definately take off the cam drive cover (with the RC drive ) and check the gears mesh with a tiny amount of freedom. Carefull with the RC alighinment on re-fitting.

Just checked the Auction., You did indeed get an absolute bargain . Possibly half to a third of its real value. Well done !!. The Bonhams description is a complete and utter load of twaddle . Its not a 1970, more like 1967 , The Description refers to the later widecase model that is very diferent. I suspect that the sellers only provided the Mark 3 reference and Bonhams assumed the rest !!. There is a date stamp on the inside of the fork leg which may help and I will check your engine no against my records .My guess is built 1966 and sold /registered 1967 or later. A very rare model that is mostly Mach 1 but with sensible kick start. Pretty much the bike that Won its class in the 67 24hr Barcelona Endurance race with Paul Smart and Reg Everett aboard . About 600 laps !.Designed to rev ,not slogged.