Ducati 350 Scrambler Explained

Ducati 350 Scrambler
Aka:Ducati 350 SS
Ducati 350 SCR
Manufacturer:Ducati
Production:1968-1974
Engine:340.2cc Air-cooled bevel drive SOHC single cylinder four stroke
Bore Stroke:76mm75mm
Compression:9.5:1
Top Speed:130kph
Power:24bhp @ 8,500 rpm
Transmission:Multiplate wet clutch, 5 speed
Frame:Single cradle
Suspension:Front: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm
Brakes:Drum front & rear
Tires:Front: 350x19
Rear: 400x18
Wheelbase:1330mm
Length:2120mm
Width:940mm
Seat Height:770mm
Dry Weight:139kg (306lb)
Fuel Capacity:11L
Sp:uk

The Ducati 350 Scrambler, also known in the US as the Ducati 350 SS and in Europe as the Ducati 350 SCR is an on/off-road 340cc single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1968 to 1974. It was the first of the 'wide case' Ducati singles produced and aimed at the American Market. Total production was around 11,500 machines.

The model was also produced under licence in Spain by MotoTrans from 1974 to 1976.

History

Although some 350 Scramblers may have been produced in 1967 by fitting the 'narrow case' Sebring engine into 250 Scrambler, the model wasn't officially introduced until May 1968. It was the first model to use the improved wide case engine that was based on the 250SCD and 350SCD (Sport Corsa Desmo) racing engines.

A hotter camshaft was fitted in 1969 along with a square-slide Dell'Orto carburettor.

Few 350s were imported to the US and UK during 1970-71 as the importers (Berliner in the US and Vic Camp in the UK) were in dispute with the factory over prices.

Some of the last of the model made in 1974 used Spanish engines from MotoTrans. The factory ceased production of OHC singles in 1974. The remaining stocks were purchased by the then British importer Coburn & Hughes, who continued to sell them until early 1976.

Technical details

Engine and transmission

The single cylinder bevel drive OHC engine was of a vertically spilt unit construction and had alloy head and alloy barrels with austenitic liners. Ball bearings were used in the main bearings and roller bearings for the big end. Hairspring valve springs were used to close the valves. Bore and stroke were 76mm75mm giving a displacement of 340cc. A high compression 9.5:1 piston was fitted. Claimed power output was 24bhp @ 8,500 rpm, giving the machine a top speed of 130kph. The kickstart mechanism has been upgraded from the earlier models and a decompression lever fitted to non-desmo models to aid kicking the engine over.

Fuel was supplied by a 29mm Dell'Orto SSI carburettor. A square-slide Dell'Orto VHB carb was fitted from 1969. Wet sump lubrication was used and ignition was by battery and coil.

Primary drive was by helical gears to a multi-plate wet clutch to a 4 speed gearbox. Chain drive took power to the rear wheel.

Cycle parts

The single cradle frame was a strengthened version of the 'narrow case' bikes and used the engine as a stressed member. Rear suspension was by swinging arm with twin 3-way adjustable Marzocchi shock absorbers. At the front 31.5mm telescopic forks were fitted. Brakes were drums, the front being 180mm diameter front and 160mm rear.

References

Bibliography