Ducati 160 Monza Junior

The Ducati 160 Monza Junior is a 152 cc single cylinder, bevel drive, single overhead camshaft motorcycle that Ducati built in Italy from 1964 to 1970. It grew out of the 98 and 125 singles that engineer Fabio Taglioni designed from 1955: Ducati's American importer, Berliner Motor Corporation, wanted a larger machine for the US market, and the factory bored the 125 out to 61 mm while keeping the 52 mm stroke, restyling the cycle parts after the 250 cc Monza. It was launched in 1964 with a three speed gearbox that was soon replaced by a four speed unit, and later gained a more angular tank, mudguards, headlight and seat. The engine claimed 13 horsepower, enough for a top speed of about 101 km/h, and the frame was a single cradle that used the engine as a stressed member. Production estimates run between 13,000 and 15,000, which exceeds all the other Ducati singles built from 1967 to 1975 and makes it the most successful of the company's overhead camshaft singles. A consignment of Berliner machines refused in 1967 was sold in Britain through an independent dealer, which damaged the marque's reputation there.