DUCATI 98 (1952-1955) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Ducati 98 was a motorcycle made by Ducati from 1952 to 1958. It was made in several versions, including the 98N, 98T, 98TL, 98 Sport (98S), and 98 Super Sport (98SS). The bikes were powered by a single-cylinder engine mounted in an open-cradle pressed-steel frame.

In the 1950s, the Italian maker recovered well after World War II, making lightweight sporting motorcycles like the 98 model or the 98 Sport version with a racing pedigree and sophisticated looks.

In 1952, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 98, a motorcycle with low-performance specifications. In addition, the Ducati 98S became the maker's first true sporting model.

The bike was built around an open-cradle pressed-steel frame with a telescopic fork on the front and non-adjustable twin hydraulic shocks on the rear, acting as suspension. The braking power was handled by drum braking units on both front and rear wheels.

In the performance department, the 1952 Ducati 98 had installed a 98cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine fed by a carburetor, delivering an output power of six hp with a maximum peak force at 6,800 rpm.

The bike's engine was paired to a three-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch, sending the power to the rear wheel through a final chain drive. The bike reached a top speed of 75 kph (47 mph).

As for looks, the bike packed standard features, such as a round headlight up front, a small fuel tank, a single seat, side-mounted rear shocks, a center stand, and wire-spoke wheels.