DUCATI 98 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & 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 1959, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 98TS, a motorcycle aimed primarily at the American market. The bike was renamed the 98 Bronco, while it was sold as the Cavallino in the home country.

Compared to the earlier 98 model, the Ducati 98 Bronco differed in various aspects. The Bronco had a milder-tuned engine and a new duplex full-cradle tubular steel frame.

The new frame was fitted with a Marzocchi telescopic fork on the front and non-adjustable twin side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear, providing optimum suspension performance and handling.

The bike glided on 16-inch wheels fitted with a 116 mm double shoe drum braking unit, delivering optimum braking performance.

In the performance department, the 1959 Ducati 98 Bronco/Cavallino had installed a 98cc four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering an output power of six hp with maximum strength at 6,800 rpm.

The power was handled by a four-speed manual transmission that sent it to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 83 kph (52 mph).

In 1956, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 98N. The motorcycle was derived from the 98 standard model that was also available as the 98T, 98TL, 98S, and 98SS, with minor differences between one and the other.

The Ducati 98 was introduced in 1952 as a replacement model for the 65T, 65TL, and 65TS and continued production until 1958. The bikes were powered by a 98cc single-cylinder OHV engine fitted into an open-cradle pressed-steel frame.

The 98N was identical to the 98 standard model in the visual department, except for a one-piece dual seat and a four-speed transmission. It packed standard features like a round headlight, a single exhaust system mounted on the right side, a center stand, and wire-spoke wheels.

As for performance, the 1956 Ducati 98N had installed a 98cc four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering an output power of six hp with a peak force at 6,800 rpm.

The bike was set in motion by a four-speed manual transmission that sent the engine power to the rear axle through a final chain drive, pushing the bike to a top speed of 80 kph (50 mph).

The bike was built around an open-cradle pressed-steel frame with a telescopic fork on the front and non-adjustable twin side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear end, delivering optimum suspension performance.

The braking performance was handled by a drum braking unit on both front and rear wheels, delivering optimum stopping performance.

In 1953, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 98T, a motorcycle presented at the 1952 Milan Show alongside the 98N model. The bikes were designed by Ducati's chief engineer, Giovanni Fiorio.

Compared to the standard model, the Ducati 98T packed the same technical, performance, and visual specifications, except for a one-piece dual seat that made the difference between the two motorcycles.

The 98 model was a bike delivered by Ducati from 1952 to 1958. It was available 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 visual department, the bike packed standard features, such as a round headlight up front, a one-piece dual seat, side-mounted rear shock absorbers, a single exhaust system mounted on the right side, a center stand, and wire-spoke wheels with alloy rims.

In the performance department, the 1953 Ducati 98T had its heartbeat set by a 98cc four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine managed by a carburetor, delivering an output power of six hp with a maximum peak force at 7,500 rpm.

The bike's engine was held in place by an open-cradle pressed-steel frame that also provided mounting points for a telescopic fork on the front and twin shock absorbers on the rear, acting as a suspension system.

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

In 1953, the Italian motorcycle maker introduced the Ducati 98S (Sport), Ducati's first actual sporting motorcycle. The bike was designed by Giovanni Fiorio and was presented at the 1952 Milan Show.

Compared to the standard 98 model, the Ducati 98S version came in a lighter package, rolling on alloy rims instead of the steel ones used by the Ducati 98, a higher state of tune, and an additional oil cooler placed at the front of the engine.

The 1953 Ducati 98S had its soul brought to life by a 98cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine managed by a single carburetor, delivering an output power of 7 hp with a peak force at 7,300 rpm.

The bike's engine was held by an open-cradle pressed-steel frame that also was the mounting point of the bike’s suspension system comprised of a Marzocchi telescopic fork on the front end and twin shock absorbers on the rear, delivering optimum suspension performance.

The braking power was handled by a drum braking unit on both front and rear wire-spoke wheels with aluminum rims.

In the visual department, the bike was similar to the standard 98 model, packing the same features, except for a one-piece dual seat that made the difference between the two models.

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.