Ducati 125 GP: The Rarest Ducati (1966)
Standing diametrically opposite the Apollo, this competition engine will always be remembered as
the first and only in-line 4-cylinder engine an the first with 4 valves per cylinder in Ducati’s history.
The 125 cc in-line engine featured timing that was controlled by a gear train an 4 spring-loaded valves per cylinder (!). Needless to say, Desmodromic timing was considered to be in applicable to cylinders with a unit capacity of just… 31 CC!
Despite the refined design work, the engine produced a "mere" 23 HP at 14,000 RPM: not enough to contest the brawn of the 5-cylinder Honda with its 30 HP.
This prototype was track-tested only (by Franco Farn) and never went into production, becoming instead a display-case oddity to be exhibited during trade fairs and other events.
Technical specifications
Engine: across the frame, in-line 4-cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, air-cooled.
Cylinder capacity: 124 cc; (34.5 x 34mm).
Compression ratio: 12:1.
Timing: four valves per cylinder, controlled by a gear train (non- desmodromic timing).
Fuel feed: 4 Dell'Orto SS1 carburettors.
Gearbox: 8 gears.
Maximum power: 23 HP at 14,000 RPM.
Maximum speed: 200 km/h.
Richard aus den NL