Ducati Portable

DUCATI PORTABLE

Scooter Test:

AFTER SEEING the Ducati Portable and mentioning it briefly (Around The Industry, CW December, 1964), we were of course impressed with the newest and smallest member of the Ducati line of machines. Ducati now comprises a range of motorcycles from 50cc, the portable, to 1260cc, the new Ducati/Berliner four. We might point out that the news of the four was also exclusive in CYCLE WORLD when we announced it in April, 1964.

Being nuts about two-wheeled vehicles, we couldn't wait to get our hands on the Portable. Though the model shown here is still in its development stages, we cannot resist displaying an overt amount of enthusiasm for it. It was designed primarily for the person needing highly portable (i.e., light, folding, and miniature) transportation of a temporary nature. We cannot recommend the Portable as a full-time proposition; it is little more than a mini-bike, but with slightly larger wheels.

We can, though, endorse the little twostroke as the neatest package of extremely portable transportation we have seen in some time. It folds, by a simple system, into a bundle small enough to fit into the trunk of any automobile, or the back of an airplane. It weighs about 75 pounds; even CYCLE WORLD'S Advertising Manager can lift it into the back of his Pontiac, as the photograph shows. On the road it is quite simple to operate, and very versatile.

Cruising speed is around 35 mph, sufficient for most short trips, and mileage is fantastic, as would be expected. The Portable qualifies as a transportation bike, rather than a mini-bike toy, since it has full lighting equipment, three-speed gearbox, luggage rack, fenders, chain guard, and most of the other features found on such machines. The price is around $180.00. Though models that wind up on the show room floors of Ducati dealers may vary slightly, it will matter little which changes are made, the story will be the same. If you, or someone you know, is looking for a bike that will stuff into a small space, be easy to carry, yet when assembled be a usable vehicle rather than a mechanical freak, better take a look at the Ducati Portable. •