1966 AJS Model 31 650 vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1966 AJS Model 31 650 1966 AJS Model 31 650

Classic

Engine
Four stroke, pushrod parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder,
Power
31,4 kW / 43 hp @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
176 kg / 388 lbs
2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Classic

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
414.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year1957 - 66-
Colours-Black
Make ModelAJS Model 31 650-
Dimensions
Seat Height-805 mm / 31.7 in.
Wheelbase-1,436 mm / 56.5 in.
Height-1,066 mm / 42.0 in.
Length-2,107 mm / 83.0 in.
Width-810 mm / 31.9 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight176 kg / 388 lbs172 kg / 379.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity16 L / 4.2 US gal13.50 litres / 3.57 gallons
Wet Weight-188.0 kg / 414.5 lbs
Performance
Max Power31,4 kW / 43 hp @ 6000 rpm-
Max Torque-68.00 Nm (6.9 kgf-m or 50.2 ft.lbs) @ 5750 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4360 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-49.00 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-803.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.0 x 66.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 2.6 inches
Displacement646 cc / 39.4 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, pushrod parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder,-
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body
Bore x Stroke72 x 79.3 mm-
Compression Ratio7.5 : 111.0:1
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
Emissions-Euro 4
Exhaust-Exhaust system with single stainless steel muffler, Termignoni silencer with alluminium covers, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes
Fuel InductionCarburetor-
Ignition6 V (After 1964 12 V) Magnet (Lucas K2F) -
StarterKickElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti Plate (dry, Burman)Wet multiplate clutch with mechanical control
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive4 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeSingle cradleTubular steel Trellis
Suspension - FrontHydraulic telescopic forkUpside down Kayaba 41 mm fork
Suspension - RearDual chocksKayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm
Rake-21.8°
Trail-94 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-330 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-13.0 inches
Brakes - FrontDrumSingle disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearDrumSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Single-piston caliper.
Rims-10-spoke in light alloy,
Tyres - Front3.25 -19120/70-17
Tyres - Rear3.50 -19180/55-17
WheelsSteel, wire spokes-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer edges out the 1966 AJS Model 31 650 thanks to its fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1966 AJS Model 31 650 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 1966 AJS Model 31 650 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

1966 AJS Model 31 650 vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1966 AJS Model 31 650 and 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer?
The 1966 AJS Model 31 650 uses Four stroke, pushrod parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder,, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 1966 AJS Model 31 650 or the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer?
Both are strong choices. The 1966 AJS Model 31 650 has its own strengths, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.