Engine number help

[Tommyrugrat]

Hi All

Now it's garage season I am in the process of tearing into the Lightning bitsa I currently have.
A brief history...I bought the bike last year in basically tubs and to be honest I haven't got very far with it apart rebuilding the tls etc, but me and my Dad are hopefully going to the Bristol classic bike show in February.
With that in mind I need to acquire some bits, and knowing exactly what engine I have would be a help.
Now, I have had a look at the online archive and couldn't really make head nor tale of it, I definitely have a 1968 Lightning frame (no logbook) but the engine is confusing.
All it says is A65.1919. (See attached)
Just wondering if anybody out there can possibly identify the engine for me.
Many thanks.

[ducati2242]

The only reference I have to the A65 with no letters after the numbers is the 1963 star twin . Engine numbers seem to be a very early one .

[Gup holland]

Yes, this is correct, i have also an 63 engine. This means a short crank type.
I have a 63 engine in a 1970 frame.

Gr gup

[Tommyrugrat]

Thanks Fellas, that makes perfect sense.

I am assuming that there is no discernible difference between this earlier type engine and the later ones, apart from the crank?

[Gup holland]

Slight changes were made, cilinder block uses 5/16 studs , the later does 3/8. Crank should have a ball bearing with thick flange timing side bush, the later have roller bearing and thrustwasher. 4 spring clutch and none provision for ignition timing.
And some more things.