1969 Ducati: The Duchess of Speed

The father who gets his son interested in cars is a storyline that we love to hear but have heard more times than we can count. It’s less often that we come across a young woman who races motorcycles. After hanging off the side of her father’s 1968 BMW sidecar shortly after getting her license, Marja Elisat began racing motorcycles. And though she enjoys life as a student, she is often busy on the weekends at the race track or to be found at home working on the family’s collection of vintage bikes, like the1969 single-cylinder 350cc Ducati racing machine featured in today’s video.
Her father Stephan used to race it when he was younger, and now with a freshly-rebuilt 350cc sheathed behind the flowing fairing, it has become something of an evolving motorsport heirloom. It’s been modified over its life, now featuring an Italian-made racing frame and a special drum brake setup to complement the revitalized heart. The engine feeds a unique dry clutch, and is fed by a 40mm Dell’Orto carburetor, and with the help of some souped up components like the forged high-compression piston, produces roughly 40hp-not bad for a bike lighter than most mopeds.
It’s a special bike, one that as Stephan says, “cannot be bought in shops.” For that reason, competing on it adds an extra element to any of Marja’s pre-race nerves; of course the primary concern is the wellbeing of the rider, but she doesn’t want to drop the bike she and her dad have spent so much time and memory wrapped up in. She’s diligent in her preparation though-learning the track thoroughly, going over laps in her head in the trailer before the real thing-and she’s not new to being around motorcycles in general.
Her father, Stephan, remembers Marja always enjoying the times when they’d go for rides together on his bikes, but back then her “main thing” was horseback riding. Hindsight makes the connection between riding a horse and then later a motorcycle seem pretty straightforward, but think of how the lopsided ratio is of girls who grow up interested in riding horses to those interested in racing motorcycles. Point is, it’s uncommon for young people to participate in motorsport at all, less so for girls, and very much less so for girls who can drop a knee on a bike twice their age.
Before she started racing them on circuits though, Marja’s reason for riding motorcycles was significantly more pedestrian: she got her license mainly so she wouldn’t have to waste time on the bus that ran from her village to the nearest town center. With a love for speed that carried over from horseback riding and a father very happy to help, it wasn’t long before that point A to B mindset expanded.
After doing some basic lessons on how to ride safely on the street, Stephan brought his daughter to the race track for some training on how to ride fast the proper way. Marja took to it quickly and progressed to the point where people encouraged her to think about racing on some level. After climbing around and leaning off the side catamaran-style in the role of “the monkey” with her dad and his sidecar (a former BMW competition machine from 1968 making around 45hp from its 600cc boxer), it wasn’t long before Marja was racing on her own. Now she competes with her dad’s old Ducati in the German Historic Championship and the Klassik Trophy when she isn’t studying, but even so, Marja and Stephan still make time to go for rides together just down the street for the sake of it.
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[@bngr_bngr]

Petrolicious should have a channel dedicated to motorcycles.

[@GRASSPOLE]

bngr bngr totally agree ! That’s what’s missing !

[@gnarlytothemax]

more bikes!

[@kmi187]

Yeah motorcycles need lots more love.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Check out kzbin.info it's mostly classic bikes :-)

[@samrit123in]

KZbin *Stories of bike*

[@frog3580]

OMG!! Did anyone notice that on top of everything else (amazing, young, talented lady with bad ass skills and uber supportive father) that she was riding an MV agusta california and her father was riding what looked to be like an original 750ss ducati? Good god what a lucky, and what appears to be very cool, humble and talented young woman. I wish her all the success in the world!!!

[@matthewbrown7659]

I was going to say 900SS because there are a lot more of them (I think I read somewhere there are only some 150 post-green frame 750SS examples in that kind of condition), but is it a 750SS? I haven't compared them side by side to spot the differences.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

I love seeing people who have a true love for their vehicles. Beautlful bike!

[@HallsoftheSummer]

You are everywhere 😂

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@HallsoftheSummer That means you're everywhere too haha

[@HallsoftheSummer]

@@MaxSpeedMike 😘

[@robc5082]

Awesome piece! As a father it encourages me to support my daughter in any pursuit she chooses. Smart, strong, and confident girls grow up to be beautiful, successful women. 👍👊

[@robc5082]

@Cool I hope your life improves.

[@PrimetimeRU951]

@@robc5082 don't listen to that guy.

[@robc5082]

@@PrimetimeRU951 I never do. Obviously a person with a troubled heart. 👍👊

[@erichakanson7010]

This video shows exactly why it doesn't (or shouldn't) matter whether you are male or female, black/white/brown/, young or old, if you have a passion for motorsport people will take notice. I absolutely love this video is not just about a girl who loves motorcycles but a girl who loves vintage motorcycles and more importantly vintage European motorcycles! This is also a testament to her father, he definitely raised her right!!!

[@thestandardcouture]

This was an awesome story. My father got me into cars and motorcycles, and it’s so wonderful to see a similar story ♥️

[@xygenes3608]

Brilliant story...mutual respect between Dad and Daughter is so good to see. Enjoy life together...it is very precious and special. The bikes are great too.

[@tmseh]

Great story, awesome father and daughter.

[@happychappers8311]

Amazing girl, gorgeous bike and a fantastic story. You raised a good one dad.

[@seanmcneill8899]

Marja you are an inspiration to young people, love you and your father's motor bikes..keep living the dream girl, greetings from Ireland 😉

[@hkwan]

"Dad, I need a haircut. Let's get the sidecar bike started."

[@wessmith3161]

Beautiful Ducati, delightful young woman.

[@STONEDARTphotos]

My first bike was a 200cc Ducati elite. That was 1960. Amazing to see this young lady, thanks to her father, experiencing life on such an iconic machine.

[@quentinrance8974]

What a great story; I've been training my 3 boys and daughter how to ride since they were about 3-4 years old. I wouldn't trade those memories for anything so please keep up the great work!

[@apistosig4173]

That motorcycle is sensational!!! How jealous am I?

[@captainmerica2498]

That is a stunning Ducati.

[@richardcovello5367]

Ducati singles make the greatest race bikes! the 350's may be the best of the lot. This bike is done to the max! 35mm Ceriani fork, Fontana(?) 4 shoe front brake, close ratio box, dry clutch, don't recognize the shocks, but I can see they're variable (compression?) rate. I raced a 250 narrow case spring head for 20 years, and it rarely, almost never needed trackside attention, same for most of the other Ducati singles I raced against. Beautiful piece of work! There were several women racing and doing track days with us, and most guys encouraged them, I did, it's great for the sport. GO FOR IT, MARJA!

[@barryolaith]

Great dad, great daughter, lovely bike. Keep up your studies. Go girl.

[@toodle171]

There is NOTHING better than when I get to ride with my daughter. You guys are great!

[@benjohnson2554]

Finaly, after so many boring videos from Petro. , this one is AMAZING !!!!! Fantastic spirit in these two, father and daughter....the Ducati , bringing together the passion and love for each other. Hope to meet you soon with my Duck...

[@Chewygsxr]

She hit the gene pool lotto she’s absolutely stunning and well grounded. Her future is so bright she needs to wear sunglasses 24 seven.

[@johannesalbrecht2503]

What is wrong with you people? Quit harassing her in the comments, damn. Let's appreciate the bike and dedication she and her father have for the sport instead of saying "i wanna marry her" you people makes me sick, she's 20 years old for pete sake.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

How do you know i'm not 21? That would make us both legal adults.

[@importsstillsuck]

20 years old is a good age for marriage.

[@virgilrytaar9083]

Bravo! I cannot even sit in the passenger seat of a car with my Dad. Perfect bike too. Here's to the future

[@festol1]

Keeping the competition in highest priority: trainning for race, bike built for race, even the car (its a van) is to move gear and bike around circuits! Great job Mr Stephan and Miss Marja! Regargs from Brazil!

[@garage2cv]

Tuesday's ritual ! Thank you Petrolicious !

[@toniaharrison8978]

THANK YOU Petrolicious ! My first love-classic racing motor cycles. MORE PLEASE !!

[@E.T.GARAGE]

Wow what a fantastic collection of motorcycles, I miss the Ducati's I had when I was young.

[@ocantor_bc]

What a beautiful bike! And this girl is such a legend. Great video afu.

[@GardylooAlaska]

Great video, your dad must be proud and I am glad to see these old bikes still getting used, I have a early 70's yellow 350 Desmo. myself, very cool bikes....!

[@WOODBARK100]

OMG! Young lady, you are definitely an asset to the motor racing world ! Thank You and stay safe!

[@BangAverageRider]

Excellent!!! From start to finish with an amazing story. Thank you for sharing this and for doing an amazing job

[@bodipsypha]

What a great Father & Daughter team!!! Absolutely love it!!!!

[@danielepiccirillo5676]

One of the best videos lately and so far too.

[@Recodo98]

That lean you had to do on the BMW damn.. Scary af

[@jpm74]

My 3 favorite Petrolicious videos: #1 Art Novo (Bugatti), #2 250 GTO Speaks for Itself, #3 1969 Ducati: Duchess of Speed

[@Kralja1992]

Awesome video! Love the connection between her & dad, I have that same connection with my dad because we both ride so I know how awesome it is! Best of luck in future, awesome bikes! Best regards from Croatia!

[@arnebuchner1297]

Tochter und Vater teilen die gleiche Leidenschaft - sehr gut erzählt, toller Sound und wundervolle Motorräder, mit denen auch ich groß geworden bin. Weiter so ihr beiden!

[@DriversSide]

This bike is a gift to the automotive world!

[@severalsmoothstones8717]

Sweet story. Love those classic race bikes too. Another great video. Love this channel.

[@IchibanMoto]

this is a great series.

[@CalVlogz]

Ichiban Moto “BAD ASS”.. love your videos man 🤟🏻

[@firebladerider7050]

Same

[@hecklejeckle1333]

So nice to see your comment appreciating your amazing father. What a guy to let you ride those wonderful bikes of his on the road. I’ve got classic bikes but rarely see a 70’s MV like that. Let alone ridden one at all. Nice movie. I hope you do well

[@TheDoosh79]

she needs to be careful that pony tail doesn't get caught up in anything when climbing around that sidecar, I've seen the result when that happens and it's not a pretty sight!

[@ClubXrock]

Matt Jarrett yes, I saw that straight away, which is extremely dangerous

[@ronvalente65]

glad to see you are enjoying your racing Marja, you obviously have a talent for it, and a great Dad

[@danieljordannicol9937]

Love reading the descriptions on these as well.

[@mehmetmutluoglu1542]

Great vid as usual. Young Lady and her Dad are "one of the few (two)" in all aspects. And that MV Agusta of late 70s, just having a go on it is priceless, as the bike is... I was shocked when I had a chance to see a 800 SS in real life in Istanbul when big bikes were few and far between.Tail was sliding back to turn it into a biposto. When a Z 1000 was around 9000 DEM, 1000 Corona was 29000 DEM !!! Having money is one thing, but having such distinguished tastes is another...

[@delphys75]

Super papa, super nana et super bécane !! Thanks for these moto videos!! ;-)

[@marcelluswallace1966]

Was für eine schöne Vater-Tochter-Geschichte :) Schöne Klassiker habt ihr da! Weiterhin gute Fahrt und immer schön im Sattel bleiben!

[@garycichra991]

Great , Great, Great video father and daughter enjoying life . And motorcycles ,

[@jameswulzen590]

Super job, 2nd in the very competitive 350 class. I'm 82 and still remember the thrill of racing. I've been building a Honda 350 here in Hawaii because I love the sport so much. It's a 1963 CB77 Honda Superhawk, much modified by me here in Hawaii where there is no roads racing any more. I watch Moto GP and all the Superbike races too. Keep the gas wide open, have fun and Aloha

[@grahamsmith2022]

Wow!!,a pretty motorcycle and rider,that's really something,the sound is fantastic!!👍✌👌

[@MrStingray85]

Beautiful bike, Great girl, Top father, Fantastic Petrolicius!

[@BRI33NOR]

I mecanicked for the rider of the first privately owned 350 Desmo Ducati in the U.K. Purchased through Vic Camp. 1969 year.Very similar to this in general appearance. We were taught how to set up the desmo valve gear and so on. With special titanium conrod and so on it revved to 10,000 rpm which was high at that time. Initially quite competitive but soon outclassed by the emerging Yamaha brigade. However totally reliable over about three seasons with just general maintenance. Had many happy days with the Ducati.

[@user-bd9gw7ri2i]

В этом видео прекрасно всё! Красивая и показательная история настоящего семейного увлечения жизнью старых мотоциклов и мотоспорта в целом!!! Привет из России!

[@MarcS4R]

Bravo ! the best i have seen in a long time from you

[@yvanpedron5255]

Magnifique histoire de sport et d'amour.

[@fritz4345]

This was great!

[@nightster6378]

What a lucky girl to have such a great dad and what a lucky dad to have such a great girl, Oh and those Ducati's.

[@dondoelpes4658]

2:32, Einführungsrunde, da wird erst mal die Strecke gereinigt. hahahahaha! 5:05, geniale Startmaschine. Zwei Menschen mit viel LIEBE und Leidenschaft. Danke für den schönen Film, da geht einem das Herz auf. Ach ja, noch was, bei all meinen Fahrzeugen findet sich die 46 im Kennzeichen. hahahaha! LIEBEn Gruß nach Braunschweig

[@cecilwilson5442]

Great to see that not all teenagers don't appreciate the things like old motorcycles and the mechanics of the bike most importantly enjoying the the time with your dad top video awesome viewing thank you for the video 👌😍🍀🍀

[@zeroice00]

Beautiful bike... especially the paint job and livery

[@wareidav]

Beautiful bike. Beautiful girl. Beautiful video and Beautiful music

[@The333]

Loved this. Great feature.

[@user-cj8kz1dq3y]

Nicky Haydens #69 on the BMW, respect!! Love the Ducati. I'm a 916 owner myself.

[@EfraKrajo]

What a cool girl, what a cool bike, what a cool family!

[@marcscordato4385]

I have a crush on her ( don’t tell my wife ) cool bike great story .

[@ianfindlay865]

That was great; totally different from the norm, Now I see more bike videos popping up.

[@markl5681]

Fantastic, absolutely fantastic.

[@ElSkizzle]

4th! We love you petro.

[@karlanthonynehofarrington1058]

Love Ducati 💘 😻 💜 💛 💚

[@18echosf]

Wonderful video! It brought back many memories of my very first race bike, a 1967 ducati 250 mark 3 diana. I often wonder what ever happened to it after I sold it.

[@stuartmcgill5065]

Wow! Pure passion from dad, shared beautifully with his daughter. What an inspiring story. Awesome collection of bikes too. Orig Ducati 750 SS? I'm more than a Little envious.

[@brucefinter6079]

When I was 20 I owned a 350 Ducati Desmo I wished I still had it.

[@benjohnson2554]

Great couple !! MV and bevel Duc but still coming with a trailor instead of a 5 star camper...epic !!!!

[@joseflores-is8mq]

Nice video guy's,good work.

[@US-px7wc]

Nice story! Ducati passion

[@user-oj7en8xx3g]

Fantastic, good luck with the racing, and I hope one day you pass all the guys :)

[@lrowlands53]

Wow. Beautiful.

[@762x69]

Sterling Archer and that title brought be here 👌🤙

[@riccardogranato1274]

Fantastic!

[@AAARREUUUGHHHH]

What a great father!

[@fronabulax63]

Cool film and even cooler ducatis. I love the 750SS.

[@tthailwood]

Unfortunatelly it´s "only" a 900 SS !

[@2krc]

it is nice to see this video

[@freejrs]

Awesome!

[@markleaning107]

How beautiful is that bike

[@ChickenStripped]

Well done, both daughter and dad.

[@Sailingbill1]

What a great way to spend time with your daughter! Super story! Deine Englisch ist sehr gut ;-)

[@glutenfreegam3r177]

Motorcycle sidecar racing has got to be the strangest motorsport on two wheels!

[@skyak4493]

Great vid! Captures the beauty of the relationship as well as the machinery. The only part that makes no sense is when she says the boys don't like being overtaken. Fools! Being overtaken by Marja is all I want.

[@williambaker90]

AWESOME.....

[@THELONIOUSMONstertrucK]

Brilliant

[@Klioshas]

what a lovely lady

[@karlhurn]

Lovely bike. I dream of having a 916 someday as that's my era!

[@S2000Y]

You will be so disappointed, get a 999 instead.

[@R0BL0W]

That's such a beautiful relationship

[@Mattia.1973]

Overtaking someone in front of you, that’s the fun. Brilliant stuff

[@leylandjaw]

Wow three years younger than me and she is racing bikes while I watch Netflix and KZbin videos all day long ? Way to go girl

[@basiltschudi3283]

Girl and family of my dreams...

[@RabSpaniel]

Should have had a pigtail too some of the tangles my long hair got into! Inspirational story Well done.

[@mereclander]

That bike, and mostly it’s engine, is a piece of art. You should drive it and then show it at home like the piece of art it is. She should speak more about the Biko. The video is long but the info is short.

[@Porkycheun]

[@Perry_dAccard]

Yup, just like a foot away from the wheel 😮

[@fesi1370]

I'm in love🥰