Ducati Motorcycle History

by: Michael O'Brien

With its beginnings as an electronics company in 1926, Italian manufacturer Ducati has continued to reinvent itself becoming a premier producer of powerful, race-inspired motorcycles. From a bombed out factory in post-World War II Bologna, Ducati embarked on a journey of engineering innovations and racing success that has endeared owners and motorcycle enthusiasts to these unique machines.

Like many manufacturers in post-war Europe, Ducati focused on designing and producing small reliable engines that could be adapted for use with bicycles. The “little puppy” or Cucciolo, was revolutionary in that it could be adapted to most existing bicycle designs. The engine was sold as a stand-only kit application until the 1950’s when Ducati began to market a complete motor bike based on this fuel efficient, powerful little engine. Ducati moved into the production of motor scooters, based on a 4 stroke engine, the worlds first such engine design. Sales lagged and the Cruiser scooter never really took off.

Since the 1950’s, Ducati has remained focused on the production of high performance motorcycles with a host of unique engineering innovations. Today’s Ducati motorcycles feature large-displacement, L-twin engine designs based on a one-of-kind valve train system. The desmodromic valve system utilizes the combination of a valve lifter and cam which reduces valve lash meaning the valves open and close much more rapidly than systems using a traditional valve spring configuration. Ducati engines feature both air and liquid-cooled configurations, with the liquid-cooled engines producing more power their air-cooled predecessors.

A trellis-style frame design helps maintain frame rigidity for improved handling. Unlike most production motorcycles, Ducati bikes feature dry clutch system. Wet clutch system components bathed in oil while more wear-resistant, create more power loss than the multi-plate dry clutches found on the Ducati.

The Ducati Monster is by far the most popular of the company’s bikes since it was first introduced in 1992. Stripped down the bare essentials, the Monster is a pure sport motorcycle featuring a powerful 904 cubic centimeter engine with the look and feel of a real classic.

Despite going through a series of ownership changes, Ducati has maintained itself as a leader in sport bike style and racing success. Always the innovator, Ducati attained another first when, in 2000, the company introduced the MH900E, the first production motorcycle to offered for sale exclusively over the internet.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is Staff Writer for MotorCycleSalesandService.com