History of Ducati
Ducati motorcycles have always been known for their unique styling, performance, and cutting-edge technology. The Italian motorcycle manufacturer has been operating since 1926 and has produced some of the most iconic and coveted motorcycles in history. It has since become one of the most popular motorcycle companies in the world.
Origin Story
The history of Ducati motorcycles dates back to the 1900s when three brothers from Italy founded the "Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati." The company was established to manufacture radio equipment, but over time they began to experiment with motorcycle engines.
Today, Ducati—owned by Audi (a German auto manufacturer)—has become one of the most acclaimed motorcycle brands in the world, with a long history of producing high-quality bikes that have won multiple competitions and events.
The Ducati Brothers
The main characters behind The Ducati Motorcycle story are Bruno Cavalieri Ducati, Marcello Cavalieri Ducati, and Adriano Cavalieri Ducati, who—with their entrepreneurial spirit, and love for innovation—turned a small start-up into an international success story.
The three Italian brothers founded Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati in 1926 for the manufacture of radio and electrical components, and they each had specific roles to play in the business. The head of the project and site was Bruno, with Marcello leading personnel, and Adriano heading research and production.
By the 1930s, Ducati was the largest employer in Bologna, Italy. They continued increasing production through World War II until their factory was heavily damaged during an Allied bombing raid in 1944.
At that point, production was discontinued until 1945 when the brothers decided to make motorcycles. This led to the production of the Cucciolo (Italian for "puppy")—which began after the purchase of manufacturing rights from SIATA which had failed to meet the rising demand.
Although the production of motorcycles increased company profits, business continued to falter because damage suffered during the war could not be repaired. In 1948, Ducati was nationalized by the Italian government.
In 1949, the Ducati 60, which can be rightfully referred to as the very first motorcycle ever to be fully produced by Ducati was created. The success of this model pioneered more innovative motorcycles that could compete with other big names of the time and go on to win multiple races.
History
The Ducati Motorcycle company is one of the most renowned motorcycle brands worldwide. While the company has gone through financial hardship and change in ownership, this hasn't allowed it to take its eyes off of what matters most, making quality motorcycles.
Ducati Innovations
Here is an overview of Ducati's innovations throughout their history.
Ducati's innovations date back to 1926 when the "Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati" was founded to produce radio and electrical components.
Adriano Ducati's previous successful invention of a short-wave device to connect Italy to the U.S led to the brothers meeting the famous radio inventor, Guglielmo Marconi. He visited the Ducati headquarters in 1934, during the First Italian Radio-technicians Conference, and signed a photograph for his hosts, which is still in their possession today.
In 1945 they began production of the Cucciolo, a small motorbike with a 125cc engine that could reach speeds of 50mph (80km/h). They later introduced their first fully-fledged motorcycle – the Ducati 60 in 1949. This bike featured an overhead valve engine with a capacity of 60cc and also had leading-link front suspension and rear swingarm suspension. It was this model that established Ducati as a major player in motorbike racing throughout Europe.
In 1953, the company was split into two entities—Ducati Meccanica SpA and Ducati Elettronica—to better distinguish its diverging motorcycle and electronics product lines. Government assistance helped modernize the Borgo Panigale factory, which was headed by Dr. Giuseppe Montano.
Since then,
Ducati has continued to innovate and push boundaries, becoming one of the most respected brands in motorcycling. For this reason, their bikes are sought after by riders around the globe for their performance and style.
Key Milestones
Ducati is one of the world's most recognizable motorcycle manufacturers, and it's no surprise. The company has been around since 1926 and has produced some of the most iconic bikes in history. Here are just a few of the milestones that have helped make Ducati what it is today.
Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati
1946 - 1960
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1946List Item 1
The Cucciolo (which means "puppy") was released by Ducati. This 48 cc two-stroke model is often considered the first commercially successful motorcycle produced by the company.
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1949List Item 2
The 60 cc model—Ducati 60— was introduced, which could be rightly referred to as the first motorcycle ever fully produced by Ducati. This was later followed by a 125 cc model in 1954 and a 175 cc model in 1957.
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1955List Item 3
Fabio Taglioni designed what would become one of Ducati's most famous models: Marianna 125 Gran Sport. This bike was powered by a 98 cc two-stroke engine that produced 14 horsepower and could reach speeds up to 170 kilometers per hour (105 miles per hour).
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1956List Item 4
Ducati's 100 "Siluro," with a displacement of 98 cc and producing 14 horsepower at 11,000 rpm, was designed to break the speed record on the Monza racetrack.
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1958-1960
In 1958 and 1960 respectively, Desmo 125 GP models were produced with 124.6 cc engines that could produce 19 horsepower and 37 horsepower respectively.
1962 - 1989
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List Item 1
The 1960s saw the introduction of several new models. In 1962, Ducati introduced its first scrambler, a 436 cc displacement model that was known as the Scrambler 450. That same year, Ducati also introduced its first GT model: The 750 GT(1971). This bike featured a 748 cc engine with 60 horsepower and a top speed of 200 km/h.
The 1970s brought innovations from Ducati as well—with the company introducing two new models: The 500 GP Bicilindrica (1971) and 750 Imola Desmo(1972). These two models featured a 496,92 cc and 747,95 cc engine respectively; both could reach 250 kph on the track or road.
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1973List Item 2
The Ducati 750 Supersport Desmo has been considered one of the most influential motorcycles ever made, with its influence extending beyond its design and performance to include its impact on the motorcycle industry as a whole. It was released in 1973 and had a displacement of 748 cc and a maximum power output of 72 hp at 9500 rpm. It could reach a maximum speed of 220 km/h and had a dry weight of 187 kg.
Ducati released yet another model: The 500 Pantah. This bike had an engine displacement of 499 cc and could reach speeds up to 200 kph.
The late 1970s saw some major changes for Ducati as well. In 1978, they introduced the 900 SS TT IOM with 80 hp at 7000 rpm and a top speed of 225 km/h. In 1981, they released a twin-cylinder: The 600 TT2; this bike had 78 hp at 10500 rpm and could reach 220 km/h.
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1987List Item 3
Ducati launched the 851 Tricolore, an improved version of the original, and was one of the most sought-after bikes on the road. The 851 cc V-twin engine produced 102 hp at 9000 rpm, and was capable of a top speed of 280 Km/h. At only 204 Kg, it was also light enough to maneuver easily.
They added another iconic model: the 851 F90. With a displacement of 888 cc and 136 hp at 10500 rpm, this model was designed to go faster than any other bike on the market.
1990 - 1999
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1992List Item 1
Ducati introduced the 900 Superlight—a bike that would go on to become one of its most beloved models. The 900 Superlight was a superbike with a 904 cc engine that produced 73 hp at 7250 rpm, with a top speed of 205 km/h and a dry weight of 180 kg.
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1994List Item 2
Massimo Tamburini designs the 916 model. The new generation motorcycle has a displacement of 916 cc, maximum power of 114 hp at 9000 rpm, and a maximum speed of 300 Km/h. Its dry weight is 195 Kg.
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1996
Ducati introduced the Monster 900—the first naked bike made by the brand—and it quickly became one of their most popular models ever produced. It has a 904 cc engine that produces 73 hp at 7250 rpm and a maximum speed of 190 km/h. The dry weight is 185 kg.
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The late 1990's
Ducati added another classic with the Supermono—a 500 cc, four-cylinder street bike that was designed to be lightweight and simple. It had a dry weight of 118 kg and could reach speeds up to 220 km/h. They later released their first-ever superbike: The 916 Superbike which had an incredible 144 hp at 12000 rpm.
2000 - 2012
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2000List Item 1
Ducati released their flagship model, the 999 F03 which was to replace the 916 models. This bike came equipped with a 998 cc engine that produced 140 hp at 9750 rpm and reached a top speed of 186 km/h. The dry weight of this bike was 186 kg, which is quite light for a motorcycle of its caliber.
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2001List Item 2
The company launched another popular model called the Desmosedici RR. This bike had a 989 cc engine that produced 200 hp at 13800 rpm and reached a top speed of not available km/h. The dry weight of this bike was 171 kg, which is even lighter than its predecessor at just under 180 kg.
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2002
They released another popular model called the Desmosedici GP 03. This bike also featured a 989 cc engine but with an output of 220 hp at 16000 rpm and reaching not available km/h.
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2007
Ducati released their Desmosedici GP 07, which was notable for its 799 cc displacement and 200 hp. It could also reach a maximum speed of 310 km/h—and all of this on a bike that weighed only 148 kg!
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2008
The 1098 F08 is introduced. This bike was also notable for its 1198 cc displacement and 198 hp at 11000 rpm—some of the most powerful bikes ever produced by the company. It is so popular that it remains in production even after its successor has been released!
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2012
Ducati released their Multistrada 1200, which was considered one of the most advanced motorcycles in its class, delivering up to 160 hp at 9500 rpm, with a 1198,4 cc displacement.
Ducati World Tour
Ducati's reputation grew in 1957 when two Ducati employees—Leopoldo Tartarini and Giorgio Monetti—set out on an ambitious around-the-world motorcycle tour on two 175 T models. After traveling through five continents and experiencing four revolutions, the two men completed their incredible adventure in 1958. They achieved their goal of raising international awareness about the performance capabilities of Ducati motorcycles.
List of Services
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1956List Item 1
On the same day, 44 world records were broken in Monza, Italy. The Siluro set five new records in the 250 cc class despite having a 100 cc engine. Unlike most of the other competitors, the Ducati model achieved top speeds of 170 km/h and an average speed during a 1,000-km race of 160 km/h.
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1972List Item 2
The 750 Imola Desmo is one of the world's most popular motorcycles. Its name comes from a 1972 race in which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari won the "200 Miglia di Imola"—one of the most memorable races in history.
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1978List Item 3
The story of British rider Mike Hailwood's 1978 world title win with the Ducati 900 SS is one of racing's legends; in 1974 he had almost retired after a crash in Germany.
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1981List Item 4
Ducati won its first world championship title on the track with French rider Raymond Roche. This was largely due to the success of the 851 racing.
In 1981 and 1982, Tony Rutter, Massimo Broccoli, and Walter Cussigh won the world title and Italian titles riding the TT2. Furthermore, the TT2 took the first and second places on the Isle of Man. In 1984, Tony Rutter was successful yet again, winning the World Superbike Championship title for the umpteenth time.
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2003-2007
The 999 Superbike set the bar high for its competition, with three championships in five years (2003-2007) with Neil Hodgson, James Toseland, and Troy Bayliss at the helm. Even though Superbikes remain a very popular series in racing, the 999 was discontinued after only five years, making way for 1098, which resembled its predecessor, the Ducati 916.
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2007
In just four years Ducati went from returning to the MotoGP championship to winning both the Manufacturers' and Riders' titles. Casey Stoner won 10 races and obtained another 4 podiums, giving him the points he needed to win the Riders' title and for Ducati to win its first Manufacturers' Championship title.
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2008
Troy Bayliss won the world championship and Rider's title in the Superbike World Championship with three different generations of Ducati motorcycles, the 996R, the 999, and 1098.
Over 90 Years in Business
Ducati has been around for over 90 years, surviving the damage of World War II and other challenges to become a renowned motorcycle manufacturer. In 2012, Ducati was purchased by Audi, a German auto manufacturer, which has been running it since then with great success.
Noteworthy Statistics
Ducati is a company that has been around since 1926 and has produced some of the most iconic motorcycles in the world.
- Ducati is a company that has been around for over 90 years, and though it's a renowned motorcycle manufacturer, it began as a start-up producing radio and electric components.
- The Ducati Motor Company, founded in 1926 by Adriano and Marcello Ducati, has experienced over 70 years of victory, winning 407 races in its history. It has won 18 Constructors titles, and 15 Riders titles, and has been one of the most successful teams in racing history.
- In the 1930s, Ducati was the largest employer in Bologna, Italy, and was employing 5000 workers by the onset of World War II.
- Ducati reported 59,447 unit sales of motorcycles in the year 2021, a 23.7 percent increase when compared to figures from the year 2020.
Check out our blog post 25 Interesting Facts About Ducati
Models by Type
Ducati has a long history of making motorbikes, and they're known for their style, speed, and reliability. There are several types of Ducati motorcycles, and each one has its unique characteristics.
List of Services
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Ducati MonsterList Item 1
The Monster is the most popular Ducati motorcycle. It was first released in 1993, as a naked bike model with a large capacity engine and it has been produced every year since then. The Monster is known for its high-quality construction and reliability. It comes with a range of different engines, some of which are very powerful while others are more economical. You can choose between a standard model or an S model (which stands for sport). This is a great all-around bike that can be used for touring or commuting to work. Examples include Monster, Monster Plus, 1200, 1200 S.
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Ducati ScramblerList Item 2
The Scrambler is a classic Ducati that was designed with off-road adventures in mind. It's fast and powerful, but it also can handle almost any terrain. The ‘S' model has a single-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder, and the ‘D' model has a twin-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder. The Scrambler can take you through sand and mud without getting stuck. It's perfect for when you're out on a mountain trail or riding through the woods.
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DesertXList Item 3
These bikes are designed for long-distance riding in the desert, so they have a high ground clearance and are built for speed on rough terrain. The bike has a rear tire that is wider than the front tire, allowing it to float over sand with ease. They also have an adjustable seat height that can be lowered for better control when riding off-road. These bikes are available in both naked and streetfighter versions.
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DiavelList Item 4
The Diavel is one of Ducati's most popular motorcycles among riders who want something unique. It has a sporty, muscular design that looks like it's ready to take off on its own—and it does not just look. This bike is designed for high-speed riding and long distances, so if you're looking for something with great power and excellent handling, this might be your pick. The line includes 1260, 1260 S, Diavel 1260 Lamborghini.
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XDiavel
The XDiavel was created as an updated version of the Diavel. The changes include more power and torque to give you more control over your ride at higher speeds, as well as redesigned bodywork that makes it easier to get into tight spaces when parking or turning corners. It also features more comfortable seats than its predecessor. Examples include Nera, XDiavel, XDiavel S, XDiavel Black Star.
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Hypermotard
The Hypermotard is a street-ready motorcycle with an off-road racing pedigree. It's built for speed and agility, but it can also handle rough terrain with ease. It has a compact frame, a narrow seat, and an upright riding position that makes it easy to handle in tight spaces. If you're looking for a versatile bike that can take on any road or trail, this is the one for you. The line includes 950, 950 SP, and 950 RVE.
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Streetfighter
If you're looking for a bike that can do it all, this is one option that should be considered. The Streetfighter is built for speed with its high-performance engine, but it also has plenty of room for storage if you need to carry things around with you on your trip. The Streetfighter has an excellent braking system as well as suspension systems that allow riders to take corners at higher speeds than other models would. Examples include Streetfighter V2, V4, V4 S, and V4 SP.
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Panigale
The Panigale is a line of sportbikes that come in several different styles and performance levels. They are known for their lightweight design, powerful engine, and high performance, which makes them perfect for racing and riding on open roads. The line includes Panigale V2 Bayliss, V2, V4, V4 S, V4 SP, and Superleggera V4.
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Multistrada
The Multistrada is a versatile bike that can be used on both paved roads and off-road terrain. It is equipped with an electronic suspension system that allows it to adjust its suspension depending on what kind of terrain you are riding on. This is a great choice for an adventure rider who wants to go off-road occasionally. The models also have plenty of room for luggage and passengers. They include 950, 950 S Spoked, Multistrada V2, V2 S, V4, V4 S, V4 S Sport, V4 Pikes Peak, and 1260 Enduro.
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SuperSport
The SuperSport models from Ducati are designed with speed and agility in mind—whether that means racing on city streets or hitting the track on weekends. They come with an adjustable seat height so riders can find their optimal position when riding on the street or track. With its lightweight frame, powerful engine, and aerodynamic design, this motorcycle will get you where you need to go in record time. It includes Supersport 950, and 950 S.
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E-MTB
The E-MTB line offers electric mountain bikes with powerful motors that can go anywhere and last through any terrain. This bike is meant to be used off-road and offers great fuel efficiency while still providing excellent speed and power. The line includes Futa, MIG-S, TK-01RR, and E-Scrambler.
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