Ducati Motorcycles

Ducati bikes are defined by the desmodromic design, which Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni started working on in 1955 and finished in 1958. Ferrari wanted Taglioni to design a desmodromic (desmo) engine, and Taglioni accepted the challenge but not for Ferrari, but on behalf of Ducati and for one of his true loves, motorcycles (the other was Cacti...go figure).

Desmo Engines for Dummies thanks to Ducati.com

Ducati's first foray into the world of motorcycles was in 1946 with the Cucciolo, which a small auxiliary motor that came in assembly box. The motor was attached to bikes and was more than just an around town bike because the Cucciolo was able to cover great distances and win races. Ducati has grown in leaps an bounds since then, and you probably wouldn't recognize the Cucciolo as a Ducati make.

To get a more complete history of Ducati bikes you can go right to the source Ducati.com and take a tour through the Ducati virtual museum.

Ducati Models to Consider

Engine Types

The Pantah Engine

• The Pantah engine, which laid the foundation for Ducati racing to come was designed in 1979 by Fabio Taglioni and Gian Luigi.
• The Pantah was derived from the 4 valve Armaroli 500cc Grand Prix engine (according to Ducati.com)
• The Pantah uses:
• A toothed belt camshaft drive instead of bevel-gears
• Forged one-piece crankshaft
• 60 degree valve angle
• Although the Pantah engine is not used for racing anymore, it gave rise to the ST(Super Touring)2, the Monster, and Supersport bikes.

Recomended Ducati Models:

The Monster
	The Monster  One of the most popular Ducati models Designed by Miguel Galluzzi Galluzi striped the Ducati of all unessential parts Monster Dark is one of best selling bikes in Italy

Superbike
	Superbike  Ducati's superbike brought about the rise of the superbike championship Ducati was the company able to compete with the Japanese bike companies Ducati's bike designs not only won cahmpionships, but earned Ducati superbikes the reputation of being 'bullets' 999R feature the most cutting edge Testastretta engine and latest Ducati superbike on the market