Motorcycle
David Ferstand
7/29/2009
The History of “Ducati”
In the world of motorcycles there is a specific breed of motorcycles known as superbikes. Each breed of superbike has a rich racing history that was influenced by great designers and competition. Despite minor setbacks superbikes have dominated the world of sport bikes and lead to the development of race-inspired motorcycles. Ducati, one of the biggest leaders in the world of superbike competition has a very interesting line of history. Known for its signature steel frames and 90 degree V-Twin motors, Ducati holds dominance in the World of Superbike competition. Ducati, a name long synonymous with motorcycle racing, actually started out manufacturing electronic components. Based in Bologna, Italy and officially named "The Societa Radio Brevetti Ducati", Founded in 1926 by three brothers, Adriano, Marcello and Bruno Ducati, the Ducati family, soon became a world leader in the manufacture of radios, vacuum tubes, electronic components, and even cameras. The company grew larger and larger, employing over 11,000 workers before allied bombing campaigns during the Second World War destroyed the Borgo Panigale factory in 1944. Post-war life in Italy was extremely tough. The Italian industries that once produced transportation for the Italian people were ravaged by the war, and the economy was at an all time low. The people needed something cheap and reliable to get them around. The bicycle became the main mode of transportation in Italy. But, in 1946 that all changed. At the Milan Fair the Ducati brothers, introduced the Cucciolo, or 'little pup ' (so named for its barking exhaust) - an auxiliary engine that could be retrofitted to the frame of a bicycle. The Cucciolo was a smash, and soon Ducati was contracting out frames to be built specifically for the little engine. By 1950, Ducati had produced over 200,000 Cucciolos, and by the end of its run the motor had been increased to a capacity of 65cc and
7/29/2009
The History of “Ducati”
In the world of motorcycles there is a specific breed of motorcycles known as superbikes. Each breed of superbike has a rich racing history that was influenced by great designers and competition. Despite minor setbacks superbikes have dominated the world of sport bikes and lead to the development of race-inspired motorcycles. Ducati, one of the biggest leaders in the world of superbike competition has a very interesting line of history. Known for its signature steel frames and 90 degree V-Twin motors, Ducati holds dominance in the World of Superbike competition. Ducati, a name long synonymous with motorcycle racing, actually started out manufacturing electronic components. Based in Bologna, Italy and officially named "The Societa Radio Brevetti Ducati", Founded in 1926 by three brothers, Adriano, Marcello and Bruno Ducati, the Ducati family, soon became a world leader in the manufacture of radios, vacuum tubes, electronic components, and even cameras. The company grew larger and larger, employing over 11,000 workers before allied bombing campaigns during the Second World War destroyed the Borgo Panigale factory in 1944. Post-war life in Italy was extremely tough. The Italian industries that once produced transportation for the Italian people were ravaged by the war, and the economy was at an all time low. The people needed something cheap and reliable to get them around. The bicycle became the main mode of transportation in Italy. But, in 1946 that all changed. At the Milan Fair the Ducati brothers, introduced the Cucciolo, or 'little pup ' (so named for its barking exhaust) - an auxiliary engine that could be retrofitted to the frame of a bicycle. The Cucciolo was a smash, and soon Ducati was contracting out frames to be built specifically for the little engine. By 1950, Ducati had produced over 200,000 Cucciolos, and by the end of its run the motor had been increased to a capacity of 65cc and
Cited: www.Motorcycle.com www.Best-motorcycle-gear.com/ducati-motorcycle-history.html www.Ducatireview.com www.Europeancycleservices.com http://www.ducati.com/heritage/museo/introduzione.jhtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducati