The true beginning of production in the motorcycle field coincides with the first post-war: in September 1946. The "Cucciolo" appears in the fair of Milan: the world's most famous small auxiliary bicycle motor, which soon becomes a true and proper mini-motorcycle.

In 1952 they create the futuristic 175 cc scooter "Cruiser", with electric start and automatic transmission.

A turning moment was the advent of engineer Fabio Taglioni, "doctor T", who creates motors with original technical characteristics and stunning performance, meant for the racetrack. His is the project of the desmodromic system, from which the famous 250 cc double cylinder was born.

In 1964 the single cylinder era starts: a 250 cc is added to the series of commercial single cylinders, for types "Diana", "Monza Aurea" and later "G.P.", capable of speeds close to 150 km/h. The model is developed in more powerful engines too, the famous 250, 350 and 450 cc. "Scrambler". In the same year the "Mach 250", that exceeds 150 km/h, conquers the heart of sports people.

Four years later, 450 "Mark 3D" is the first factory Ducati furnished with Desmodromic distribution, which obtains great success both in America and in Italy.

1972 is the year of the desmodromic double cylinder 750: from the victorious competition model, created by Taglioni, an exceptional sports 750 is derived, called "Super Sport". It is then brought up to a power of 900 cc. for a limited number, in the splendid 900 "SS Mike Hailwood Replica".

In 1983 Ducati is bought by Claudio and Gianfranco Castiglioni and becomes part of the Gruppo Cagiva, expanding its market segments in the motorcycle market, introducing new models, broadening the offer in the bigger engines and reconfirming their commitment in the sector of sports motors.

In 1988 Marco Lucchinelli brings the "851", created by Eng. Massimo Bordi, to its debut.

"Monster", born in 1993 from the creativity of Miguel Galluzzi, proposes for Ducati lovers an unusual bike, a shaft of visible structures, nervous as the body of an athlete. A legend in the fun bike culture.

In 1994 Ducati revolutionises the market with the "916", a high performance sports bike which combines technology and style, performance and beauty, and which obtains the title of "Motorcycle of the year".

In 1996 the management of Ducati goes to the Texas Pacific Group, who makes profits and concludes record high sales, especially owing to the the new "Monster Dark". As well as the motorcycle experience, the company now offers a wide range dedicated to entertainment: races, tradition, accessories and clothing.

The 24th of March 1999 the share title Ducati Motor Holding enters the New York and Milan stock exchange.

Year 2000 marks the entry of the two wheels in Internet: the "MH900e", designed by Pierre Terblanche as a homage to Mike Hailwood, becomes the first motorcycle to be sold exclusively online, with an immediate booking success.

From the first digital era factory, successes and novelties have followed with the speed that only two-wheels allow: from the economic and Spartan motorbikes of the origins, to the real technological 'legends' to today, Ducati has taken the made-in-Italy motorcycle brand into the world.

http://www.ducati.it/

Copyright(c) 2001 Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. Images