Ducati is the Italian make that built its identity on one engineering idea, the desmodromic valve, and on beautifully simple racing bikes for the road.
The milestones
- 1926. Ducati was established on 4 July 1926 in Bologna by the brothers Antonio, Adriano and Bruno Cavalieri Ducati, to make radio components.
- The Cucciolo. The Cucciolo engine appeared in 1944, first sold as an engine to fit to bicycles. In 1950, after more than 200,000 had been sold, Ducati and SIATA offered a motorcycle based on it: a 48 cc bike with a top speed of 40 mph.
- Fabio Taglioni and desmo. The chief designer championed the desmodromic valve system, in which a separate cam lobe and lifter close the valves instead of springs, which enables higher engine speeds.
- The 750 SuperSport. Introduced in 1973 to commemorate the 1972 Imola 200 victory of Paul Smart. The 750 SS of 1975 was a hand-built production racer, and the Paul Smart bike still inspires retro designs.
- 2012. The Volkswagen Group acquired Ducati through Lamborghini; Audi acquired 100% of the voting rights for €747 million.
What to know when buying
- Replicas and tributes. The 750 SS is one of the most imitated classics. The numbers and the paperwork matter above everything. See frame and engine numbers and the pre-purchase inspection.
- Desmo maintenance. The valve system needs knowledge. Ask for service history from someone who knows Ducati.
- Newer classics. The 916 of the 1990s is a modern classic. We have a longer article on what you actually pay for one: buying a Ducati 916 in 2026.
Parts and community
Ducati has strong clubs and specialists. See clubs and federations and finding parts.
