Touring motorcycles are designed for long-distance travel and provide a comfortable ride. Equipped with large displacement fairings and windshields, they offer substantial weather and wind protection.
They feature significant fuel tank capacity for extended distances between refuels and possess engines with impressive low-end horsepower for smooth highway cruising. The seating position is more relaxed and upright compared to sports bikes, enhancing rider comfort on long journeys.
Names such as bagger, full bagger, full dresser, full dress tourer, or dresser often describe touring motorcycles in the U.S., signifying bikes equipped with sets of saddlebags or panniers.
Fully Equipped Tourers
Distinguished by sizable fairings and comprehensive bodywork, these motorcycles often come with hard luggage options such as side cases and a top case built into the vehicle’s design.
Typical features for fully equipped tourers include tailor-made windshields, airbag systems, audio systems, satellite radio, heated seats, GPS devices, and built-in air compressors.
Adventure & Dual Sport
Adventure and dual sport motorcycles are designed for both off-road and on-road use. Adventure bikes are larger, emphasizing long-range comfort and street-riding performance. Dual sport bikes are lightweight, enduro-style motorcycles prioritizing off-road agility and durability while being street-legal.
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.