Fabio Taglioni makes the first sketches for the layout of what will be the new Ducati V-twin.
In less than a month's time his drawings were completed. By July there was a running motor and in August a complete prototype motorcycle was built. Taglioni then got Leopoldo Tartarini, the founder of Italjet, to refine the styling aspects of the new Ducati.
The decision was made by Ducati to re-enter motorcycle competition in October. Director Arnaldo Milvio and General Manager Fredmano Spairani, bith race-nuts themselves, had encouraged Fabio to develop the 750 V-twin. In 1971 five 500cc V-twins were built to compete in Italian championship and Grand Prix events. Ducati felt that this would demonstrate the bike before a large audience and gain publicity. If they won, that was a bonus.
Despite Taglioni's strong opposition to the idea, Spairani wanted the frame to be built by well-known British frame builder Colin Seeley. They sent some prototype crankcases for Seeley to work from and Ducati's new Seeley frame was ready in February of 1971.
In less than six months, Fabio Taglioni and his team had designed and built their own complete bike, the industry norm at the time for concept to production was three years.
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
