Located at the Ducati factory headquarters, the 11,000 square foot Ducati Museum, Museo Ducati, opens during the first annual World Ducati Week.
The Ducati Museum preserves over half a century of racing history and also the history of the company (before it produced motorcycles) founded by the Ducati brothers, Bruno, Marcello and Adriano Cavalieri Ducati in 1926. From the popular post-World War II “Cucciolo” to the more recent breakthrough with the Desmosedici, the museum highlights 5 decades of Ducati technological innovation, award-winning design and, above all, exceptional racetrack performance. The museum is arranged around an illuminated racetrack that hosts 33 legendary motorcycles with a special spectator area housed in a gigantic red helmet. Adjacent to the track is a set of seven thematically organized rooms.
The companies motorcycle beginning fills room one. Starting with 1946 and the Cucciolo, or puppy, while little more than a bicycle with a two-horsepower engine attached, the enormous success of this machine kept the company afloat after the war. Not only was it a popular commuting tool, but it also won numerous races like the 18,000 kilometer Paris-Tokyo ride in 1949 and the Six Day International off-road competition in 1951. Other notables in this room are simple engine sketches.
If you find yourself in Bologna and get bored in this lively, historic city you can visit Piazza Maggiore, the sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures, such as City Hall, the Neptune Fountain and the Basilica of San Petronio - ancient history, b-o-r-i-n-g. Find your way to the Ducati Museum to see something actually interesting - motorcycles!
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
The companies motorcycle beginning fills room one. Starting with 1946 and the Cucciolo, or puppy, while little more than a bicycle with a two-horsepower engine attached, the enormous success of this machine kept the company afloat after the war. Not only was it a popular commuting tool, but it also won numerous races like the 18,000 kilometer Paris-Tokyo ride in 1949 and the Six Day International off-road competition in 1951. Other notables in this room are simple engine sketches.
As one walks into the next room you see the 100 and 125 Gran Sport, affectionately called "The Marianna". Introduction to the 1960's and '70's awaits in room three. The 250cc, 350cc and 450cc twin-cylinder engines were starting to make their mark in the Grand Prix scene. The centerpiece of the room is the 250GP raced by a young Mike Hailwood. Then comes the infamous 90-degree V-twin. The 750SS that would take one-two in its debut at the Imola 200 and the 900SS that Hailwood would win the 1978 Isle of Man TT.
Entering room five you meet The Pantah Family. The 500cc two-valve Pantah engine that eventually would become the 750 F1, the Pantah would spawn the Monster, ST2 and Supersport. The sixth room really needs no introduction. Here lies the machines that brought Ducati World Superbike fame and glory, starting with the 851 on through to the 1198 of today.
A fitting end to the museum, room seven was opened in 2004 to honor the Desmosedici and the company's return to Grand Prix racing the year prior. On display are trophies and plaques, with Loris Capirossi's and Casey Stoner's Grand Prix machines taking center stage in the room.
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
