Six of The Best Ducatis of All Time

Six of The Best Ducatis of All Time

Ducati, renowned for its exquisite motorcycles, traces its origins to three brothers forming a radio company in the early 20th century. After WWII, the devastation led them to switch to crafting motorcycles. Throughout the century, Ducati epitomized Italian ingenuity, crafting high-speed, alluring bikes. Their first engine, the Cucciolo, garnered success, laying the groundwork for future developments. Engaged in racing from inception, they designed bikes for record-breaking speed. Today, Ducati represents top-tier quality and performance, commanding premium prices and winning races. Maintaining its reputation, Ducati remains a hub of innovation and Italian flair. Among new and used Ducati for sale, here are eight standout Ducatis, showcasing the brand's legacy of excellence.

2006 Ducati Desmosedici RR

Ducati's racing prowess is legendary, especially in their ability to surge out of corners and down straights. The 2006 MotoGP season saw the debut of their GP06 Desmosedici, causing a stir with its exceptional cornering and handling during winter testing. This success led Ducati to offer a "homologation special" for consumers: the 2006 Desmosedici RR. Though not identical to the MotoGP version, it boasted similar features like an ultralight swingarm, magnesium wheels, and carbon fiber fairings. Surprisingly, it outdid its racing counterpart in power, with a 1,198cc V4 engine producing 198 HP. Priced at $72,000, only 1,500 were made, catering to passionate Ducati fans with benefits like priority servicing and a racing kit, making it a coveted choice for enthusiasts with deep pockets.

1964 Ducati Mach 1

In the 1960s, 500cc engines were rare and considered high-end. Ducati's 1964 Mach 1, though not a true supersport like the later 750SS, was groundbreaking with its 250cc engine delivering an impressive 28 HP, thanks to innovative desmodromic valves. While most bikes struggled at 8,500 RPM, the Mach 1 thrived, hitting peak power. Its sleek design and new 5-speed transmission allowed riders to push speeds over 106 MPH, a first for Ducati. Despite its smaller engine, it earned a place among Ducati's greatest bikes, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and performance, setting a standard for future models.

Ducati Monster

The Ducati Monster originated from the company's necessity to boost revenue, aiming for affordability and practicality. Its debut featured a 900cc air-cooled twin in a simplified frame, departing from Ducati's high-performance superbikes. Subsequent iterations included smaller engine options like the 600cc and 750cc, trading power for a lower price. Evolving over three decades, upgrades like single swingarms and water-cooling enhanced its appeal while maintaining its fundamental essence. Despite advancements, the Monster remains a budget-friendly option, priced around $12,000, compared to top-tier Ducatis. With its enduring popularity, the Monster is poised to endure for many more years.

Ducati 851

The 1980s saw significant shifts in motorcycle design. While some models expanded into large touring machines resembling cars, others embraced the traits of street GP racers. Suzuki's GSXR earned acclaim as the pioneer superbike, but Ducati's 851 perfected the formula. Unlike its Japanese rivals, Ducati retained its twin-cylinder engine, introducing its first water-cooled, 4-valve head, and fuel-injected motorcycle in 1987. Cagiva's acquisition of Ducati in 1985 propelled the brand towards performance bikes. The collaboration birthed the 851, blending Ducati's Desmo L-head engine with Cagiva's racing expertise, resulting in a coveted Italian superbike boasting 104 horsepower and timeless aesthetics. Remarkably, these sought-after classics remain reasonably priced, with recent sales under $15,000.

Panigale V4 S

Ducati faced a pivotal moment in the mid-2010s when their Vtwin superbike range hit engineering limits. The Panigale 1299, with its colossal 1,285cc Vtwin engine, pushed boundaries but became challenging to handle. Ducati introduced the Panigale V4 in 2018, drawing inspiration from their MotoGP replica, the Desmosedici RR. They extracted and slightly detuned the V4 engine, increasing its capacity to 1103cc. The resulting Desmosedici Stradale engine outperformed other four-cylinder superbikes, boasting 210bhp for Panigale V4 S owners. Ducati's move shook the industry, disregarding race regulations for road use and setting new benchmarks in power and torque. This shift marked a significant leap forward, addressing the limitations of their previous V-twin models and asserting Ducati's dominance in the superbike market.

Ducati 750SS

Behold the 750GT, the epitome of Italian elegance and power! With its desmodromic cylinder head, it revolutionized performance, eliminating valve spring failures and enabling higher revs. In 1972, at Imola 200-mile race, Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari dominated, prompting Ducati to release a limited road version. The 750SS 'Round Case', with its distinctive features and scarcity, remains a prized gem among Ducati enthusiasts. A testament to racing prowess and craftsmanship, it stands as a legendary icon of motorcycle history.