Some brands possess an enduring allure, synonymous with luxury and excellence. Porsche, Rolex, Leica, and Tiffany exemplify this rarefied class. In the motorcycle realm, Ducati stands out as a paragon. While MV Agusta, BMW, Honda, and Kawasaki also craft superb bikes, Ducati’s mainstream resonance sets it apart. Even non-enthusiasts would likely favor a vintage Ducati over rivals like BMW or Honda for its sheer sophistication. Ducatis blend stunning design with exceptional performance, earning adoration. Here, we highlight the pinnacle of Ducati’s offerings. 

1971 Ducati 750GT

As the 1970s unfolded, Ducati had firmly established itself in crafting compact sport and racing motorcycles. However, the landscape shifted with the introduction of Japanese models like Kawasaki’s Z1 and Honda’s CB650, redefining the notion of a sport bike: large engine, ample power, sheer excitement.

Following a swift development period spanning just over 16 months led by the esteemed Dr. Fabio Taglioni, the Ducati 750GT emerged. It outshone its Japanese counterparts with its substantial 748cc V-twin engine, positioned at an angle where one cylinder fired horizontally and the other vertically. Given the V twin association with American bikes, Ducati opted for the term L twin, marking the first instance of such nomenclature in their lineup.

Moreover, it boasted impressive performance figures: 60HP@8,000 RPM, a top speed of 124 MPH, all while weighing slightly above 440 lbs when wet. Notably, in the 1970s, some racing motorcycles didn’t achieve such power. Unsurprisingly, it garnered significant sales and served as the foundation for the 750 Imola Desmo race bike, clinching first and second positions in the 1972 200 Miles of Imola.

2024 Ducati Monster+

Available at a Ducati motorcycle dealer in Denver, Colorado, the new Ducati Monster PLUS stands out as a contemporary gem among sporty naked bikes, coming in at a price of $12,995. Boasting a seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and remarkable aesthetics, it stays true to Ducati’s ethos of merging style with performance. Its muscular 937cc Testastretta engine churns out 111 horsepower, ensuring nimble handling despite its mere 366-pound weight. With rider-centric ergonomics, state-of-the-art electronics, and a striking new Iceberg White variant, it’s an undeniable standout. While it may deviate from some traditional design cues, the Monster Plus remains an irresistible amalgamation of heritage and innovation, catering to novices and seasoned riders alike.

2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini

Ducati motorcycles have long been likened to the Ferrari of Motorcycles, but now they’ve taken on a new identity as the Lamborghini of Motorcycles, quite literally.

The partnership between Ducati and Lamborghini emerged to celebrate Lamborghini’s STO, a nearly street-illegal version of the already insane Huracan. What sets the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini apart from other models is that almost every component, from fairings to paint scheme to wheels, has been customized or redesigned by Lamborghini Corse, their racing division.

Exclusive magnesium wheels distinguish this model, while redesigned winglets and air intakes mimic the STO’s rear wing and air intakes. A custom titanium exhaust from Akrapovic, also used in the STO, ensures the bike roars. The pillion seat cover features added strakes reminiscent of those over the STO’s front wheels to reduce wheel well pressure.

Only 630 units of the standard V4 Lamborghini are available, all sporting Lamborghini’s signature Citrea green with Dac orange accents and the number 63 commemorating Lamborghini’s founding year on the tank. An additional 63 units are reserved for STO buyers who want their Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini to match their paint choice and driver number.

As a special edition crafted by Lamborghini Corse, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini comes with a staggering price tag of $68,000.

Diavel – 2011 – Present

Ducati’s Diavel marked a significant shift in the company’s ambition within the motorcycle industry. Released in 2011, it broke Ducati’s niche European image by entering the American cruiser market. Resembling Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod but with a unique identity, the Diavel showcased Ducati’s commitment to performance. It boasted a 162bhp engine derived from the 1198 Panigale, ensuring exceptional power and torque. With a steel tube trellis frame and single-sided swingarm, it weighed just 210kg, dominating the performance cruiser class. Its handling was remarkable, thanks to high-end USD forks, a rear monoshock, and potent Brembo brakes. The 2016 XDiavel variant introduced a custom riding position, while the 2018 update enhanced the 1260 motor and sharpened the chassis. Ducati expanded the Diavel line with various special editions, including the Lamborghini homage, offering distinct aesthetics without compromising on performance. The Diavel remains a symbol of Ducati’s prowess in crafting unconventional yet superbly performing motorcycles.

916 – 1994-1998 

This iconic milestone from Ducati exemplifies the fusion of beauty and engineering. Designed by Massimo Tamburini, it inherited the steel tube trellis frame from the 851 superbike and the desmodromic eight-valve V-twin engine by Massimo Bordi. Despite limitations, Tamburini crafted a masterpiece, blending aesthetics and performance. Winning numerous titles, the 916 dominated the 1990s due to its potent combination of design and technical prowess. Ducati later enhanced its engine capacity for both racing and road versions. However, its successor, the 999, failed to match the 916’s charm, resulting in Ducati’s swift transition to the 1098. The 916’s legacy endures, influencing subsequent Ducati models, reaffirming its status as a timeless classic in motorcycle design.

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