Rare ONES - Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of the open road! When we think of Ducati, we envision sleek, powerful motorcycles born from Italian craftsmanship. Yet, amid Ducati's storied history of iconic two-wheelers, one notable absence stands out – scooters. The question arises: Why has Ducati, a marque celebrated for its legendary motorcycles, chosen never to venture into the world of scooters?
1953 Ducati Cruiser 175 unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Exhibition 1952. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
To explore this intriguing journey, let's embark on a retrospective ride through Ducati's flirtations with scooters. It began back in the 1950s, when Ducati, in collaboration with Innocenti, the famed Lambretta scooter manufacturer, introduced the charming Ducati Lambretino. Although it is more similar to a moped than a scooter, it was an alternative stylish two-wheel rides for people back then.
1953 Ducati Cruiser 175 powered by a four-stroke engine and a continuously variable transmission. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Ducati ventured further into the scooter realm with the Ducati Cruiser 175, unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Exhibition 1952. A marvel of its time, this twist-and-go scooter produced a respectable 7.5 PS (7.4 hp) of power, propelling riders to a maximum speed of 50 kph (31.07 mph). Equipped with a four-stroke engine and a continuously variable transmission, the Cruiser 175 was a technological front-runner compared to its two-stroke, manual-shifting competitors like Vespa and Lambretta.
The Ducati Brio featured with the classic round headlight and a slightly boxier
front. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
However, despite its sophistication, the Cruiser 175 failed to capture the market's heart. In the aftermath of World War II, the Italian market was still recovering, and consumers favored more affordable options. Tragically, production halted in 1954 after a mere 1,000 units were produced, consigning the Cruiser 175 to obscurity.
The Ducati Brio designed by Gio Ponti, the visionary behind the Fiat
600, and debuted in 1963. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
Fast forward a decade, and the Italian' motorbike maker made another scooter attempt with the Ducati Brio 48 in 1963. Designed by Gio Ponti, the visionary behind the Fiat 600, the Brio was a two-stroke, fan-cooled 48cc wonder. Its design, reminiscent of the Piaggio Vespa, sported the classic round headlight, but with a slightly boxier front.
1963 Ducati Brio 48 powered by a two-stroke, fan-cooled 48cc drivetrain, claimed has an impressive fuel efficiency, covering 220 km (136.7 miles) on a single tank at a top speed of 40 kph (24.85 mph). (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
The Brio 48 showcased impressive fuel efficiency, covering 220 km (136.7 miles) on a single tank at a top speed of 40 kph (24.85 mph). In 1964, Ducati introduced the Brio 100, upping the ante with a 100cc engine and enhanced luxury touches. The Brio 100 even became the official ride of the Bologna traffic police.
In 1964, Ducati introduced the Brio 100, upping the ante with a 100cc engine and enhanced luxury touches. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
Alas, Ducati's Brio scooters suffered the same fate as their predecessor, the Cruiser 175. They failed to gain traction in the market, unable to outshine Vespa and Lambretta models. Consequently, production ceased in 1968, sealing the fate of Ducati's scooter ambitions.
The Ducati Brio, unlike its competitors, features an engine mounted on the frame and connected to the rear wheel via a chain drive. (Picture from: MotorcycleSpec)
So, why does Ducati abstain from the scooter segment today? It seems the brand's history of scooter endeavors has taught valuable lessons. Ducati's core identity is intrinsically tied to high-performance motorcycles. With their focus on innovation, power, and style, scooters may simply not align with Ducati's DNA.
In conclusion, while Ducati's flirtations with scooters may have yielded intriguing models, their motorcycle prowess remains unparalleled. As the saying goes, "Stick to what you're good at," and Ducati continues to excel in crafting exceptional motorcycles, leaving the scooter world to other marques.
In conclusion, while Ducati's flirtations with scooters may have yielded intriguing models, their motorcycle prowess remains unparalleled. As the saying goes, "Stick to what you're good at," and Ducati continues to excel in crafting exceptional motorcycles, leaving the scooter world to other marques.
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