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Ducati Motorcycles: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Explore the best illustrated books on Ducati motorcycles. Discover the history, models and evolution of Ducati motorcycles. Perfect for enthousiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about Ducati..

The Ducati Story (6th Edition)

This new edition of Ian Falloon's authoritative book covers the complete history of Ducati. Initially under government control, Ducati experienced many challenges, marked by uncertain management decisions.
Despite this, the company thrived under the guidance of engineer Fabio Taglioni, the creator of desmodromic valve gear. He helped Ducati produce iconic motorcycles in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, including the Marianna, desmo 125 single, Mach 1, 750, and Pantah.
Taglioni also led Ducati's return to racing, with victory at the 1972 Imola 200 marking a significant turning point.

Pages of the book The Ducati Story (6th Edition) (1)

Pages of the book "The Ducati Story (6th Edition)"

Cagiva acquired Ducati in 1985, bringing engineer Massimo Bordi and introducing new designs, including the famous Desmoquattro. This model dominated the World Superbike Championship in the 1990s, notably with Carl Fogarty.
Key models like the 916 and Monster were launched, and after Ducati was sold to the Texas Pacific Group in 1996, the company continued to grow. The racing program expanded to MotoGP, and new model lines were introduced.
In 2006, InvestIndustrial took control, leading Ducati into a new era of development, with Casey Stoner winning the MotoGP World Championship in 2007.
Now part of Audi, Ducati continues to prosper. This edition includes a new chapter covering all models from 2012 to 2018.

Pages of the book The Ducati Story (6th Edition) (2)

Product details

Author:Ian Falloon
Details:368 pages, 11 x 8.7 x 1.02 in (28 x 22 x 2.6 cm), hardback
Illustrations:349 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:9781787110854
Book cover: The Ducati Story (6th Edition) | Veloce

The Ducati Story (6th Edition)

Language: English

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The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles - Every Model Since 1946 (2nd Edition)

Ducati began as a maker of motorized bicycles for post-World War II Italy and has grown into Europe's top manufacturer of high-performance street bikes, consistently increasing its sales. Known for their sleek and fast sportbikes, Ducati is a name linked to speed.
This book traces Ducati's journey from the 1950s to today. Organized chronologically and with an encyclopedic approach, it features stunning photography and insights from Ducati expert Ian Falloon, offering a deep look at the design, power, and elegance of these remarkable motorcycles.
Covering Ducati's complete history up to 2022, the book presents iconic models such as the sporting singles of the 1950s and '60s, the pioneering Desmodromic 750 Super Sport, the legendary Mike Hailwood Replica, the powerful 916 Superbike, and the modern Scrambler and Panigale superbikes.

Product details

Author:Ian Falloon
Details:280 pages, 12.4 x 10.25 x 1.18 in (31.5 x 26 x 3 cm), hardback
Illustrations:many b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Motorbooks International (USA, 2022)
ISBN:9780760373736
Book cover: The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles - Every Model Since 1946 (2nd Edition) | Motorbooks

The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles - Every Model Since 1946 (2nd Edition)

Language: English

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Ducati (1978-1982) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Ducati motorcycles from the years 1978-1982. Describes the Ducati Darmah, 900, TT Replica, Pantah, 500 and 600.

  • The period articles, brought together from leading British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
  • Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:172 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.43 in (27 x 20 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:300 photos
Language:English
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1997)
Series:Gold Portfolio
ISBN:9781855203808
Book cover: Ducati (1978-1982) | Gold Portfolio | Brooklands

Ducati (1978-1982)

Language: English

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The Book of Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1965-1974

When Fabio Taglioni designed the 100 cc Gran Sport Marianna in 1954, he likely did not foresee its lasting impact on Ducati's design.
Over the next 20 years, this single-cylinder engine evolved into many versions, with capacities up to 436cc. It was also the first production engine to use desmodromic valves.
This overhead camshaft single became one of the most influential designs in Ducati's history, featuring elements still used today.

Pages of the book Book of Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1965-1974 (1)

Pages of the book "The Book of Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1965-1974"

Years of research have resulted in this book, the first to document all the types of Ducati overhead valve singles in detail, making this book an invaluable resource to the collector, restorer, and enthusiasts of these magnificent motorcycles.
Covered are all 100, 125, 160, 175, 200, 250, 350, 450 OHC singles from 1955-1974.

This book features:
- A full description of the model development
- Analysis of the singles by each Model Year
- All models covered, from 100 to 450 cc
- Unravels a myriad of different models and changes
- Complete Appendices of technical specifications.

Pages of the book Book of Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1965-1974 (2)

Product details

Author:Ian Falloon
Details:384 pages, 9.8 x 9.8 in (25 x 25 cm), hardback
Illustrations:1000 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2015)
ISBN:9781845845667
Book cover: The Book of Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1965-1974 | Veloce

The Book of Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1965-1974

Language: English

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Ducati - les divas italiennes (Motofocus)

Ducati is a legendary motorcycle brand known for its passionate following. Its history is marked by racing victories, commercial successes and challenges, and the continuous ambition of its leaders to create exceptional motorcycles.
This book provides a detailed presentation of all Ducati models. It traces the history of the main models from the brand's origins to the 1990s. Each motorcycle is illustrated with photos, descriptions, and technical specifications.

Product details

Author:P.-Y. Gaulard, E. Souillot
Details:128 pages, 9 x 10.6 in (24 x 27 cm), hardback
Illustrations:267 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2009)
Series:Motofocus
ISBN:9782726888391
Book cover: Ducati - les divas italiennes | Motofocus | ETAI

Ducati - les divas italiennes

Language: French

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Motos Ducati - Tous les modèles depuis 1946

The history of Ducati motorcycles is like a fairy tale. Starting with the modest production of auxiliary engines for a war-torn Italy, the manufacturer from Bologna became the world's leading producer of sport and street motorcycles, with steadily growing sales.
Known for their speed, agility, and impressive acceleration, Ducati bikes have long been admired as symbols of velocity.
Ian Falloon is one of the most respected motorcycle historians.

Summary:

1. After the war, the Cucciolos and the single-cylinder rocker arms (1946-1954)
2. Taglioni at the handlebars of the Gran Sport and the single-cylinder overhead cam and rocker arms (1955-1960)
3. The mix of genres: ACT, single-cylinder rocker arms and two-strokes (1961-1970)
4. The first Ducati Superbike: the singles and the 750 twins (1971-1974)
5. Economic rationalization: The 860 900, parallel twins and the Pantah (1975-1984)
6. The Cagiva period: The Paso, 851 and 888 (1986-1993)
7. Avant-garde innovations: The 916 and the Monster (1994-2002)
8. Disorientation: The 999 and Sport Classic (2003-2006)
9. Grand Prix success: MotoGP, Desmosedici and 1098 (2007-2011)
10. A new life: Panigale, MotoGP Resurrection and the Scrambler (2012-2016).

Product details

Author:Ian Falloon
Details:256 pages, 12 x 9.8 in (30.5 x 25 cm), hardback
Illustrations:400 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2017)
ISBN:9791028301729
Book cover: Motos Ducati - Tous les modèles depuis 1946 | ETAI

Motos Ducati - Tous les modèles depuis 1946

Language: French

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Ducati - Die ganze Story

A Ducati leaves no one indifferent - you either love or hate the temperamental machines from Bologna. Ian Fallon explores why this is the case in "Ducati - The Complete Story." With great care and extensive expertise, he delves into the brand's history, the developers and their machines, the racers and engineers, and the V2 engines with bevel or belt drive.
He details the legendary road and racing bikes that made Ducati famous worldwide, such as the 750 SS, Monster, or Panigale. This book is an essential work for all Ducati enthusiasts.

Pages of the book Ducati - Die ganze Story (1)

Pages of the book "Ducati - Die ganze Story"

Product details

Author:Ian Falloon
Details:280 pages, 12.2 x 10 x 1.06 in (31 x 25.5 x 2.7 cm), hardback
Illustrations:550 b&w and color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2024)
ISBN:9783613043305
Book cover: Ducati - Die ganze Story | Motorbuch

Ducati - Die ganze Story

Language: German

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Ducati - Storia di un mito italiano

Italy has two famous red icons in the world of motorsport: Ferrari and Ducati.
Ducati, based in Borgo Panigale, has become a symbol of Italian engineering and success, both nationally and internationally, including in MotoGP racing.
But Ducati is more than a brand. It is the story of a family that started from nothing and created something they had never imagined: a machine that made millions of people dream and race.

Product details

Author:Alessandro Ruta
Details:336 pages, 8.25 x 5.5 x 1.02 in (21 x 14 x 2.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:extensively illustrated
Language:Italian
Publisher:Diarkos (I, 2022)
ISBN:9788836161867
Book cover: Ducati - Storia di un mito italiano | Diarkos

Ducati - Storia di un mito italiano

Language: Italian

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More titles on Ducati:

Book cover: Ducati Bevel Twins (1971-1986) | The Essential Buyer's Guide

Ducati Bevel Twins (1971-1986)

Ian Falloon | English | paperback | 64 p. | 2012

Book cover: Ducati Desmodue - The Complete Story from Pantah to Scrambler | The Complete Story

Ducati Desmodue - The Complete Story from Pantah to Scrambler

Greg Pullen | English | hardback | 176 p. | 2015

Book cover: Ducati Desmodue Twins (1979-2013) | The Essential Buyer's Guide

Ducati Desmodue Twins (1979-2013)

Ian Falloon | English | paperback | 64 p. | 2013

Book cover: The Ducati 750 Bible: 750 GT, 750 Sport and 750 Super Sport (1971 to 1978)

The Ducati 750 Bible: 750 GT, 750 Sport and 750 Super Sport (1971 to 1978)

Ian Falloon | English | paperback | 160 p. | 2019