Kings of the Track

	Ducati Sport1000

Italy: the land of pasta, piazzas and ... motorcycles?

The little Vespa scooter, one of Italy's most notable exports, gets all kinds of attention, starring in films like Roman Holiday and Quadrophenia.

However, if you're seriously interested in two-wheeled travel, you should have a look at what comes out of the Italian city of Bologna every day -- Ducati motorcycles.

Whether you're a seasoned rider with miles of road experience or just a hobbyist who enjoys nice bikes, there's a good chance you've eyed a Ducati before.

But you may not know the remarkable history and impressive racing pedigree that lies behind this small company.

Ducati Be Kidding Me

Since the 1950s, Ducati Motor Holding (DMH) has been turning out gorgeous, high-performance motorcycles while simultaneously achieving international racing fame and cultivating a fanatically loyal customer base.

Ducati began in the late 1920s, however, as a successful manufacturer of radio parts, cameras, guns and shavers.

After World War II, with public transportation in shambles, getting around Italy was a challenge for the average citizen. Ducati saw an opportunity, and in 1946, introduced the Cucciolo or "little puppy," a motorized bicycle that had wide public appeal. Ducati as motorcycle manufacturer was born.

Revered engineer Fabio Taglioni was recruited in 1954 and arrived with a comprehensive racing background. This saw the advent of Ducati as a manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles; the racetrack became its proving ground, and the company's strong showing there cemented its name in racing history.

On the international racing circuit, Ducati is still a nearly unstoppable force.

Since 1990, Ducati riders have won 11 of the 16 World Superbike Championship titles, and the company has more individual victories than the competition put together.

This is a remarkable achievement considering the competition: Ducati is a $300 million company prevailing over billion-dollar behemoths like Honda (HMC), Yamaha (NQB)and Kawasaki -- a genuine David and Goliath story.

Further, Ducati has skillfully managed to parlay that remarkable success on the racetrack into powerful but accessible machines, equally ready for winding back roads or a daily city commute.

Art Meets Engineering

Ducatis are geared not only for the experienced rider, but for the novice as well.

Any visitor to a Ducati dealership -- motorcycle aficionado or not -- cannot help but be impressed by the craftsmanship and unique appearance of these machines.

These are not flashy comic-book-inspired Japanese motorcycles churned out for mass consumption. A Ducati is a work of art, a true fusion of engineering and design.

Just sit on one for a minute; you will not only see, but feel the attention to detail, the remarkable balance and thought for the rider. Start one up and the engine sounds like a deep whisper promising adventure.