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 Quote) 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. ...