Ducati Cruiser: first European 4-stroke scooter

Ducati scooter

Società Scientifica Radio (SSR) was founded in 1926 by brothers Bruno, Adriano and Marcello Ducati, as a research and engineering company originally focused on the development of radio equipment and electronic components. The name "Ducati" was not then associated with motorbikes. During World War II, the Italian government took over the company and forced Ducati to start making motorbikes.

In January 1952, Ducati first ventured into the scooter market with the introduction of the Ducati Cruiser, a revolutionary scooter for the time. It was the first 4-stroke scooter produced by a European manufacturer, which made it immediately special. The Cruiser was equipped with a 175cc OHV Ducati engine and an automatic gearbox, which in itself was a first. The gearbox used a hydraulic torque converter and crown wheel/pignon drive to the rear wheel. Also, the Cruiser was the first scooter with an electric starter, something rare at the time.

At the time, almost all motorbikes and cars and as well as the Ducati Cruiser used 6V electronics. The scooter's front suspension had a hydraulic shock absorber and the rear suspension was rubber cushioned for more comfort. The bodywork was designed by the famous design company Ghia.

Unfortunately, despite all its innovations, the Cruiser was not perfect. Its weight of 154 kg and the complexity of its design led to performance and reliability problems. The engine initially produced 12 hp, but this was later reduced to 7.5 hp to comply with new regulations that limited the speed of scooters to 80 km/h. This not only made the Cruiser less powerful, but also made for a poorer riding experience.

The Ducati Cruiser was 50% more expensive than a Vespa or Lambretta, so after about 2,000 units, production ceased in 1954. Today, however, the Cruiser is seen as a collector's item and is a sought-after classic for vintage scooter enthusiasts.