There’s a certain romance to Ducati motorcycles, a blend of Italian artistry and engineering wizardry that seduces riders and enthusiasts alike. Ian Falloon’s The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles, 2nd Edition: Every Model Since 1946 isn’t just a book; it’s an ode to that passion, a comprehensive chronicle that captures Ducati’s DNA in glossy pages and meticulous details.
Falloon’s reputation as the Ducati historian precedes him, and this book delivers on every promise. Spanning from the early Cucciolo engines that put Ducati on the map to the V4 Panigale beasts dominating today’s superbike arena, this second edition is more than a timeline—it’s an encyclopedia of dreams.
‘The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles’ Goes Deep
Each model is dissected with precision, from its mechanical innovations to its cultural impact. Falloon doesn’t just tell you what these machines are; he tells you why they matter.
The layout is a visual feast, with over 600 stunning photographs that bring each model to life. Vintage black-and-whites of the early singles evoke nostalgia, while high-definition shots of modern masterpieces like the Diavel V4 practically roar off the page. The book feels as tactile as it does visual, with each turn of the page akin to twisting the throttle of a Monster for the first time.
But Falloon doesn’t merely skim the surface; he dives deep into Ducati’s ethos. There’s reverence for the genius of Fabio Taglioni, the architect of Ducati’s desmodromic valve system, whose work revolutionized motorcycle performance. There’s admiration for the bold risks Ducati has taken—both their triumphs, like the game-changing 916, and their occasional stumbles, like the ill-fated Indiana cruiser. Falloon balances the highs and lows with a storyteller’s finesse, weaving a narrative as thrilling as a Desmosedici MotoGP bike on full song.
If there’s a criticism, it’s that the book assumes its reader is already in love with Ducati. It’s less about converting the uninitiated and more about deepening the affair. This isn’t a book for the casual observer or the skeptic; it’s for the aficionado who knows the distinct rasp of a Ducati exhaust and the unmistakable feel of a trellis frame.
What sets this book apart from other motorcycle histories is its ability to connect the machine with the human experience. Falloon reminds us that Ducati’s brilliance isn’t just in the speed or the tech—it’s in how these bikes make us feel. They’re the Ferraris of two wheels, imbued with an ineffable soul that transcends mere transportation.
In The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles, Ian Falloon has achieved what few authors can: he’s bottled the essence of a brand, distilled its spirit into a tome worthy of its legacy. For Ducatisti and motorcycle lovers alike, this is a must-have—a book you’ll return to as often as a favorite stretch of open road. It’s a ride through Ducati’s history, and Falloon is the perfect guide.
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