Ducati took its first steps as a motorcycle manufacturer by producing clip-on auxiliary engines for use with bicycles. Ducati began producing the engine in 1946 and it was named Cucciolo (Italian for puppy) because of the yapping sound the 48cc four-stroke single made. The engine was very efficient and could do over 275 miles to the gallon! Whilst on vacation I had the opportunity to ride a modern incarnation of the same thing, this time a Chinese built, 2-stroke clipped on to a mountain bike. I brought my video camera along for the ride.
The riding experience is very similar to a motorcycle. You have a twist grip throttle and a clutch and you pedal the bike to speed before dumping the clutch, which starts the engine. Then simply twist and go. It really was fun even though I didn’t make much past 20mph!!
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Awesome! Must’ve been impressive after the S4RS! But with skinny tyres, useless brakes and no suspension it seems faster (or is that more dangerous) than it is!
Ducati took its first steps as a motorcycle manufacturer by producing clip-on auxiliary engines for use with bicycles. Ducati began producing the engine in 1946 and it was named Cucciolo (Italian for puppy) because of the yapping sound the 48cc four-stroke single made. The engine was very efficient and could do over 275 miles to the gallon! Whilst on vacation I had the opportunity to ride a modern incarnation of the same thing, this time a Chinese built, 2-stroke clipped on to a mountain bike. I brought my video camera along for the ride.
Awesome! Must’ve been impressive after the S4RS! But with skinny tyres, useless brakes and no suspension it seems faster (or is that more dangerous) than it is!
I think dangerous is the word that springs to mind!