It was a case of what might have been. Way back in 1959 Ducati's U.S. importer, the Berliner Motor Corporation, convinced company management (and the Italian government, which had a stake in Ducati) to compete for police bike sales in America. Specifications required at least 1200cc and 16-inch tires, which would prove to be a major factor in the bike's failure to launch.
None other than Fabio Taglioni, the eventual creator of Ducati's iconic L-twins, designed the 90-degree V4 for the new model — named Apollo for America's moon launch vehicles. The 1257cc engine put out an incredible (for the time) 100 hp which was more than overwhelming for both the brakes and tires. When testing revealed that current tire technology couldn't cope, the engine was detuned to 80 hp, which made the whole package non-competitive with Harley-Davidson and the British. The Italians pulled the plug. With a bit more development the bike could have been a contender and Ducati's future may have included many more cylinders.
None other than Fabio Taglioni, the eventual creator of Ducati's iconic L-twins, designed the 90-degree V4 for the new model — named Apollo for America's moon launch vehicles. The 1257cc engine put out an incredible (for the time) 100 hp which was more than overwhelming for both the brakes and tires. When testing revealed that current tire technology couldn't cope, the engine was detuned to 80 hp, which made the whole package non-competitive with Harley-Davidson and the British. The Italians pulled the plug. With a bit more development the bike could have been a contender and Ducati's future may have included many more cylinders.
Two Apollos and four engines were built and only one bike is accounted for. It belongs to a Japanese collector.
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