With the Desmodromic
valve system in 1956, Ducati single cyclinders reached the height of their
development. In this sense, the 125 Triple Camshaft Desmo marks the first truly
recognizable Ducati. Its creation was a defining moment in the history of
motorcycle engineering. Taglioni was quoted in Motociclismo magazine as
remarking, “The main purpose of the system is to force the valve to follow the
distribution diagram as closely as possible. Energy losses are virtually
negligible, performance curves are more uniform and reliability is improved.”
The engine and frame of the Triple camshaft Twin cylinder 125 constitutes a
rare example that perfectly sums up the historical context of its origin in the
50s. From a technical perspective, this was one of the most fertile
periods in the history of motorcycle racing. In fact, the international
regulations, unlike those of today, gave a free hand to designers, who were
able to try out every conceivable approach.
In 1958, just one year before its withdrawal from official participation in
competition, the Bolognese manufacturer not only came out with its fantastic Triple-camshaft single-cylinder Desmo 125, but also developed the Twin-cylinder
which came in third at Monza. At the same time, Taglioni was designing a
double-camshaft four-cylinder!
| 15/07/1956 | 1st 125 GP Championship - Hedemora (Sweden) Gianni Degli Antoni |
| 1958 | 1st 125 Senores Italian Championship Bruno Spaggiari |
| 1958 |
1st 24 Horas de Montjuic (125) Maranghi/Mandolini |
| 1958 |
2nd 125 GP World Championship Alberto Gandossi |
| 1958 |
2nd 125 GP World Championship Manufacturer's Title |
| 6/07/1958 | 1st victory 125 GP Championship - Spa Francorchamps Alberto Gandossi |
| 1958 |
1st 125 Seniores Italian Championship Bruno Spaggiari |
| 1958 |
1st 125 Seniores Italian Championship Manufacturer's Title |
| 1958 |
125 Juniores Italian Championship Franco Farnè |
| 1958 |
125 Juniores Italian Championship Manufacturer's Title |
| 1959 |
1st ACU 125 British Championship Mike Hailwood © |
| 1960 |
1st ACU 125 British Championship Mike Hailwood © |
