250 Desmo Twin

In 1960 Ducati continued to field its motorcycles in national and international competition, just not in an official capacity.

The 250 cc Desmo twin was another of Fabio Taglioni’s creations and was built specifically for Mike Hailwood, with a customized saddle and suspension. Known as “Mike the Bike” after he won various races in the British championship, Hailwood proved to be one of the world’s most talented riders with a career spanning two decades, and both two- and four-wheel championships.

Each of the 250 GP Desmo bikes that Hailwood raced had a fuel tank that was hand-built so as to perfectly accommodate the rider’s knees and improve the aerodynamics.