One of the greatest challenges following WWII was how to get Europe mobile again, encouraging trade and jumpstarting the region’s economy. That was especially difficult with shattered infrastructures and a scarcity of raw materials, but engendered a lot of innovation in ways to move goods and people.
One of those innovators was S.I.A. T. A. which after the war started building the Cucciolo (puppy) motor that could be mounted on a bicycle, turning any of the Continent’s bikes into modest motorized transportation. So successful was the Cucciolo that S. I. A. T. A. went to Ducati for additional engineering and production capacity.
Until then, Ducati had been best known for their radio components, but in 1950, they produced their first Cucciolo-powered motorcycle. The rest, as they say, is history.
Last Call indicates the end of Hooniverse’s broadcast day. It’s meant to be an open forum for anyone and anything. Thread jacking is not only accepted, it’s encouraged.
Image: Automotoconso
Last Call: Puppy Love Edition
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Fun fact: the Cucciolo is perhaps the only engine I’ve heard of that had “pull-rods” instead of “push-rods” to move the over-head valves.
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Random photos of forgotten machinery I encountered recently:
http://s7.postimg.org/svf5tk4yj/P1170651.jpg
http://s7.postimg.org/q2ly9j4m3/P1170653.jpg -
And tiny Ducatis have been cool ever since.
http://www.classic-motorcycle.be/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/7197130225314b254c0ad9-500×375.png-
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So much bike, so little engine.
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Man, there’s a lot of padding on the first bike you posted. That must be a padded chin rest at the front of the tank!
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