Ducati Berlinger Apollo (1964)

In the early 1960s, Ducati was tasked with creating a machine that could rival Harley-Davidson’s best offerings and potentially be used by American police forces. The Berliner brothers, who imported Ducatis to the US, were so enthusiastic about this project that they agreed to share development costs.

The resulting bike, the Ducati Berliner Apollo, was a unique creation designed for the American market. Its engine, crafted by Fabio Taglioni, was a 1257cc, OHV, 8-valve, 90-degree V4 that produced 100 horsepower at 7000rpm. The air-cooled V4 was paired with a five-speed gearbox and fed by four Dellorto TT 24 carburetors.

The Apollo’s chassis featured a mix of tubular and box-section steel parts, with the engine serving as a stressed member. Its suspension consisted of a Ceriani telescopic fork at the front and twin shocks at the rear, while drum brakes were used on both wheels.

Despite its promising design, the Apollo struggled to deliver due to the limitations of 1960s-era tires, which couldn’t handle its power output. Ducati attempted to reduce the engine’s horsepower, but ultimately, the project was deemed unviable and production was never initiated.

Key Specifications

*n/a – information not provided by manufacturer

All Specifications

Make & Model

Engine

Performance

*n/a – information not provided by manufacturer

Transmission

Electrical & Electronics System

Chassis & Suspension

Wheels & Brakes

Dimension & Weights

Features

• 1257cc OHV V4 engine
• 8-valve design
• 90-degree V configuration
• 100 horsepower at 7000rpm
• Dellorto TT 24 carburetors
• Five-speed gearbox
• Chain final drive
• Steel chassis with tubular and box-section parts
• Engine as a stressed member
• 16-inch wheels
• Ceriani suspension
• Regular telescopic fork front suspension
• Twin shocks rear suspension
• 220mm drum brakes at both ends
• Weight of 270 kilos dry