DUCATI 1200 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Ducati Berliner 1260 Apollo was a prototype manufactured in 1964 in only two units. It was powered by a 1,257cc V4 engine that delivered 100 hp and could reach a top speed of 190 kph (120 mph).

The sales for small-displacement motorcycles were pretty low, so Ducati and his American distributor, Berliner Motor Corporation, wanted to create a larger-displacement motorcycle to compete with Harley-Davidson.

In 1959, the American distributor asked Ducati to create a rival for Harley-Davidson and sell to law enforcement agencies, like the police, across the United States. Unfortunately, the bike never went into production but inspired other future Ducati motorcycles.

The 1964 Ducati 1260 V4 Apollo, named after the moon mission of the time, was powered by a 1,252cc four-stroke V4 air-cooled engine that delivered 100 hp with a peak force at 7,000 rpm with four carburetors and 80 hp with maximum strength at 6,000 rpm with two carburetors.

In the bike's first test, Franco Farne claimed that it handles like a truck. Besides that, even the specially made tires didn't handle the speed, while one of the tires disintegrated at speed. The bike was reduced to 80 hp, but even then, the tire exploded. Only the 65 hp limit was acceptable and increased the survival rate on the tires.

Some notable features were represented by an engine built-in gearbox, electric and kick starter, a comfortable dual seat, center, and side stands, and interchangeable and quick detachable front and rear wheels.