1964 Ducati Brio

1960 Ducati Brio Scooter ? A Forgotten Gem of Italian Style When most enthusiasts think of Ducati images of high-performance motorcycles come to mind. However in the 1960s Ducati dabbled in the world of scooters with the Brio?a lesser-known yet stylish urban commuter. Released in 1960 the Brio was Ducatis attempt to rival Vespa and Lambretta in the booming scooter market. While it never reached the same level of commercial success it remains a fascinating piece of Ducati history. Design & Styling The Brio embraced the classic Italian scooter aesthetic featuring smooth curves a rounded front shield and an elegant streamlined body. Unlike Ducati?s aggressive racing motorcycles the Brio had a friendly approachable look making it ideal for city riding. It featured a step-through frame for easy mounting a comfortable saddle and practical storage options making it as functional as it was stylish. Engine & Performance Ducati produced several versions of the Brio including: Brio 48 ? 48cc 1.5 hp Brio 80 ? 80cc 3 hp Brio 100 ? 98cc 4.2 hp While these numbers may seem modest today they were adequate for short urban commutes. The lightweight frame (around 60 kg) allowed for decent acceleration and the two-stroke engine provided enough pep to navigate city streets comfortably. However compared to the more refined engines from Vespa and Lambretta the Brio?s powerplant was somewhat basic lacking the same level of smoothness and longevity. Handling & Ride Quality With small 10-inch wheels and simple suspension the Brio was nimble but not particularly refined over bumps. Its lightweight construction made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces but the ride could feel harsh on rough roads. Braking was adequate for the time utilizing drum brakes at both ends.