Ducati was one of several Italian companies that did well in the 1950s with lightweight sporting motorcycles like the 98 , especially the 98 Sport , because production recovered relatively quickly after World War II , and because the designers understood that " a model with a racing pedigree , stylish looks , and a bit of excitement was , in the Italian designer 's mind , likely to sell in larger numbers than a dull looker , no matter how well engineered , comfortable , and practical . " The series was envisioned as a " bare-bones low performance model , " but the 98 Sport of 1953 became Ducati 's " first true sporting model . " The new design by Ducati 's chief engineer , Giovanni Fiorio , made its debut at the 1952 Milan Show with the showing of the 98N and 98T ( with twin seat ) . The following year , the 98 Sport was presented at the same show , a lighter bike with alloy instead of chrome steel rims , and a higher state of tune , and the addition of a finned oil cooler at the front of the engine
Milan Show
EICMA
Ducati 98