Fabio Taglioni
Encyclopedia
Fabio Taglioni was an Italian
engineer.
Born in Lugo di Romagna, he was chief designer and technical director of Ducati
from 1954 until 1989. His desmodromic
L-twin design is still used in all current Ducati motorcycle
engine
s. Among the many race victories of his early desmo twin, the 1978 legendary return of Mike Hailwood
at the Isle of Man
is perhaps the most memorable.
After World War II
, Taglioni designed engines for Ceccato motorcycles
and Mondial
before joining Ducati in 1954. He began by designing Ducati's OHC four-stroke singles
, and in 1963 designed the prototype V4 Ducati Apollo
. This led to the 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Desmo
, and the 1970s and 1980s production Ducati L-twin motorcycles.
He died in Bologna
in 2001.
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
engineer.
Born in Lugo di Romagna, he was chief designer and technical director of Ducati
Ducati Motor Holding
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. is a motorcycle manufacturer in Bologna, Italy. It produces motorcycles for both road use and motorcycle racing.- History :...
from 1954 until 1989. His desmodromic
Desmodromic valve
A desmodromic valve is a reciprocating engine valve that is positively closed by a cam and leverage system, rather than by a more conventional spring...
L-twin design is still used in all current Ducati motorcycle
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
engine
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
s. Among the many race victories of his early desmo twin, the 1978 legendary return of Mike Hailwood
Mike Hailwood
Stanley Michael Bailey Hailwood, MBE, GM was a British Grand Prix motorcycle road racer regarded by many as one of the greatest racers of all time. He was known as "Mike The Bike" because of his natural riding ability...
at the Isle of Man
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
is perhaps the most memorable.
After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Taglioni designed engines for Ceccato motorcycles
Ceccato motorcycles
Ceccato was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1947 by a former pharmacist, Pietro Ceccato, who was passionate about both engines and innovative management ideas, such as making process changes using input invited from employees...
and Mondial
Mondial (motorcycle manufacturer)
FB-Mondial was a motorcycle manufacturer from Milan, Italy between 1948 and 1979, known for its Grand Prix motorcycle racing successes during the 1950s. Prior to World War II, it manufactured delivery tricycles...
before joining Ducati in 1954. He began by designing Ducati's OHC four-stroke singles
Ducati Singles
The Ducati singles were single cylinder motorcycles, made by Ducati from 1950 to 1974. Chief Engineer Fabio Taglioni developed a desmodromic valve system in these years, a system that opens and closes the valves using the camshaft, without the need for valve springs...
, and in 1963 designed the prototype V4 Ducati Apollo
Ducati Apollo
The 1964 Ducati Berliner 1260 Apollo was a prototype V4 engine motorcycle producing and capable of over . It was never put into production, but did influence other production Ducatis that followed...
. This led to the 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Desmo
Ducati 750 Imola Desmo
The Ducati 750 Imola Desmo is a race motorcycle built by Ducati that won the 1972 Imola 200 mile race at the hands of Paul Smart. This win is considered historic by Ducati and its fans in that it helped define Ducati's approach to racing.-Design:...
, and the 1970s and 1980s production Ducati L-twin motorcycles.
He died in Bologna
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
in 2001.