Triumph vs Ducati Philadelphia, PA

Few motorcycle brands have matched the stratospheric popularity of Triumph and Ducati. Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, DE; and Cherry Hill, NJ, riders want to know which brand will serve them best, and we want to help.

It’s a story of British engineering (Triumph) pitted against Italian design (Ducati). Discover which one speaks to you with our experts at Quaker City Motor Sport!

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Triumph vs Ducati: The History

Triumph

Triumph began as a bicycle manufacturer in the late 19th century, but by 1902, the company produced its first motorcycle. It was a bicycle powered by a Belgian Minerva engine, and it was just the beginning.

This brand came into its own during the war effort. The company supplied the Allies with over 30,000 motorbikes during World War I, including the Model H Roadster. Known as the “Trusty Triumph,” it was the first modern motorcycle!

Ducati

Ducati stepped onto the stage later. Though it was founded in the 1920s, it had nothing to do with motorcycles until the 1940s, post-World War II. The brand would play a central role in helping Italy bounce back in the aftermath of the war.

Their first claim to fame was the “Cucciolo” (Italian for “puppy”), an engine that could be mounted to a bicycle by the buyer. Ducati would eventually produce its own Cucciolo-based motorized bike and fully embrace the motorcycle.   

Triumph vs Ducati: The Engines

A motorcycle is all about the engine, and Triumph and Ducati produce some star performers. However, they tend to use different types of engines in their bikes.  

Triumph mainly uses inline-3 and twin engines in its motorbikes. You’ll find the twins in the brand’s Bonneville range: the Bobber, Speedmaster, T100, and T120. Sporty bikes like the Speed Triple and Rocket 3 feature inline-3 engines. 

Ducati has something different in store: a line of L-shaped desmodromic engines. The name comes from the Greek desmos (“bond” or “knot”) and dromos (“track” or “way”), speaking to the desmodromic valve being bound to the camshaft.

These “desmo” engines have a racing legacy. They powered the company’s 125cc grand prix motorcycle to a string of victories and are now etched into the brand’s image. Every Ducati uses desmodromic valve technology! 

Triumph vs Ducati: The Motorcycles

What qualities make a great bike? That’s subjective, but no matter what draws you to the world of riding, you’ll find so much to love in the Triumph and Ducati lines. These brands and their vast, varied lineups offer something for everyone.

Consider Triumph, known for roadsters like the Speed Triple and adventure bikes like the Tiger range. You can choose from modern classics like the Scrambler and Bonneville Bobber—and the world’s fastest production motorcycle, the Rocket 3.

Of course, Ducati competes in all the same categories of bikes, and it does so with flair. Popular motorcycles from the famed Italian brand include:

  • Streetfighter
  • Panigale
  • Diavel
  • Monster

Should I choose Triumph or Ducati in Philadelphia PA?

From Wilmington, DE, and Cherry Hill, NJ, to Philadelphia, PA, Triumph and Ducati motorcycles appeal to different riders. The phrase, “Different (four-)strokes for different folks!” seems appropriate here—but which is better for you?

See for yourself at our showroom. We have dozens of Triumph and Ducati models in stock. From brand-new to pre-owned, discover the motorcycle of your dreams at Quaker City Motor Sport!