In October, the Museum received from Peter Renolt a beautiful, perfect condition and low mileage Ducati Paso, Limited. Seen in this photo, the Paso exemplifies a time when Ducati was owned by Cagiva, and the influences of another wave of “modernization” or streamlining of the motorcycle brought to us by the motorcycle industry. Not unlike what Honda did with the Pacific Coast in 1989 or Ariel did back in the 1950’s with the Ariel Leader, Vincent with the Black Prince, early 1950’s, the Paso, made from 1985 to 1992 in various models and displacements used tight fitting bodywork to enclose mechanicals; might this attract an audience less interested in “machine art?”
Peter bought his 1988 Paso slightly used, just one year old. The odometer now reads just 1647 miles! Both owners kept the Paso indoors, in heated living space. Peter tells us he had a hunch the styling would catch on, grow a wider audience over time and that his machine would become more collectible; the LTD is one of only 50 made, according to the factory. With few machines made in the 1980’s yet reaching any special status, we think it’s too early to tell. Peter says he was looking for a permanent home for his bike, a place that would keep the bike in perfect shape, yet show it to a broader audience. Over the centuries, Italian design is some of the most lasting, and the Museum is happy to have this Paso as part of the permanent collection.
Ducati Motorcycle Company, Bologna, Italy was formed in 1926. Originally they manufactured a variety of electrical components and devices including radios and electric shavers. One of Ducati’s first transportation developments was a lightweight dubbed the Cucciolo, or “puppy. A clip on engine, similar in concept to the American Whizzer, it was targeted at the masses of Italian workers looking for efficient transportation to their places of work in a recovering post-War Italy. As with many makers, soon machines grew in displacement and targeted an audience more performance oriented. 125, 175 and 250 cc machines were manufactured and many riders entered their Ducatis in road races alongside the likes of MV Agusta, Parilla, Moto-Guzzi and other Italian, even British and European marques. Though over the years Ducati has experimented with touring and dual-sport and even power cruiser designs, it’s focus remains high performance motorcycles and road racing competition.
If you have a “museum quality” motorcycle, jacket, helmet, poster or other item, get in touch with the Museum to discuss how it can become part of the Museum Collection. Email museum@nationalmcmuseum.org
8 replies
  1. Peter Renolt
    Peter Renolt says:

    I think she is now where she belongs, and looks to be right at home. I am very pleased to see her take her place amoung the kindred spirits in the museum. I am very much looking forward to coming for a visit to see her once again in person. Thank you again for all your help and support in getting her there…
    Peter

    Reply
    • AAW
      AAW says:

      Interesting observation. Indeed the out port on the silencers on this bike are smaller than on what would be found on the slightly massaged Limited model. Same look and supplier only less free flowing.
      Limited bikes were advertised as having competition exhausts and as you pointed out, this bike doesn’t have them.
      I own one of these bikes and with it when I received it was a box of standard Paso Silentiums.
      Installed and on the bike were the more free flowing Silentiums which were advertised for the “Limited” model.
      My guess from reading the etched fine print on each pair of silencers….the open cans have a not for street use warning, the standard cans have conforms to all applicable noise standards likely making it illegal for dealers then as now to install non conforming equipment.
      I assume both sets came with the package and installing them was ultimately up to the owner to do.
      Crazy thing is, the standard silencers that cane with my bike are still wrapped and unused!

      Reply
  2. Richard S Backus
    Richard S Backus says:

    Those are the correct pipes, and not all of the white bikes came with the Limited decal; mine didn’t. There doesn’t seem to be any particular reason.

    Reply

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