“We've been working hard to make Ducati a real force here in the North American market, but this kind of sales success truthfully doesn't happen over night,” says Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. “I think by communicating better with our customers we've really hit our stride on what types of bikes our enthusiasts want.”

Lock said August sales were aided by a boost in sport touring bikes sales, which were up 72% compared to sales in August 2004.