Ducati Motorcycle Dealership Coming to Birmingham

Birmingham has a , a and pending final approval, it could be the home of Michigan's only Ducati motorcycle dealership.

At its Monday night meeting, the Birmingham City Commission approved a request to sell the high-end Italian motorcycles as well Ducati sportswear at 394 S. Old Woodward Ave.

Motorcycle sales are a regulated use under Birmingham City Code, making City Commission approval necessary.

The dealership will be run by Daniel Cable, owner of DJC Moto, Ltd. in Rochester Hills and former operator of Cauley Ferrari in West Bloomfield. The space will include a 3,200 square-foot showroom and a service area in the back. According to a report from the , there are no plans for outdoor storage.

According to Cable, Ducati was founded in Bologna, Italy in 1926 and since then, only builds a small number of motorcycles each year, selling them at a premium — starting at $10,000, Cable said, though some models go for $75,000. Cable said the brand has grown by 48 percent in the past three years.

There are no exclusive Ducati dealerships in Michigan, Cable said, though the motorcycles are currently available at two dealerships in Kalamazoo and Clinton Township.

"Ducatis are always described as the Ferrari of motorcycles," Cable told the City Commission. "That's why I want to be in downtown Birmingham. It's the perfect venue for something like this."

Cable said he expects to sell between 100-150 new motorcycles per year, noting the impact on the surrounding neighborhood shouldn't be noticeable. All test drives, he said, would likely take place on nearby Woodward Avenue.

"I believe that this is a great fit for downtown Birmingham," Cable said. "Because of the upscale Italian image, and low volume exclusivity, it fits into the 'boutique' type image that makes Birmingham the destination that it is. Ducati is a powerful brand."

Commissioners said they were a fan of the project, voting in favor 7-0. "I think you have a great concept," Commissioner Tom McDaniels said. "I wish you all the best of luck."

Cable now says that he is awaiting final approval form Ducati North America before he moves forward.

Clarification: This article has been updated to reflect that Daniel Cable still awaits final approval from Ducati North America.