INDIA'S largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp could buy Ducati.

Ducati are owned by Investindustrial SpA, a Milan-based private equity firm who are rumoured to be looking to sell Ducati or list it on the Hong Kong stock exchange for as much as 1-billion Euros (£830m).

According to Heros' last half-year earnings report, they have around $1billion in cash reserves (£630m).

Hero ended their 26-year partnership with Honda in December 2010 and since then, they have been looking to gain technology through partnerships and acquisitions, recently announcing a deal to support Erik Buell Racing in AMA.

Ducati's most expensive production motorcycle is the 1199 Panigale S Tricolore which retails for £23,495, which is £23,010 more expensive than Hero's entry level motorcycle.