Ducati Sport Classics

If ever there was a motorcycle manufacturer capable of turning dreams into reality, it’s Ducati

At the end of 2003, Ducati previewed three new concept bikes at the Tokyo Motor Show (see below), which embodied the beauty, timeless style and sporting heritage of the Ducati motorcycles of the 1970’s.

Now, just two years later, the three bikes are coming off the production lines in Bologna; three unprecedented creations that make up a complete family of “classically styled” sport motorcycles, called the Ducati SportClassic family: the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition, the Sport 1000 and the GT 1000 (due in Spring 2006).

The new SportClassic family reflects the styling of the motorcycles built in Ducati’s workshops in the 1970’s, characterized by a minimalist, racing look, with exposed chassis and engines, complimented by bodywork with elegant rounded shapes.

To emphasis the unique style and performance origins of the three SportClassics, Ducati has used top-level components styled with original form and finishes, featuring chrome and polished aluminum that provide the final touch, personalize the range and evoke the lines of the bikes from which they’re inspired. New colors and new color combinations emphasize the original lines of the design.

Even though they reflect the best of the past, they incorporate the latest Ducati technology and engineering, creating a thoroughly modern motorcycle that lives-up to today’s standards of road-going performance.

The Paul Smart L.E., Sport and GT are all powered by the advanced 1000 DS Desmo engine. The torquey air-cooled 90° L-Twin is the perfect match to power these new sport bikes. Slim between the legs and exposed for all to see, the latest two valve Desmo system, fuel-injection and computer controlled engine management ensure that the 1000 DS engine is powerful, dependable and thrilling to ride. Of course, these bikes take advantage of the Ducati tubular Trellis frame that perfectly enhances the beauty of the SportClassics, while delivering confident handling and consistent road manners.

With bikes that are as capable as the SportClassics, great brakes are fundamental. High quality Brembo calipers with sintered pads are used, gripping huge 320mm discs up front for strong and consistent stopping power.

The Ducati SportClassics feature distinguishing exclusive components such as beautiful wire spoke wheels laced with alloy rims, black-finish race inspired exhaust systems, unique new swingarms, rear suspension featuring side-mounted shocks, and exposed engine parts with chromed or black painted finishes.

DUCATI PAUL SMART 1000 Limited Edition

The new Ducati Paul Smart 1000 L.E. is inspired by the 1974 Super Sport 750 and is a tribute to the 750 “Imola” bike that the English racer Paul Smart took to victory in the 1972 Imola 200.

The new Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition features unmistakable styling, accentuated by the rounded lines of the fairing and fuel tank. The new exhaust system, in black chromed and sanded stainless steel, has distinctive stacked twin silencers positioned on the right-hand side of the bike.

The unique steel tube swingarm is characterized by an elliptical “GP” style right leg, which accommodates the placement of the new exhaust system. The advanced air–cooled Desmo 1000 DS engine delivers the perfect balance of torque and horsepower performance.

The exclusive character of the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition, of which only 2000 will be produced, is underlined by the use of top-level fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension and by the Metallic Silver fairing and Sea Green frame colours, as on the 1974 Super Sport 750.

DUCATI SPORT 1000

The new Ducati Sport 1000 captures the bold Café Racer style and essential beauty of the 70’s motorcycles. The bike features a single large diameter round headlamp and chromed mirrors mounted on the ends of the handlebars, very much typical of the custom sport bikes of the time.

The Sport 1000 is available in three traditional monochromatic color schemes of period: Burnt Yellow, Ducati Red and Ducati Black. The traditional style theme is further enhanced with the use of a contrasting racing stripe added to the fuel tank and tailpiece of each bike. All three colors are complimented with a classic black frame.

The Sport 1000’s suspension features 43mm upside-down forks by Marzocchi, while the rear suspension is handled by a fully adjustable single shock absorber by Sachs.

Surprise Preview of the Paul Smart 1000 and Sport 1000 at the Motogiro D’Italia

At the opening of the classic motorcycle road race, the Motogiro d’Italia, Ducati gave a surprise preview of two of its three new SportClassic motorcycles.

This unique 70’s-inspired range of Ducati motorcycles reflects the beauty, timeless style and sporting roots of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

Ducati has borrowed the best style features of the past and combined them with the latest technology and engineering.

There could be no better backdrop than the Motogiro d’Italia for this first public appearance.  The honor of riding the first two examples was reserved for Federico Minoli, Ducati President and CEO, and Gianluigi Mengoli, President of the Fondazione Ducati. Minoli and Mengoli are not only key figures in corporate Ducati, they also are motorcycle enthusiasts riding in this tough historic and legendary competition.

The Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition pays homage to the legendary Ducati 750 Imola Racer and its rider, Paul Smart, that together won the now famous 1972 Imola 200 mile race.

Fans will be pleasantly surprised to discover that production will begin in September, well before the publicized schedule.  The appearance at the MotoGiro is also the first time the public will see the production sea green frame and silver bodywork as inspired by the 1974 Ducati 750SS.

Alongside the tribute to Paul Smart, the Sport 1000 stands out in its bold yellow paint scheme reminding us of the 1973 SuperSport 750.  A “café racer,” with aggressive but nevertheless essential lines, the Sport 1000 is destined to become a cult object that combines modern performance with vintage charm.

Since the Tokyo Show in 2003, the public has been incredibly enthusiastic about the new SportClassics.  Their excitement has encouraged Ducati to schedule launches earlier than anticipated and to preview two of these three “jewels” ahead of time.  The production dates of the bikes have been announced: the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition will start in September 2005, with the Sport 1000 hot on its heels in October 2005, six months ahead of schedule.  The GT 1000 will also be produced early, beginning in the spring of 2006.

Right after the Motogiro “show circuit,” the two mature Sportclassic prototypes will head back to Bologna to complete trials for their official worldwide road launch, as testimonials of Ducati tradition, innovation, style and design.