Ducati Sport Classics begin production

Two of the Ducati Sport Classics, the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition and the Sport 1000 have started rolling out of the factory.

From the Ducati press release:

At the end of 2003, Ducati previewed three new concept bikes at the Tokyo Motor Show, 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, characterised by a minimalist, racing look, with exposed chassis and engines, complimented by bodywork with elegant rounded shapes.

To emphasize 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 aluminium that provide the final touch, personalise the range and evoke the lines of the bikes from which they’re inspired. New colours and new colour 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 callipers 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 unmistakeable 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 Cafè 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 colour 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 colours 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.

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