From Ducati Press Release: Ducati will begin producing the Sportclassics in September 2005
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 honour of riding the first two examples was reserved, of course, 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 publicised 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.
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Kevin White says
The GT was the one I was most enthusiastic about actually considering ever buying. I remember their groovy flash website and the survey.
Hugh Harper says
Aside from actually stopping in my local dealer to see the spectacle that has always been Ducati, I am curious to find out how much these gorgeous machines are going to run.
As a side note, although I think that going retro in design is cliche, this “style” has always been my favorite; both the Sport 1000 and the Paul Smart S.E. are almost too artsy and beautiful to be ridden (hard). I wonder if form will match function.