Ducati Sport 1000 Classic Monoposto

Ducati's first big sportbikes - the superbikes of their era - date back to the early 1970's. They raced and they won; they were the joy of the most sport-oriented and fanatical riders, and now they are sought-after collectors' items. Now, as then, they are seen as fine examples of style and performance, but above all, they are magnificent motorcycles to look at and to ride.
These bikes were made with the heart and the head, so they were minimalist machines with few frills but plenty of thrills to ride.

It was an era when every detail and each component was as important as the overall impression of the complete motorcycle. From the lustre of an engine case to the shape of a valve cover, from the elegant routing of a fuel line to the graphic treatment of the livery, every element was important in its individual form and in harmony with the total finished creation. These were motorcycles to race, motorcycles to ride, motorcycles to inspire. They were the awesome sport motorcycles that built the art and culture of Italian motorcycling.

The 1970's was a period when manufacturers were pouring-out a seemingly endless string of new models. One or two became classics; most went through life unnoticed, and then were forgotten; but no-one ever forgot the gorgeous Ducati big bore race bikes or their road-going counter parts which fuelled the fantasies of a whole generation.

This style of bike, a concept of essential purposeful design was an idea that never really died; it just lay dormant, biding its time until the moment was ripe to rise again. An essential, racing twin-cylinder, with lines designed more by the hand of a man than the click of a mouse; mechanical details boldly in view, harmonious shapes and only the best componentry: let's face it, they are things of beauty. An agile, lightweight bike as advanced as this is a joy to ride, especially if it has got a vibrant, pulsating engine like the twin-cylinder Ducati Desmo.

The recipe couldn't be simpler. Or could it? It takes a deep-rooted pedigree and the aptitude for designing bikes for people who really love them, but then that's all in the Ducati "DNA".

The unique new family of Ducati SportClassics is the premier example on the world stage of "vintage" styled motorcycles built with the best of modern technology and components. Bikes built in Italy, bikes built with soul, to be as seductive as their ancestors of the wild 70's, but to be as fun to ride quickly and reliable as a modern bike must.

Timeless beauty is the result, and obsessive attention to detail. But then what do you expect? Ducati SportClassics are real motorcycles for real bikers. But above all, they are real Ducati motorcycles!

DUCATI SPORTCLASSIC

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, 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 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 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 SPORT 1000

In 1973 the Ducati 750 Sport, which was the predecessor of the Super Sport 750, first appeared in bright yellow paint. With its solo seat and simple single headlamp, the Sport was essentially a production Cafè Racer. Enthusiasts modified and enhanced these bikes to become the "street racer" of the time. The clip-on handlebars, racing stripe down the centre of the tank and solo seat of the Sport 750 anticipated the emerging street performance trend and the Cafè Racer image of the period.

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