Ducati’s SportClassic line made a big splash when it was introduced in 2005 and included today’s Paul Smart 1000LE. Powered by Ducati’s torque-rich L-twin with modern suspension at both ends, they were mature sportbikes for riders with a sense of history, an eye for design, and an appreciation for accessible performance. Many will complain about how “underpowered” they are, with just 92hp from the twin-plug, air-cooled twin, but there’s plenty of performance for most road-riders and the relative light weight and top-shelf suspension mean you can exploit every available horse.
The style was never really in question though. Pierre Terblanche may have caught some serious flack for his superbike restyle, it’s pretty obvious he knew what he was doing when he designed these. Unfortunately, although demand was high at first for the SportClassic line, interest tapered off fairly quickly and only the conservatively-styled GT1000 soldiered on until 2010.
Interestingly, that low initial demand quickly turned into high collectability, especially for the half-faired Paul Smart 1000LE that was low-production to begin with. Designed to evoke the bike ridden by Paul Smart to an unlikely win at Imola in 1972, the bike featured silver, half-faired bodywork and a blue-green painted frame. Rear suspension was unusual and looked like a classic dual-shock setup at the rear, but only from the left-hand side. It’s an asymmetric monoshock, and one of my favorite features of the bike.
This example appears to be fitted with a set of the correct Pirelli Phantoms that were designed for this bike to offer modern performance and classic looks that mirror the bikes themselves. It also features a set of accessory fairing lowers that strengthen the Imola-bike-connection but to me detract from the looks. I prefer the half-fairing that resembles the road-going 750SS and, if it were my money, I’d be holding out for a bike with the funky Zard high/low exhaust instead of the entirely appropriate, but fairly conservative two-into-one Termignoni pipe seen here.
From the original eBay listing: 2006 Ducati Paul Smart for Sale
Up for auction is this incredibly clean, low mile Ducati PS1000LE Paul Smart Sport Classic. This Paul Smart comes with a Termignoni system and is otherwise stock, save for the accessory seat. The bike is in near-showroom condition and has just had the 2-year service completed…it needs nothing. And with only 1,953 it’s virtually new. This bike is 100% correct with zero issues, flaws or scratches.
We’ve had several inquiries about the tank. Currently there is no sign of warping, bubbling, etc. Tank has not been coated but looks good.
Over the last few years, the Paul Smart has become one of the most sought-after Ducatis in recent memory. Not only is the Paul Smart a competent and capable road bike that’s zestful and invigorating to ride, it’s also a stunningly gorgeous object of beauty.
Based on a Sport Classic engine/frame combination, the PS100LE was built to commemorate Paul Smart’s classic win at Imola on the fabled 750ss. The silver bodywork and blue/green frame was meant to conjure up images of the 750 race bike – only this model contains a 1000cc dual-spark lump and top-grade Ohlins suspension to compliment the single seat and clip-on bars.
The bike is styled in the fashion of the Ducati 750 Imola Desmo race bike that Paul Smart rode to victory, and the 1974 750 SuperSport it originally inspired. It is one of the SportClassic series designed by Pierre Terblanche.
Just 2,000 Paul Smart replicas were made, and they already command serious coin among collectors. This bike is in nearly perfect condition, although I’ve yet to see a Paul Smart that wasn’t: it’s pretty obvious that, unlike some bikes that take time to establish their collectability, buyers bought these from new well aware they’d become instant classics, and have maintained them accordingly. Bidding on this example is already up to $12,300 with the Reserve Not Met. Want to skip all that bidding drama? The Buy It Now price is set at a stunning $30,000! These have been steadily on the rise, but that still stopped me in my tracks…
-tad
A beautiful motorcycle, to look at. The reason that they are low mileage with a high collectible value is the crippling riding position.
I recall hearing that these had the turning radius of a small moon (or spacestation)
My main concern would be the splitting fuel tanks.
That said, these are gorgeous and GLWS. For that kind of money there are other bikes that I would buy first.
Handling was also decidedly not good until you adjusted the rake which is not an easy task.
I’ve got to laugh at the statement regarding 92 horsepower (on a street bike) as being “under-powered”, considering the majority of riders would have difficulty riding a Honda Rebel to it’s full potential.
Or maybe I’m just a cynic. . . .
I don’t mean to cast aspersions at the viewers of this website. Most of the posters are knowledgeable and enlightening.
I agree completely: 92hp is more than enough on the road, and plenty to have fun with. Modern sportbikes are well beyond the abilities of most riders, and people are way too quick to move up from a 600cc “learner bike” to a 1000cc “real bike.” It’s one of my pet peeves. I really think some sort of tiered licensing system should be in place here in the US, along with a push for advanced training.
I had not heard that. Very interesting.
Tad,
I remember back in the late ’80s I had the opportunity to become an instructor for the MSF. It was a week-long intensive course, and having been riding on the street for quite a while, I thought I was a pretty good rider.
Oh, how wrong I was!
I was astounded at how much I didn’t know, and how much I learned.
It’s not how fast you go; it’s how you go fast!
92hp? Underpowered? I WISH my Hawk GT had 92 hp! That would be incredible. I think I am lucky to have 60…. Yes, THAT is underpowered.
Even with thousands of dollars in motor mods My Thruxton 900 barely put out 80 hp at the rear wheel. Regardless the bike was still quick and was a hoot. So 92 is not something I would complain about.
Bottom line is the US is a strange motorcycle market. Most of the true enthusiasts lean more towards the European way of thinking in regards to taste/ preferences.
2 Comments: 1) Ducati’s HP ratings are crankshaft power, but even then, push into fantasy territory. I’d expect low/mid-80’s at the wheel. Fun enough for what it is, but it wouldn’t even keep a 10-year old CBR600 in sight. 2) When I bought my 800SS to go racing in May 2004, I remember Sport Classics in the showroom. I drooled over the school-bus yellow Sport with dual side pipes. Non-adjustable forks & 2-pot front brakes were let-downs – as was the price. At least the PS has the fork issue fixed!