Arguably the pick of the SportClassic litter, the 2006 Paul Smart Limited Edition sacrificed practicality for the cool of a teal-framed monoposto. This NYC example has moderate miles but is super clean.
2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE for sale on eBay
Ducati’s air-cooled dual spark engine was originally used in the Monster, but its relatively plumbing-free presentation made it perfect for the vintage looking SportClassics. 92 hp on tap make it more than a design exercise. The frame color and fairing harken back to the 1972 Imola winner, and spoked wheels ping appropriately. Appointments are first rate with big 320mm Brembo disks and Öhlins dampers all around.
Despite city life and 10K-plus miles, this PS looks undamaged and clean enough to put right in the garage. Even the Termignoni megaphones fit the vintage look well, though a quick spritz on the header pipes would do wonders. From the eBay auction:
The motorcycle has:-Termignoni slip on exhaust with ECU-new clutch pressure plate, springs, and cover-Motobox fender eliminator and tail light-frame sliders– aftermarket oil fill plug***All original parts that were taken off will come with the bike***The bike has always been garage kept on a battery tender and a Ducati Performance dust cover.The major Desmo Service had been done at 7,411 miles.The bike has had 4 oil changes since then. I used Motul 300v 15w50.
While a low or no-mile example might push the mid-twenties, this auction shows a starting bid of $18K, just above the original MSRP. Harder to quantify is the total production of just 2,000, and then considering only 500 or so made it to our shores, a pristine example like this might be worth a second look.
-donn
I love the appearance, considered buying one when they first came out, but the riding position was crippling. And I ride a Yamaha TZ250 and an Aprilia CUP bike; at 5’11’ 175 lbs. Must take a lot of dedication to ride a Paul Smart regularly.
from what I recall bike had a low speed turning radius larger than a small moon/space station
I own one. Turning radius of a Navy frigate-but so what. Just look at it!
A little painful on the wrists. So, so far bent over – that when you turn your neck/head to check traffic behind you in the adjacent lane – you‘ll find yourself looking up at the sky, not behind you – but so what. Just look at it!
Take it out to the Rock Store (via Old Topanga), then hit Neptune’s Net for lunch, have fun, live a little, and relax with your newfound body aches on your porch or the beach with a nice cold one of your choice that afternoon. Still a super fun bike to go putt around L.A. on.