The world of Ducati is littered with factory limited edition models. Many of these editions are simply visual; a different color of paint or a splattering of carbon fiber accessories. But make them in few enough numbers, and they become far more rare and desirable than the standard model on which they are built. Consider, then, the Paul Smart commemorative model. Created by grafting homage elements of the 1970 green frame 750SS racer onto the new SportClassic platform, the PS1000 LE was a truly unique machine in both form and function.
2006 Ducati PS1000 LE Paul Smart for sale
Built one year only, the Paul Smart edition was created to celebrate the milestone of a certain 1972 Imola race. Hoping to cash in on the nostalgia of the iconic green frame bevel drive desmo, designer Pierre Terblanche started with a standard SportClassic Sport 1000 model and added the visual elements of sliver paint on the plastics and of course the green painted frame. Chuck in adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear, a steering damper, and lower clip-ons (which are a bit of stretch for smaller riders) and you have a fair bit of distinction over other SportClassic models. Worldwide, the Paul Smart was restricted to just 2000 examples.
From the seller:
2006 Paul Smart Limited Edition, PS1000LE DUCATI, Rare and collectable. This is a factory-made sort-of replica of the Green frame Ducati that legendary Paul Smart made famous. Only a few thousand of these made, less than 1000 came to the USA. Great condition, low mileage. Fast and beautiful. I have the factory racing ECM, but did not install it as it is plenty fast already. Termignonis installed. Stock exhaust included. Speedimoto Belt Covers, bar end mirrors, New battery, Rebuilt title, cosmetic damage only, rebuilt by Paul Smart expert using factory parts.
The interesting thing about Ducati limited edition models is that they really work – both as a functional motorcycle as well as an investment vehicle. By and large, most recent LE models are worth more today than when originally sold. Just take a look at a clean SuperLight, the internet sensation MH900e, or any of the other numbered editions released by Bologna. Paul Smart has name recognition amongst the Ducatsi faithful, and these PS1000 LE examples are behaving in a very similar financial manner than the limited edition models that preceded it.
Paul Smart models have been chasing upwards from the high teens into the $20k region, and we have seen asks as high as $30k. Historically, Ducati PS-LE models are decent investment vehicles provided they are original and relatively stock. That is where caveat emptor enters the picture. Literally translated into “let the buyer beware,” the ask for this very pretty Paul Smart edition is a relatively scant $13,500. The details are clearly missing, but the tell is the rebuilt title. No question that accident damage is the cause. The real question is if these models will become coveted enough to warrant investment in a bike with a black mark on its permanent record. Check it out there, and then let us know what you think: bargain or bad call? Good Luck!!
MI
I ran a moto salvage yard for several years and am also an enthusiast. I’ve seen bikes go through salvage pools with only minor scratches on fairings/etc. Zero mechanical issues. Price OEM fairings and fuel tanks and mufflers and it adds up quickly, especially if any of those items are no longer available. Its not unusual to be able to ride a bike home from a salvage pool auction with no issues. There have also been times I’ve bought bikes at auctions, brought them to the shop and then found Big Problems that weren’t obvious at all based on the auction online pics. A trellis frame on an older Multistrada that was broken at the steering stem neck is one that really surprised me… Slightly bent forks/wheels that only show up when you measure them are very common. Despite the issues with pictures, anyone selling a bike like this with salvage history would do well to show pictures of the bike when it was on the salvage pool lot, so prospective buyers can see for themselves what the damage was prior to the repairs. I would typically do that and it helps a lot – “don’t take my word for it, look at the pics.” You won’t see the hidden damage, but you can usually get a real good idea of what happened and the extent of the damage.
I bought a lot of high end bikes, made repairs and got rebuilt titles to sell the bikes. In my experience the rebuilt title really hurts the value of late model collector-type bikes, on the order of 30-50%. They are typically a tough sell to the buyers who are in the market for these bikes. If you want to buy this bike just to ride it, without much regard for resale, this one might be a great way to go. But for resale down the road… it’ll be a tough sell. As you noted in the writeup, this seller has cut quite a bit off the normal price of these bikes but it still may not be enough to move it. An exporter might be the most likely buyer for this one, hoping the salvage history doesn’t follow the bike to another country – I’ve seen that a fair amount on salvage titles.
Where’s the Olhins suspension?
These were poor road bikes with incorrect trail/rake from the factory. Sure they will be solid collectors items in the future but not much fun to ride and really underpowered.
Agreed. No Ohlins suspension … BIG alarm bells. To list in the ad it was rebuilt by a “Paul Smart expert using factory parts” yet it is MISSING factory supplied Ohlins suspension pieces? Seems very suspect.
Awesome details – thanks for sharing BillyB!
– Mike
Really great response Billy, very cool of your to remind us of what to watch out for. I bought a clear title bike once, just a TLR but still, it was supposed to be perfect. Sure as heck, steering stops were broken off and as you know, that would of meant a total loss for an insurance company claim. Ended up turning it into a track bike but it should of sold for much less….Lesson learned!
I remember test riding one of these, it had a terrible turning radius.
Sadly, a barge-like turning radius is a trait shared by most Super Sports as well as the 851/888 line – so no real surprise to find it here as well.
– Mike
Anyone else notice how terrible the paint looks in picture 3 where the gauges are? I ride with one all the time and the paint is immaculate. Add this to no Ohlins makes your sure wonder…..