Ducati's retro stunner

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The moment the Ducati Sport Classic concept bikes were first shown at the 2003 Tokyo auto show, everybody knew that they would eventually end up in production.

Two years on and the Sport 1000 and Paul Smart 1000 are in the showrooms.

Rather boastfully, Ducati claimed, only one sport motorcycle manufacturer can fulfil enthusiasts' dream - I'd go along with that one.

These were the "motorcycles to race, motorcycles to ride, motorcycles to inspire", they added. And, to be completely honest, they were the bikes that made Italian motorcycles what they are today.

The original L-twin engines are still being used in the modern machines.

But, at the heart of this story is the fact that Paul Smartand Bruno Staggiari took the top two podium positions at Imola. In the L-twin's first race.

Since that day, Ducati has never looked back. Until now.

The new bikes pay homage to the original '70s machines that paved the way for Ducati's success on and off the racetrack.

There are two bikes in the range: the Sport 1000 and the limited edition Paul Smart 1000. Only 2 000 units will be available worldwide.

Both bikes are powered by a 992cc, air-cooled, twin spark motor - the same 1000DS motor that powers the current SS, Monster S2R and the Multistrada 1000.

This gives it a claimed 92bhp at 8 000rpm. Impressive given its old-style looks and dainty 179kg weight.

Just so you know, the full-spec Paul Smart Imola racer produced 84bhp and weighed 163kg. Very interesting.

Other shared components include the dual 320mm Brembo brakes with twin-piston callipers and the single 245mm single-piston rear disc brake.

In fact, these are the same brakes used on the ST3 tourer - a machine that weighs 220kg! This should give the Sport Classics superb stopping performance.

The Sport has 43mm Marzocchi forks up front along with a Sachs rear shock at the back.

Obviously, the Paul Smart is sportier with 43mm Ohlins USD Forks, set in triple clamps up front. At the back sits a single direct-action, link-free Ohlins shock. Both are fully adjustable.

You also get a steering damper as standard.

Retro is the only way to describe the styling. Sure it is a rip-off, but who cares?

A classic stepped fuel-tank sits on a narrow steel trellis frame with a shiny fuel filler cap finishing the old school look.

Jutting out on the right is a double-stacked exhaust system finished in black. Old school.

The dash is minimalist with two white-faced dials and chrome surrounds complementing the chrome buttons.

The bodywork has a retro racing stripe running from the front to the back. You have the choice between a yellow, red, or black finish.

Traditional chrome horns under the single round headlamp, along with chrome blinkers and bar-end mirrors sprouting up from the clip-on handlebars.

As for the Smart bike, there is a period screen and bikini fairing that sit tightly around the front headlamp and controls. It is finished in glittering silver, with a blue-green frame holding the engine in place.

The finishing touch is the pair of 36-spoke wire wheels that come fitted with Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tyres with a tread pattern specially designed for these bikes.

The Sport 1000 retails for R92 000. The Paul Smart 1000 will set you back R123 000.