By PETER THOEMING
17 April 2006

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 1970s. The Sport 1000 is the first of them to reach the roads of Australia. It is a very important bike for Ducati.

Whether the company likes to admit it or not, the styling of the current Superbike machines like the 999 has alienated some people. What better way to win them back than direct styling references to Ing. Fabio Taglioni’s great bevel drive bikes of the early ’70s?

I’ve looked forward to this bike ever since I first saw the concept machines in Europe. I have also been determined to love it - I’ve owned two Ducatis, a round-case 750 SS and a GT, and always wanted a Sport.

I did love almost every bit of it, too. Take a close look at it yourself and I defy you to feel any other way. The many individual touches that make up the Sport are a constant source of fascination and approval not only to riders but also to practically everyone who passes them in the street. The rims, for instance, are a symphony in… well, in circularity and especially smoothness. The front guard is the essence of front-guard-ness. There have never been more perfect clocks than the Sport’s black on white instruments. Even those chromed rods that support the mufflers are just so stylish that you almost expect them have ‘Prada’ engraved on them.

Don’t get me started on the retro beauty of the Pirelli Phantoms created especially for these bikes, and the classy go-faster stripes on tank and tail. The ’70s style logo the bike carries is perfect. This is a beautiful motorcycle.

That seat is a bit bulky, mind you. My 750 SS had a flat, narrow bench which looked more ‘right’ than the Sport’s bowl. Mind you, it was also uncomfortable, and the new seat is anything but. The tank, likewise, is more bulky than the old one, and less attractive. I guess it was necessary to do this to accommodate the airbox, but it’s a pity. The stacked twin mufflers are a concession to fashion that does not entirely work, either. The new GT with its more traditional twin mufflers looks better.

None of this is really critical, mind you. The overall impression is still beautiful

Please don’t think that classic looks mean old-fashioned standards. The Sport has an immobiliser fitted, and there are mounting points for a full-on anti-theft system.

The engine – which we know well from the Multistrada – pulls away enthusiastically and is matched by the frame and suspension. There are no compromises here; the Sport is a proper sports bike by today’s standards. The specially-designed Pirelli Phantoms and Brembo brakes do their bit to make the ride a thoroughly modern experience.

Sadly, the clutch reminded me of my old 750 SS… it takes a surprising amount of effort, despite being hydraulic.

The other thing that bugged me was the riding position. There was so much weight on my wrists, even at speed, that I simply couldn’t enjoy the bike as much as it deserves to be enjoyed. If the footrests were a little further back it might be possible to support more of your weight with your thighs, but as it is the bike was hard work for me to ride.

Let me hurry to note that I’m a mature rider, and that it may not bother you as much, especially if you’re young and strong. I understand that Ducati, having heard this comment from a few riders, is working on higher handlebars.

When you look at the Sport Classic, which offers inspiration from the past and technology for the future, you find yourself hoping that future motorcycle designers will follow this lead with some of their creations. We can do with more bikes that look both to the future for their technology and to the past for their style.

AT A GLANCE
Model: Ducati SportClassic Sport 1000
Price: $18,995 (plus on-road charges)
Warranty: Two years, unlimited distance
Power: 67.7 kW at 8000 rpm
Torque: 91.1 Nm at 6000 rpm
Engine: Air cooled 90 degree ‘L’ twin, 4 stroke, 2 valves per cylinder with desmodromic actuation, electronic fuel injection
Bore x stroke: 94 x 71.5 mm
Displacement: 992 cc
Compression ratio: 10:1
Transmission: 6 speed, hydraulic multi plate dry clutch, final drive by O-ring chain
Suspension: Front, 43 mm upside-down fork, travel 120 mm. Rear, single shock absorber on left-hand side, fully adjustable, travel 130 mm
Dimensions: Seat height 825 mm, dry weight 179 kg (without battery), fuel capacity 15 litres, wheelbase 1440 mm
Tyres: Front, 120/70 R17. Rear, 180/55 R17
Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Brakes: Front, twin 320 mm semi-floating discs with two piston floating calipers. Rear, single 245 mm disc with floating caliper.
Top speed: 200 km/h
Acceleration:
0-100 km/h – 3.9 sec
60-100 km/h – 4.9 sec
Fuel consumption: Average on test 4.2 litres per 100 km, premium unleaded
Range: 357 km
Colour/s: Burnt Yellow, Ducati Black, Ducati Red.