Though Ducati had been manufacturing motorcycles for several decades, it was Paul Smart’s victory at the 1972 Imola 200 that really put the boutique marque on the map as a bonafide competitor in the racing world. The legendary British pilot won the event competing aboard what eventually became the iconic 750SS. Thirty four years after Smart’s win at Imola, Ducati released a range of retro-themed bikes celebrating the Bologna firm’s classic bevel-drive twins. The most interesting — and popular — of the Pierre Terblanche-designed modern retros was possibly the Paul Smart 1000 LE.
At the heart of the PS1KLE was an air-cooled, 992cc, electronic ignition (dual spark), 90-degree, desmo twin that was good for a claimed 92 hp (at 8,000rpm) and 67.3 ft-lbs of torque (at 6,000 rpm). Other amenities included a wet clutch and a six-speed transmission. Housing the engine was Ducati’s trademark tubular trellis chassis adorned in the iconic “green frame” green. The green frame was complemented via a matching tubular swing-arm, and top-shelf, fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension fore and aft. Braking duties were bestowed upon high-end Brembo units, too.
The Paul Smart bike was much more of a tribute than a replica, however, the model was brimming with small visual nods to Smart’s original 750 Desmo racer. On top of the aforementioned green frame, the machine also got a cafe humped tail, matching tank and half-fairing all adorned in a silver flake paint job.
Upon their initial release in ’06, the Paul Smart 1000 LE became an instant collector’s piece. With only 2,000 units produced worldwide over its single year of production, these exclusive two-wheelers are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
This example is VIN: ZDM1WABP76B001683.
The odometer shows 2,239 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, and we flushed and filled all three hydraulic systems. We also performed some repairs to the bike after a garage tip-over. Any damaged parts were replaced with OEM parts and the swingarm was repainted in the factory color due to a scratch.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok (<0.15V)
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 85%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Weeping Bump Stop Gone
Tire Date Code Front: 32/23
Tire Date Code Rear: 15/23
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear:90%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 35 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.9V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.2V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench; Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 8 Miles
Notes:
-Rear shock has a light weep and the bump stop is gone
Recommendations:
-Rear Shock Rebuild
Modifications:
Zard exhaust.
JCPAK FLEDA brake light with integrated turn signals, aftermarket tail tidy.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires with date codes of 1523 and 3223.
The sale includes both black keys, the red key, and the key code card.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration current through September 2026.
Have any Paul Smart stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
