Description
Additional photos of this Ducati Paul Smart are available here for your perusal.
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 and fetched well above their original MSRP. 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: ZDM1WAB968001572. The seller acquired it two years and six months ago from GP Motorcycles. “The original owner purchased it at GP Motorcycles in 2006 and had the bike in Arizona with only 3k miles.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 2,500 miles. The odometer shows 7,533 miles.
Maintenance:
“When purchased from the dealer in 2019 the belts where changed. Oil was changed at 3k miles. In addition, when purchased the tank had swelling (common with Sport Classics), so I purchased a new tank from Ducati and had it lined at GTL Hollywood. My local shop Motion Moto replaced the tank and fuel lines. New 14/42 sprockets and chain were done at MD Performance here in San Diego. The Desmo service is almost due for my Paul Smart.” The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues. “She runs tip top!”
Modifications:
“Termignoni exhaust with performance ECU.”
Rizoma clutch and brake master cylinder reservoirs.
NCR seat.
Carbon fiber open clutch cover, Ducabike gold clutch pressure plate, carbon fiber timing belt covers, gold frame plugs, battery tender lead.
Carbon fiber chain guard, carbon fiber rear hugger.
Carbon fiber front sprocket cover.
ProGrip tank pad.
The sale includes “all the original parts minus the exhaust.”
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes “slight rubbing from shoe on the rear swing arm.”
The sale includes three keys.
Currently located in San Diego, California, this Ducati is offered on a clean California title. Have any Paul Smart stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
