+ Click to Enlarge BLAST FROM THE PAST: The GT1000 completes Ducati's SportClassic range of 1970s-style retro machines. For a screen-filling version of this picture, e-mail freepix@iol.co.za with "Ducati GT1000" in the subject field.

April 18, 2006

Ducati's first production V-twin was the 750GT of 1971; it had bold 1970s styling with metal-flake paint, long, tapered silencers and the "round case" bevel-drive engine which is still regarded as one of most beautiful ever built.

At the 2003 Tokyo motorcycle show Ducati styling genius Pierre Terblanche unveiled three SportClassic concept bikes that drew their inspiration from that golden age of motorcycling; all three have now reached production, with the launch of the final model, the GT1000, which will be available in South Africa in early 2007 – prices to announced then.

The GT1000 is a modern interpretation of 1971's long, slim show-stopper with deep cutouts for the rider's knees in the fuel tank, a full front mudguard with tubular braces, spoked wheels and a full-length tailpipe on each side.

Details such as the upper triple clamps, fork caps and handlebar clamps are polished aluminium and the side covers echo the air vents of the original.

The GT is the only SportClassic designed to carry a pillion; the dual seat has "Ducati" in period script printed in white around the rear just like the original while the footpegs are placed conservatively forward for comfort; at the same time the bike's narrow chassis ensures adequate ground clearance.

It's powered by the latest version of Ducati's 992cc, air-cooled, dual-spark V-twin, with the same L-shaped cooling fins as the 1971 version but with the latest "Testastretta" cylinder head design and Magneti Marelli 5AM fuel-injection with re-programmable Flash Eprom for a claimed 67.7kW at 8000rpm and 91.1 Nm at 6000rpm.

A new stepper motor on the throttle bodies controls idle speed; the major electronic components are located in a special compartment under the saddle, which gives easy access for maintenance while helping to conceal the wiring.

The tubular-steel trellis frame is the same as that of the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition and the Sport 1000 but with a slightly longer wheelbase thanks to 25mm extra offset on the front suspension.

The new swing-arm is made from three pieces of 60mm steel tube, with the centre section pressed to an oval cross-section before assembly; it's the same design as used in the 1970's but made of much heftier components for improved stiffness and better handling.

The chain adjustment also works on the same principle as on the 1977 Pantah, but all the components, the wheel hub and rim are much more robust.

Cycle parts

The GT1000 has 43 mm Marzocchi upside-down front forks, as per the Sport1000, but rear suspension is real 1970's stuff; the dual Sach rear shocks have aluminium top collars, black springs and bright zinc-coated shock bodies and are adjustable only for preload.

The classic centre-spoke Excel 17" rims are made of chrome-plated steel, each laced to a silver-painted aluminium alloy hub with 36 straight-pull spokes. They're shod with specially made compound radial construction tubed tyres; the tread designs are derived from classic 1970's European sports bike tyres.

The front brakes are adopted unchanged from the first two SportClassic models, with 320mm discs and Brembo twin-piston floating callipers 320mm. The spoked wheels dictate the use of floating callipers, which are more compact on the side facing the wheel.

The rear brake has a single-piston calliper on a 245mm platter, larger than those on the other SportClassic models to make allowance for the extra weight of a pillion.

Styling

The chromed stainless-steel exhaust system has distinctive symmetrically mounted silencers patterned after the Silientium pipes used on the 1970's GT machines - but unfortunately nowhere near as authoritative.

Unusually for Ducati, the headers are made of double-walled tubing, common on Japanese bikes of the era; the air gap keeps the outer tube cool and prevents the chrome from discolouring.

The GT1000 has a lambda probe in the crosspipe and a catalyser in each tailpipe; it complies with Euro 3 anti-pollution standards.

The 1970's styling is accentuated by the rounded fuel tank and side covers and the detail work, including the stitched seat cover, chromed fuel cap and polished and anodised upper triple clamp.

The black-faced analogue speedometer and rev-counter have chromed trim rings and buttons; each contains a little LCD screen for thoroughly modern functions such as instantaneous and average fuel consumption, tank range and a useful if nerveracking reserve countdown in place of the usual yellow warning light.

The GT1000 comes in metallic dark grey or Ducati red.

Ducati SportClassic GT1000 specifications