The Ducati Sport Classics was a series of retro-styled machines introduced by the Italian maker in 2003 at the Tokyo Motor Show and put on sale in 2005 as a 2006 model year. The bikes replaced the Ducati MH900e.
Three versions were available, including the Paul Smart version that was made and sold only in 2006, the Sport 1000 model manufactured between 2006 and 2009, and the GT 1000 manufactured between 2007 and 2010.
In 2007, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati GT 1000, a liter-class machine developed by the House of Borgo Panigale, aimed primarily at the American market.
The bike used a tubular steel trellis frame similar to the Paul Smart and Sport 1000 versions, with the only difference being the addition of several mounting points for twin shock absorbers and side panels. In addition, all models packed the same 992cc engine.
The bike packed a 43 mm fully adjustable inverted Marzocchi fork on the front and twin spring preload-adjustable Sachs shock absorbers on the rear, delivering excellent suspension performance and handling.
In the performance department, the 2005 Ducati GT 1000 had its soul brought to life by a 992cc four-stroke air-cooled L-twin engine managed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, boasting 82 hp with a peak force at 8,000 rpm and 83 Nm (61 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.