2009 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 Touring Review

Introduction

Based on the simple GT1000, but adding a whole bunch of accessories such as the windshield, luggage racks and many chromed pieces, the black-painted Touring version is starting to become as notorious as the model which inspired its creation. Still, the simple GT1000 keeps on being produced in 2009.

As you can notice, the transformation from classic into touring is pretty much the same as in the case of consecrated makers in the cruiser section such as Harley-Davidson, Star Motorcycles, Honda, Suzuki and we can go on like this forever, but what the Ducati GT1000 Touring brings new on the market is the European touring style.

2009 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 Touring

The riding position offered is similar to the one of a naked bike, but without the wind in your head action and the engine and chassis are created for great response and impressive sharpness through the corners.

The more then decent power and torque curves (92 hp at 8,000 rpm and 67.3 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm) come from the same 992 cc, air cooled, two-valve Desmodromic L-twin cylinder engine. Considering the 407 pounds dry weight, the GT1000 Touring qualifies for acceleration and top speed figures comparable to those of the Monster 1100.

Features such as the 43 mm upside-down fork and large diameter brake discs indicate that we’re dealing with a very special tourer, one which can’t find the “concession” word in the dictionary.

History

1975 Ducati 860GT

The world had first seen Ducati’s GT models in the 1970s and, by simply looking at the bike, it is easy to understand that this 2009 model year pays a tribute to original Classic GTs. While the engine is all about performance and retaining that clean look of the cylinders, the 17-inch chrome spoked wheels and chrome fenders are as retro as they get.

Competition

2009 Triumph Bonneville T100

As original, classy and unique a bike might look, there’s almost always some other bike to compare it with. In this case, a fully-equipped 2009 Triumph Bonneville T100 would be just the appropriate thing. The classic style is there, the bike relies on an 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin that, like the one on the Ducati, is fuel injected. With a dry weight of only 451 pounds, 67 bhp and 51 ft.lb of torque, this thing is a windscreen away from turning into a fierce opponent for the 2009 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 Touring.

Exterior

2009 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 Touring

Although this bike will never end up representing the very best of touring, it stands all the chances to turn each and every rider into a Ducati fan simply because the windscreen, luggage rack, chrome front and rear fenders are as practical as they are good looking. The new black livery with the white stripe might not be in accordance with the bike’s style, but does make it look good and stand out. Actually, the 3.9 gallons tank is the only important bodywork piece that is painted.

Underneath the tank it’s impossible to miss the stylish engine, which features no chrome in an attempt to enhance the visual effect of the enough chromed pieces already seen on the bike (we shouldn’t forget about the exhaust though).

The GT1000 has always been a rather sporty Italian motorcycle (sometimes I think that they can build only sports and sports-derived motorcycles) and that’s easy to notice on the GT1000 Touring too by checking out the high, but distant from the 31.8 inches seat, handlebars. That determines the rider to slightly lean forward, just enough to receive the proper protection of the tall (for this bike) windscreen.

It’s hard to believe that you won’t be able to see something as small as it might be in the large, round and perfectly positioned mirrors (also chromed) and these actually give a very good clue regarding to how the Italians from Ducati prefer to build motorcycles. No compromises are made in favor of design and this you’ll spot from miles away.

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Test Ride

2009 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 Touring

It all comes down to the ride that you get and the 2009 Ducati GT1000 Touring is more or less a blend of sportivity and comfort. In other words, Ducati sells this as the sports bike always ready to take on the long haul.

Being forced to do some city riding just after getting our hands on the latest GT1000, we’ve noticed that the bike is no different than the stripped down sibling, at least in this environment. The thing offers a comfortable riding position, which allows you to easily get accustomed with it and take control fast. Of course, you can live without the touring bits and pieces when filtering traffic or moving from one stop sign to another (by the way, that’s very easy to do thanks to loads of engine torque, the fairly low riding position and wide bars), but they make no difference so can remain on the bike at all times.

We’ve noticed that the low center of gravity makes slow speed maneuvering easy and confidence-inspiring while the engine uses around 40 per cent of its torque reserves in order to make things interesting even at that speed. The mirrors allow you to see everything that happens at your back and handling soon starts feeling natural and quite sporty.

As effective as the bike proves itself around the city, the touring side screams for some action and we were ready precisely for that as we got down to the open road. As strange as it might sound, when you’re trying to unveil the touring side, the first thing that strikes you is the sportive nature of the bike. It is like everything becomes clear now. The engine enjoys revving and delivers linear power and torque while the sporty suspensions and performance brakes start showing off their capabilities before, through and after sharp corners.

No need to tuck under the windscreen because this provides excellent wind protection without the rider being needed to change his/her position. This is one major benefit of this Ducati touring motorcycle. The passenger seat proved very comfortable as well and the fact that the GT1000 Touring can carry as much luggage as an innovative mind can think at putting on it is yet another great advantage.

By simply looking at this modern classic, it’s easy to start thinking that it belongs to the museum, but there’s actually nothing on the market like it, not even the Bonneville. This bike is built to cover up great distances fast and deliver both the rider and passenger fresh like two babies.

You won’t miss big fours at all when opening the throttle, especially above 4,000 rpm, because engine response is instant and fueling is very smooth. The transmission is ok. We would have preferred shorter gearing just to keep things interesting easier, but it seems that the touring side makes its present felt not only when it comes to accommodations and wind protection.

The pair of 320 mm semi-floating discs working with two-piston floating caliper up front and the 245 mm disc and only one-piston floating caliper at the rear brakes provide sufficient stopping power in order to get you out of tricky situations and they look good too so all aspects have been covered.

Price

Given the fact that this is a stylish Italian bike that you’re planning on buying, the $11,995 MSRP is nothing to be scared of, considering Ducati’s proved “potential” in this concern.

Conclusion

Offering a riding experience that satisfies a variety of rider categories, looking good as a result of a simple transformation and not being overpriced, the 2009 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 Touring is the appropriate thing to have if searching for that thin line between sportivity, comfort and affordability.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2009 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 Touring

Engine and Transmission

Type: L-twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic; air cooled
Displacement: 992 cc
Bore x Stroke: 94 x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.01:1
Power: 67.7 kw - 92 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 67.3 lb-ft - 9.3 kgm @ 6000 rpm
Fuel injection: Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45 mm throttle body
Exhaust: Double tubing with air gap chromed exhaust system
Emissions: Euro3
Gearbox: 6 speed
Ratios: 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28
Primary drive: Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84:1
Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39
Clutch: Wet multiplate with hydraulic control

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Wheelbase: 1425 mm / 56.2 in
Rake: 24°
Front suspension: 43 mm upside-down fork
Front wheel travel: 120 mm / 4.7 in
Front brake: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, floating caliper 2-piston
Front wheel: Spoke wheel with chromed plating steel rim 3.50 x 17
Front tyre: 120/70 R 17
Rear suspension: Twin preload adjustable shock absorbers
Rear wheel travel: 133 mm / 5.2 in
Rear brake: 245 mm disc, 1-piston floating caliper, 2- sintered pads
Rear wheel: Spoke wheel with chromed steel rim 5.50 x 17
Rear tyre: 180/55 R 17
Fuel tank capacity: 15 L (of which 3.5 L reserve) / 3.9 US gal (of which 1 US gal reserve)
Dry Weight: 185 kg / 407 lbs
Seat height: 810 mm / 31.8 in

Other

Instruments: Electronic panel: speedometer, rev counter, warning light for low oil pressure, indicators for high beam, fuel reserve, turn signals, LCD clock, immobilizer
Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
Body colors (frame/wheels): Black with white stripe (Black / Chrome)
Versions: Dual seat