After enlarging their 2009 SportClassic range with the GT1000 Touring, Ducati gets the bike rid of its accessories, meaning the GT1000 roadster is the only classic bike featuring modern engineering you’ll find in 2010’s lineup. Reminiscent of the ‘70s, the bike addresses to those in love of the good old days when nakeds featured spoked wheels with classy fenders and a lot of chrome. And the fact that the 2010 model year also brings reliability on the scene couldn’t make this package better.

2010 Ducati SportClassic GT1000

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Ducati SportClassic GT1000
  • Engine/Motor: L-twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic; air cooled
  • Horsepower: 92hp @ 8000rpm
  • Torque: 67.3lb-ft @ 6000rpm
  • Transmission: 6 speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


The riding position offered is similar to the one of a naked bike, but with the wind in your head action, while the engine and chassis are created for great response and impressive sharpness through the corners.

The more then decent power and torque curves (92hp at 8,000rpm and 67.3lb-ft at6,000 rpm) come from the same 992cc, air cooled, two-valve Desmodromic L-twin cylinder engine. Considering the 407 pounds dry weight, the GT1000 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 we’re dealing with a very special roadster, one which can’t find the “concession” word in the dictionary.

History


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 2010 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


As original, classy and unique a bike might look, there’s almost always some other bike to compare it with. In this case, a 2010 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, 66bhp and 50ft.lb of torque, this thing is a fierce opponent for the 2010 Ducati SportClassic GT1000.

Exterior


The new black livery with the white stripe might not be in accordance with the bike’s style, but that’s where Red comes in to make this bike stand out as being a Ducati. The 3.9 gallons tank and the fenders are the only important bodywork pieces that are painted. The rest is chrome and leather.

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 (this doesn’t include the exhaust though).

The GT1000 has always been a rather sporty Italian motorcycle (sometimes I think they can build only sports and sports-derived motorcycles) and that’s easy to notice on the GT1000 too by checking out the high, but distant from the 31.8 inches seat, handlebars. This determines the rider to slightly lean forward and hug the tank in an attempt to minimize headwind.

It’s hard to believe 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.

-----

Press Reviews


"Nice urban manners are important if you are a hard core Yuppie doing a posing round through different Starbucks locations, and the GT will be indeed a great tool for the job. Smart espresso-sipping chicks are going to dig it." – motorcycle

"On the interstate, the long-legged gearing of the Ducati GT 1000 is perfect. There's plenty of torque in the old school, air-cooled, two-valve motor--67 ft/lbs at 6000 rpm--for both passing and cruising. I rarely wound the Ducati 992cc GT up to its horsepower peak of 92 at 8000 rpm, because that's not what the motorcycle is about." – ultimatemotorcycling

“The fun factor aboard the Ducati ups considerably and its motor disparity with the Bonneville is quite remarkable. Acceleration, top speed, overall power… the Ducati more than covers the Trumpet and delivers enough oomph to keep hooligan-leaning misfits happy.” – motorcycle-usa

"In general use the suspension at both ends did a reasonable job, and the Ducati's handling was more than adequate for the riding that most owners will doubtless do most of the time. Stability was well up to Bologna's traditionally high standard." – motorcyclistonline

Price


Given the fact that this is a stylish Italian bike that you’re planning on buying, the $11,495 MSRP is nothing to be scared of, considering Ducati’s proven “potential” in the class.

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 2010 Ducati SportClassic GT1000 is the appropriate thing to have if searching for that thin line between sportivity, comfort and affordability.

-----

SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

 

  • Type: L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
  • Displacement: 992cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 94 x 71.5mm
  • Compression Ratio: 10.01:1
  • Power: 92hp (67.7kW) @ 8000rpm
  • Torque: 67.25 lb-ft 9.3kgm @ 6000rpm
  • Fuel injection: Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
  • Exhaust: Chromed, stainless steel exhaust system with one muffler per side
  • Gearbox: 6 speed
  • Ratio: 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

 

Emissions

 

  • Standard: Euro 3

 

Chassis and Dimensions

 

  • Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame
  • Wheelbase: 1425mm (56.1in)
  • Rake: 24°
  • Front Suspension: Marzocchi 43mm usd forks
  • Front Wheel Travel: 120mm (4.7in)
  • Front Wheel: Spoke wheel with chromed steel rim, 3.50 x 17
  • Front Tyre: 120/70 R17
  • Rear Suspension: Twin shock absorbers with adjustable preload
  • Rear Wheel Travel: 133mm (5.2in)
  • Rear Wheel: Spoke wheel with chromed steel rim, 5.50x17
  • Rear Tyre: 180/55 R17
  • Front Brake: 2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, 2 piston, 2 pad floating caliper
  • Rear Brake: 245mm disc, 1-piston floating caliper
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 15l - 3.9gallon (US)
  • Dry Weight: 185kg (407lb)

 

Others

 

  • Instruments: Electronic panel: speedometer, rev counter, warning light for low oil pressure, warnings for hi-beam Warning lights for: Neutral, turn signals, high-beam, immobilizer. Display for time, fuel trip
  • Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
  • Body Colour (Frame/Wheel): Red (black / chrome) - Black with white stripe (black / chrome)

 

Versions

 

Dual seat

 

  • Seat Height: 810mm (31.8in)
  • DDA: Not available on this model
  • DTC: Not available on this model
  • ABS: Not available on this model

 

Features & Benefits

 

Concept


GT style

  • Celebrating the essential beauty of the Ducati GT models of the 1970s, the GT 1000 is a bike to be ridden every day, with a balance of two-up comfort and Ducati Desmo Twin performance. As you would expect from a motorcycle inspired by one of the original icons of Ducati, every element and component is built with the highest quality materials and engineered. Although classically inspired, the GT is a thoroughly modern Ducati that's powerful, handles confidently and is exciting to ride


Sportclassic heritage

  • Classic style and modern sport performance: the Ducati SportClassic family feature motorcycles that capture the essential beauty, timeless style and emotion of Engineer Fabio Taglioni’s original Ducati bikes of the 1970s. While retaining the best of the past, they have been developed using the latest technology and engineering, creating thoroughly modern motorcycles that live up to today’s standards of road-going performance.

 

Engine


Desmodromics

  • The incredible valve performances of our engines are only possible because of Ducati's unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically.
  • At high rpm it would be almost impossible for the valve to follow the steep closure profile of the cam lobe if it were relying upon a normal valve spring. With the Desmo system, the valve is closed mechanically with the same accuracy as it is opened, enabling steep cam profiles and radical cam timings.
  • This system is used on every single Ducati power unit including our world-beating Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP engines.


Desmodue

  • The GT 1000 is powered by the outstanding Desmodue 1000cc Dual Spark engine. The torquey air-cooled 90º L-Twin is the perfect match to power bikes with a sporting soul.
  • The cylinders, with their traditional cooling fins and classic ‘L’ configuration, are direct descendents of the original Taglioni design. Slim and exposed for all to see, the latest 2 valve Desmo system, fuel injection and computer controlled engine management ensure that the 1000 Dual Spark engine is powerful, dependable and thrilling to ride.


Power & torque curves

  • The GT 1000 produces 92hp (67.7kW) @ 8000rpm and produces a 67.25 lb-ft (9.3kgm) of torque @ 6,000rpm.
  • Wet clutch
  • The bike is equipped with a wet clutch for less clutch lever pull effort and quieter operation.

 

Chassis


Wire-spoked wheels

  • The beauty of wire-spoke wheels grace Ducati road bikes once again. Starting with an alloy hub, the wheels use 36 chromed stainless steel spokes. The GT 1000 is fitted with classic 17” chrome rims. Mounted to the rims are modern interpretations of classic sport tyres, replicating the original patterns, but with modern radial construction techniques and rubber compounds.


Seat comfort

  • A well-padded dual seat features ‘Ducati’ printed in white proudly on the back.


Trellis Frame

  • The GT1000 design takes advantage of the beauty of the signature Ducati tubular Trellis frame. The renowned strength and rigidity of the ALS 450 tubing has been further improved with complex triangulation and use of the engine as a ‘stressed member.’


Ergonomics

  • Aboard the GT 1000, the feeling is one of comfort and control. The position is reassuringly upright, reaching to a pair of raised tubular handlebars. Rider footpegs are placed conservatively forward allowing comfort and good ground clearance at the same time. The GT 1000 is a true two-seater, so the passenger’s footpegs are also sensibly placed for all-day comfort.


Brembo Brakes

  • The alloy hubs mount dual 320mm brake discs up front and a 245mm disc in the rear, both using lightweight black Brembo floating callipers to provide extra stopping power. Braking performance is further enhanced by classic black, steel-braided brake lines.


Marzocchi forks

  • The 43mm fully adjustable Showa forks provide the superior road holding and performance you expect from Ducati. While retaining the best of the past, GT 1000 have been developed using the latest technology and engineering, creating thoroughly modern motorcycles that live up to today’s standards of road-going performance

 

Equipment


Chrome exhaust

  • The twin stainless steel chromed exhaust silencers are positioned symmetrically on each side of the bike. Their low mounting position add to the bike's distinctive vintage look.


70's style

  • The lines of the GT 1000 are modern interpretations of the classic lines from the original GTs from the 1970s. The slim fuel tank features knee cut-outs on the sides and deep sculpting on the top with a chrome fuel cap. Full fenders front and rear are complemented by trim side covers that evoke the spirit of the 70’s originals. Many of the details like the top crowns, fork caps and handlebar mounts are finished in polished aluminium, and are reflected in the chrome surfaces of the wheels, instrument trim, handlebars and horn covers.


Classic headlight

  • The classic round headlight contributes to the bike's retro style and is elegant in its simplicity.


Adjustable levers

  • The bike is fitted with user-friendly 4-point adjustable levers that provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes.