DUCATI SPORT 1000 (2005 - 2008) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £250
Power: 92 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight: Low (395 lbs / 179 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £13,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

A tribute to 1960s cafe racer era boasting modern thrills and mechanicals. Great as a look-at-me motorcycle and the detailing is exquisite but it’s neither a true sportsbike nor year-round transport. For rarity, go for the LE, for practicality the slightly dull, twin seat Ducati GT1000, but the best motorcycle on balance (and most uncomfortable) is the Ducati Sport 1000.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Light weight, sharp steering and more than adequate brakes and suspension make a bike that hustles. The Ducati Sport 1000 is the best (the high barred Ducati GT 1000 gets flustered while the Ducati Paul Smart 1000 LE seems heavier and more reluctant to turn) but all of these motorcycles are fun. The trade off is being a hard and cramped long-distance tool, but higher ST3 bars are a common mod.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Ducati Sport 1000 is driven by the air-cooled, two-valve 1000 DS (for Dual Spark) engine. It’s straightforward, classically Italian and pleasing enough and, though no cutting edge powerhouse this motor is perfectly suited to its role delivering enough retro-roadster go when it matters and is pleasing and characterful the rest of the time.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Build quality of the Sport Classic is solid. Good paint and attention to detail result in a jewel like motorcycle worthy of a museum display. On the downside the Ducati Sport 1000 must be kept clean and pampered. Straight forward mechanicals mean no reliability worries.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Ducati Sport Classics are basic, unsophisticated motorcycles gilded by style and polish. Due to the popularity of the cafe racer image used values have rocketed in recent years. Unmolested (rare) or very lightly modified bikes are the ones to go for.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Ducati Sport 1000 is not so much about extras as the quality of the basic motorcycle – gorgeous: deep, molten paint, masses of polished and sculpted alloy and little design touches that echo inspirational '70s motorcycle forebears The Ducati Sport 1000 and Ducati Sport 1000 LE (Paul Smart replica) are plastered with them (the LE also gets Ohlins suspension) the more basic Ducati GT1000, though sweet, is the poor relation and many have been converted into Sport 1000 or LE look-a-likes. 

Specs

Engine size 992cc
Engine type 4v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame type Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity 15 litres
Seat height 780mm
Bike weight 179kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload
Front brake Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake 245mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 34 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £250
New price -
Used price £13,000
Insurance group 15 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 92 bhp
Max torque 67 ft-lb
Top speed 134 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 11.9 secs
Tank range 123 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2005: Ducati Sport 1000 and Ducati Paul Smart 1000 LE launched in October.
2006: Ducati GT1000 launched, with twin shock rear end, steel in place of alloy wire rims, twin seat, shorter fuel tank and high bars launched.
2007: Biposto (twin seat) cersion of Sport 1000 launched.

Other versions

Ducati Paul Smart 1000 LE (for limited edition): Inspired by the 1971 Imola 200 winning Ducati motorcycle and equipped with top notch Ohlins suspension and half fairing. Beautiful but extravagant.
Ducati GT1000: With twin seats a more logical buy back lacks metal allure and intoxicating thrills of two stablemates.

Owners' reviews for the DUCATI SPORT 1000 (2005 - 2008)

10 owners have reviewed their DUCATI SPORT 1000 (2005 - 2008) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your DUCATI SPORT 1000 (2005 - 2008)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Engine: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Equipment: 3.4 out of 5 (3.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £250
4 out of 5
07 May 2018 by Kiwi Alf

Version: Monoposto

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £250

Just look at it. I bought a first year Monoposto in the 1970s, 750SS inspired, tangerine yellow paint scheme about a year ago. I was moving down from a 1995 916 superbike. Other than touring bars and a set of Zard stacked pipes - I believe it is stock. Due to the touring bars - I can't comment on the ride position which a lot of owners say is pretty harsh, I can ride mine for 2-3 hours / 200-240kms at a time no problem. I will say that coming from a superbike I found the Sport a bit of a readjustment - the handling is unsurprisingly not in the same league as the 916... but the motor is strong. The exhaust note (Zards are sans-baffles) is unbelievable. Every time you stop - someone wants to talk about your bike. It get's a lot of attention. I reckon I could just about sell it almost every time I stop for coffee....

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Standard front forks are non-adjustable Sachs. Rear shock is adjustable Sachs unit. Took me a bit to get used to the front stepping out a little in corners (and I am comparing this to the 916) - change in front tyres helped.... but it is not uncommon for owners to replace the whole front end with forks off the ST series. I'm still thinking on this.... Brakes are fine - no complaints there. I've run this around a racetrack - and once you get used to how it tracks it's fun!

Engine 4 out of 5

Engine is the 1000DS motor used in a number of other Ducatis of this era, so parts are not a problem. Runs very sweet when it's warm, a little lumpy when cold as you expect from an L-twin. Performance is smooth (for a Vee) - did I mention the exhaust note? Unbelievable.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The bike seems to be well put together - except for the positioning of the rectifier. Those pesky Italians.... you simply can't trust Luigi around electrics... on the Sport they put the rectifier under the seat, with no air ventilation... mine caught fire. Yes - for real.... required a fire extinguisher to put it out. So - if you buy a Sport - the FIRST thing you do, is relocate the rectifier to the underside of the seat tray with some aluminium spacers so air can move around it.... problem solved. There were reported problems in the USA with the plastic petrol tank distorting due to the ethanol they put in their petrol, but I have not experienced or seen this. Otherwise - no problems in about 5000 miles riding.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Running costs are not expensive compared to the four valve Ducatis. The belts are very accessible and easily replaced by someone who knows what they are doing. The air box and battery are easy to get at. These are pretty simple bikes, that is part of the attraction. I guess value is in the eye of the beholder - but it's not often you own a bike that you can ride - and it's goes up in value.

Equipment 2 out of 5

This is motorcycle basics.... no fuel gauge, no electronic ABSCDEF.... traction control is courtesy of rear rubber... think: motor, two wheels, seat. That's it. Who cares. Have you seen how good these look?

Buying experience: Bought privately from a collector - paid more than I wanted to, but have you seen how good these look? Holy pesto batman!

5 out of 5
29 April 2016 by Shanks

Version: Sport Classic

Year: 2007

I replaced my 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon (with Termis) for this bike. At first I regretted it, but then the bike grew on me. It's just such a classic bike and achingly beautiful to just look at. It get far more attention and street cred than the Diavel... always has just the right amount of power, which is helped by its light weight...loads of fun to ride, turns easy and just a fun bike. Parts are very expensive, but then again since when have Ducati's been cheap to own? It's one of those bikes you want to keep forever.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride quality is very good. Brakes are very capable. Makes you think more about braking technique with no fancy ABS/traction control...this is raw and basic and motorcycling at its best.

Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Simple bike to maintain

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5
29 April 2016 by Shanks

Year: 2007

I replaced my 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon (with Termis) for this bike. At first I regretted it, but then the bike grew on me. It's just such a classic bike and achingly beautiful to just look at. It get far more attention and street cred than the Diavel...always has just the right amount of power, which is helped by its light weight...loads of fun to ride, turns easy and just a fun bike. Parts are very expensive, but then again since when have Ducati's been cheap to own? It's one of those bikes you want to keep forever.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride quality is very good. Brakes are very capable. Makes you think more about braking technique with no fancy ABS/traction control...this is raw and basic and motorcycling at its best.

Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Simple bike to maintain

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 Go touring
07 November 2014 by Loopylo

I've had my Black mono post sport classic for five years now. When I bought it I had stopped riding in winter and rode rarely in summer . Just enough to get an MOT, check everthing was ok and sod off to the pyrenees for the annual fortnight in France/Spain with our kid and a mate. I took one look at the bike listened to the termis and bought it.(no regrets) I have a tank bag which I tie to the tubular frame(plastic tank) ,I put a bit of black rubber matting on the back tie it down with para chord then bungee a bag to it and we only stop in hotels so don't need much gear. It doesn't have a screen so on a motorway I sit at 80-90 which stops me losing my licence, when you hit traffic you put the mirrors down to filter and let the termis part the traffic(awesome, should of got some years ago). The way we tour its straight to the mountains(which ever) we do a few hours in the morning same in the afternoon then stop for drinks so only a few hundred miles a day max. This has the comfiest seat of any bike I have had before( a fair few) so no more gell seats.In twistys no probs, straight roads er.. just get on with it.(straight roads should only be used to get to twistys) Handling wise the smoother you are the faster you will go. You can get it out of shape if you really use the brakes ie it will bottom out which is best avoided.There is no adjustment on the front and a few people I have spoken to have just told me to live with it as if you upgrade the forks then the next bit will show up(brakes) etc. I cant recomend them enough . If you buy one get over to the pyrenees, If you are alive you wont regret it...!! . If you try it you may also understand why when I get home and see our traffic and cameras ,I just put it back in the garage for the next 50 weeks. All the best.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Great Bike
07 January 2010 by bon05l

Bought my 06 model 12 months ago. Don't know where ducati get the "92 BHP" from, Aussie models seem to pack 80 when put on the dyno. Still enought to have some fun with this tidy package. Added a full arrow 2-1 system last month, with power commander 3 which got her up to 87 Bhp, however at 4500rpm got an increase from 47Bhp to 62Bhp. Highly recommend this set up to anyone who is looking at a new exhaust system. bout half (AUS$1400) as much as the termi equivilent (AUS$3500) and makes that awesome Ducati roar! just make sure you ditch/modify the stock air box! Love this bike, awesome fun on the road and good fun on the track.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 Sport 1000
01 August 2009 by sprung

Bought the first model new and been riding it for 2 and a half years. Engine, gear box wonderfull. Sexy looks too, and lots of bling available to dress it up. In my opinion the handling is scarey, the combination of heavy tubed wheels, the standard front forks and rider weight on the bars makes for some scarey tank-slappers when ridden over a succession of bumps. A steering damper (not available as a Ducati standard fitment or option on this model) stops this. The tyres need upgrading too as the bike tramlines in the smallest of grooves or ruts in the road. The front suspension is harsh and not adjustable which contributes to the handling woes. The tube tyres lose anything up to 5psi per week in pressure and need to be checked before each ride. A real hassle with the straight valves being almost innaccesiible because of the discs on the front, you will need an angle adaptor. All these faults are curable to make the bike wonderfull experience, if you are willing to spend the extra money. Finish is good, but the fuel tank appears to be non-symmetrical, my right thumb jambs against the tank on full right lock, but my left thumb has lots of clearance on full left lock.

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 Ducati GT1000
13 October 2007 by wolfie52

i have only had my GT 1000 for three months. It is wonderful to ride, very torquey, and has frightened the life out of my mates with Suzy treetfighters, who all imagined the Gt to be an arthtritic relic, sorry replica!! If you own one, take it off the road in minter. It is not an all year round bike with all the chrome and especially the wire wheels. I am no snob, but if you want hoards of non bikers admiring your bike where ever you are parked, then the GT will mean you will never have no one to chat to about the bike! I love my GT. Period

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Ducati GT1000
13 October 2007 by wolfie52

i have only had my GT 1000 for three months. It is wonderful to ride, very torquey, and has frightened the life out of my mates with Suzy treetfighters, who all imagined the Gt to be an arthtritic relic, sorry replica!! If you own one, take it off the road in minter. It is not an all year round bike with all the chrome and especially the wire wheels. I am no snob, but if you want hoards of non bikers admiring your bike where ever you are parked, then the GT will mean you will never have no one to chat to about the bike! I love my GT. Period

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Italian style
19 July 2007 by Hans Solo

As with everything make sure you work out what you want. This is no commuter, an awful tourer and can't really mix it with the race reps. If your looking for style, good performance and an intoxitaing sound (you just have to fit termi's) then this is the bike for you. Don't listen to the scaremongers re Ducati reliability, mine has never missed a beat.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 Fantastic bike but wouldn't want to be riding it all year. Goes plenty fast enough for me!
03 May 2006 by BJTK

Changed my mind to this little cutie after weeks of assuring myself R1200GSADV was going to be my next bike! Decided to keep my ageing 1150gs and go for one in black for blatting to and from work and weekends. Competant as it is, the BMW 1200 is just a bit dull and doesn't have much 'character'. Luckily, modern Ducati's are now lacking what used to be synonymous with 'Character' - crap brakes, dodgy electrics and tedious side-stands. The riding position isn't too obscene, although once you're out of the twisties, long straight, fast roads (i.e. tedious) need to be punctuated with a Thai massage every 40 mins. The engine is a proven winner and hopefully should be pretty reliable. Coupled with fairly modern (2 pot) Brembo's and not bad forks, it makes for a well-behaved and spirited ride. Adjustable Ohlins and upgraded forks are an option and may well be worthwhile. An obligatory add-on are the Termignoni twin (or single) pipe, replacing the enormous rocket launcher stock item. Strengths: Handling, engine, looks, sound, price, single seat! Weaknesses: Long term / high mileage reliabilty?, clip-ons height, single seat!

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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