THE DUC GARAGE BLOG
In the fall of 2005, Ducati dealers across Canada got their first glimpse of the Sport Classics lineup that would launch in the spring of 2006, including the iconic Paul Smart 1000. At a dealer meeting with Ducati North America, the excitement was high—these bikes promised to bring Ducati’s classic style into the modern era. But there was a catch: we had to preorder the bikes with no clear arrival date and, even more challenging, no confirmed cost or MSRP.
At that time, Ducati had only a handful of dealerships in Canada, and the decision to preorder without pricing was a big ask. Yet, knowing the rare opportunity that these bikes represented, I reached out to my most dedicated customers. Despite the uncertainties, six Ducati enthusiasts in Calgary took the leap, committing to a bike without knowing the final price.
One of those initial bikes, this Paul Smart 1000, went to a longtime friend who cherished it so much that he stored it in his living room, keeping it pristine. Years later, I got the call: he was ready to part with it. Back in the shop, the bike was still in excellent condition, with under a thousand kilometers. A single phone call was all it took to find its next owner, a passionate collector who was ready to add some custom touches.
The new owner wanted to give the bike a bit of personal flair, starting with a custom exhaust. The stock exhaust wasn’t going to cut it, so I tracked down a full system by Sil Motor. It was a rarefied—Marco from Euro Corsa had to convince Sil Motor to dust off the old jig and create one last full system. Along with the exhaust, I installed a titanium toe guard, upgraded the clutch pressure plate, and tidied up the wiring around the cam belt covers and clutch housing to ensure durability.
This 2006 Paul Smart 1000 remains practically new, with fewer than 1,000 kilometers on the odometer. Though it’s been customized, the bike still holds true to its classic Ducati roots, blending modern upgrades with the original timeless design. For those who appreciate Ducati’s blend of history and innovation, this Paul Smart 1000 is a rare gem—a true modern classic, preserved and waiting for the open road.
