Ducati SportClassic range is loved globally, but some SportClassic models are more loved than others. The limited-edition, Paul Smart powered by Öhlins is a go-to for many people — as long as you’ve got a lot of money and can actually find one. At the other end of the spectrum you will find Ducati SportsClassic GT1000.
For the uninitiated, the GT1000 is just another SportClassic. But put it next to its siblings, you’ll notice some obvious differences. Designed as a realistic variation of cafe racer-like the SportClassic, it has raised handlebars instead of clamps, a larger saddle and a different fuel tank with generous knee cuts.
It is also distinguishable thanks to the twin rear shock absorbers and chrome exhaust pipes located on the sides of the car instead of stacked on top of each other. But while it may not be quite as appealing as the sportier SportClassic models, it still has the same lines and is equally appealing. You still get the 992 cc desmodromic L-twin engine, trellis frame and loads of vintage charm.
Tom Gilroy, founder The purpose of building Moto in Australia’s Gold Coast, is a fan of the Ducati GT1000. As far as he’s concerned, it’s a great bike that only gets better the more you tune it up. And Purpose-built Moto certainly knows how to tune it.
The owner of this 2008 GT1000 brought it in for an overhaul, just with a few specific requirements. He wanted the GT1000’s basic suspension and heavy-duty wheels to be upgraded, and he wanted an exhaust system under the tail. For the rest of the synopsis, PBM was asked to modernize the GT1000’s look without ditching its signature fuel tank.
With the principles guiding the project, Tom and his team set to work dismantling the Ducati and ordering the parts they needed. The custom cafe racer they envision will require some top-of-the-line parts, a host of handcrafted details and a thorough paint job.
Sorting the suspension and wheels is an easy win—when the parts finally arrive. PBM swapped out the forks for an Ohlins setup from the Ducati Monster 1200R, then fitted a pair of GT1000-specific Ohlins rear shocks. Brembo brakes add additional stopping power.
The GT1000’s massive steel rims had to be scrapped, so PBM ordered an odd set of Jonich M9 rims. Using carbon-coated aluminum rings, they are not only eye-catching, but also a lot lighter (Tom reports that the difference is clearly visible on the road). They are wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV rubber, with thick 200/55-17” tires at the rear.
During the time it takes to order and install those parts, the PBM must perform a series of fabrication tasks. The subframe has been trimmed a bit, effectively shortening and narrowing the rear end of the vehicle, while creating space for a new exhaust system.
Tom had to start building the exhaust before completing the subframe, because he wasn’t sure exactly how the two components would work together. He designed a two-to-one system with a receiver going through the gap on the swingarm, before splitting into two silencers located under the tail. Once the exhaust is done, it’s time to finalize the subframe and move on to the bodywork.
The new tailpiece is shaped from sheet metal, designed to hug the dual silencers while taking some design cues from the OEM fuel tank. The details are subtle but extremely well appreciated. The top of the tailgate has the same line as the top of the fuel tank, while the curved cuts at the rear create indentations at the top of the tank.
Notice how the edges of the tail dip below the line of the subframe? It’s a throwback to the GT1000’s original seat design.
Looking around at the rear, you’ll see custom diamond-shaped taillights that sit neatly between the silencers. A small LED turn signal is also located at the rear of the lid; they are prototype units that PBM will soon add to their online store. Ducati’s electronics are now housed inside the tailgate, with multiple layers of heat-blocking material to prevent heat from the exhaust.
With the Ducati taking shape, Tom felt inspired to push the design a little further. So he built a pointed wing at the chin to complement the engine, with cutouts to accommodate the exhaust system. A removable mesh cover at the front provides quick access to the battery and regulator/rectifier.
Next, Tom turned his attention to the car’s new headlight housings. It houses one of the shop’s own LED headlights, with the LED turn signals sneakily used as the headlight mounting pins. At the bottom, PBM employee Dylan has crafted an aluminum fender, with a unique ‘double wall’ look.
Before concluding the project, PBM dragged their customer into the store to check the fit of his bike. He’s a tall guy, so the team decided to create custom stands to lower the footrest and create more leg room. The cockpit features LSL bars with Brembo levers, wrapped handles, switches and PBM mirrors. There is also an aftermarket speedometer, mounted where the ignition barrel is located.
Near the finish line, PBM finished the Ducati with a few handcrafted details. New side covers hide the ugly fuel pump, but still allow quick access to the fuel pipes, while custom belt covers adorn the engine. The license plate holder mounted on the rear gripper does the job at the rear.
Striking black and gold paintwork combines classic lines with modern hues—but it takes some work. Tom reached out to frequent PBM collaborator Justin at PopBang Classics to put it down, but he wasn’t sure what he wanted until Justin started drawing. The two spent hours in the store gluing strips of tape and fine-tuning the design — and it worked.
We’re perfectly happy with an original SportClassic in our garage, but this custom Ducati GT1000 goes above and beyond. Lighter, tighter and better equipped than before, it scores well in both form and function.
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