Bike World Dream Rides | Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE

We've been back to The Bike Specialists in Sheffield for the new instalment of Dream Rides. This time, it's something a bit more modern that's trying to look old, it's the Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE.
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#ducati #bikeworld #dreamrides

[@mehrdadparsad]

The bikes featured here in this series are awesome. I would love to see a Monster S4RS on this show. The first true super naked and an absolute icon.

[@jun701]

The pinnacle of Ducati’s authentic classic work. And seriously, Chris review is always spot on and so enjoyable. He just knows what to say and how to say things about bikes.

[@orangeorphan]

It can be very difficult to describe why a bike is so good-to-ride when the bike does everything well but there isn’t anything to get excited about on paper. You did a good job of explaining how this bike is more than the sum of its parts. It’s very easy to get excited about a 200hp super bike, but all-rounders like this are actually the best bikes you can own.

[@sugarrfree]

Defo

[@BulaMeister]

Well-said!

[@carlmayer691]

The sum of it's parts .The PS is made from off the shelf parts, which most manufacturers do..a noodle swinger w/ this silly offset shock.. I've ridden one, their cool.. but I'd rather ride a 900 SS-SP or 888... but yeah, the PS 1000 is a cool bike to tool along on.. It's nothing special .. has green frame and silver paint heavy on the metallic speckles and sparkles .. BFD.. Ducati brilliantly offered a pre-painted full side fairing kit.. It's akin to Triumph's Thruxton.. w/ far less performance.. not my cup.. intrinsically given the 'sum' of it's parts, it's not so very special aside from the name, livery and a screwy swingarm shock design ...

[@pmwaffle9348]

@@carlmayer691 Its so much faster than the thruxton though? And the monster, multistrada, st, ss and the rest of the sc line offered this same engine in a variety of chassis layouts and its stellar in every form, which is honesty the paul smart's issue. Why spend 20-30k on one when another SC is cheaper with retro looks and the others are all 4-6k and offer better usability.

[@pjakpjak7000]

I fucking love these reviews. You never whine about the irrelevant shit; you never misunderstand or misinterpret bikes. I swear some journalists would complain about vibrations or that it doesn't have 160 hp; missing the entire fucking point. The only thing I don't like about your reviews is that it makes almost all other channels less enjoyable. Keep'em coming. Much love from Sweden ❤

[@sarahlivingstone8367]

I bought a couple of bikes from his shop (and my ZZR1100 from him personally) and he was indeed a really nice gent. Always smiling and willing to help. Absolutely gutted to hear he'd passed away ...

[@dantton1987]

I remember drooling over this thing back when Ducati launched their classic line up. For me nothing beats the combination of half fairings and a beautiful engine. Thanks Chris, you rock

[@joeblow5037]

to this day, one of my dream bikes is an early 90's red half fairing 900 SS. My buddy had a full fairing 94 SP with Staintunes I rode a couple times. My God, that thing was glorious. But I wanted to see that engine.

[@dantton1987]

@@joeblow5037 If only sport bikes with higher clip ons, half fairings and proper pillion seats were the norm. Imagine a Ducati Supersport V4 like that. Or a Triumph Speed Triple RS that doesn't murder your wrists. Sad to see GT bikes becoming jacked up SUV monstrosities

[@marksmallman4572]

​@@joeblow5037I had a full fairing 900ss in the late 90s early 2000, tuned by Baines racing, awesome bike, wicked sound.

[@TeslasSecret]

@@dantton1987 Agreed.

[@sp00ky1969]

The surprising thing about how pretty it is… it was designed by the same chap that was responsible for the 999. I’ve got one from the first year (2006) - not the Paul Smart but a gorgeous bike, tremendous fun to ride and it feels really light and agile. Quite small and light as well and plenty of power. Mine came with Ohlins at the rear but standard forks, which I would like to upgrade at some point. It’s a wonderful bike to ride and you feel really connected to it. Plenty of power for the road as well and that lovely twin / dry clutch Ducati sound. Hard to believe that they only produced them for a short period as they weren’t very popular at the time. A bit ahead of the market. Love this bike and it’s my main road bike. Incidentally, Paul Smart owned my local bike dealer and I remember when I first saw the Foggy rep there with a crazy price, drooling over the Ohlins and carbon everywhere.

[@georgearcher5696]

Crazy thing is when these bikes came and the classic they didn't sell well now everyone wants one

[@michaelhayward7572]

Concur, prices collapsed until they were about 10 years old. Now they are only going up. The whole Classic range is superb. Same thing about the MT01. Another bike ahead of its time. Stopped making them, everybody wanted one.

[@Omnificuser]

Chris's high praise for the SP1 (rc51❤️) always hits home.

[@motorbiketoureruk]

Lovely bike and tribute to a lovely bloke. I bought my first ever road bike (kmx125) in 89, my dad was friends with him and Maggie and when I heard he’d died it was really sad to know he died on a Ducati who he gave so much success for.

[@MAKESQ]

If you have ever ridden any of the Sport Classics from this era, you know how deeply satisfying it is. The engine is just the sweetest.....

[@2day_we_ride]

Brilliant Chris, what a sound, what a bike and what a joy to see it being ridden properly.

[@vespamanpx]

Merci pour ce superbe hommage! une des plus belles machines qui soient ! Je serais ravi de voir un épisode sur La S4RS !! Très bon travaille, on en redemande ! V

[@chrisnightingale6417]

Gorgeous looking bike. Great to know it rides as good as it looks. Paul Smart always came across as a real gentleman.

[@vitornunes7041]

Just a beautiful machine! Congratulations another awesome test ride

[@dionoliveira4058]

Brilliance! thank you for the ride, what a dream.

[@S735334]

I bought one 16 years ago, (well, a Sport 1000 monoposto actually...same bike but no fairing)....after also considering the Thruxton, which was released around the same time.. The Ducati was way higher quality component wise, including finishes on both metals & paint..& comfort-wise to the Triumph. I ride it just about every day of the year..& i've ridden it in Australia, England & Spain... Apart from many tyres, a couple of chains, a few batteries, a few reg/recs, two sets of clutch plates, (soon to be three..plus basket)) & one new starter motor....it's been so much fun over those years...even the headlight globe lasted up until a month ago !!. All in all, a great fun, practical, as fast as you need, impressively reliable motorcycle.

[@ThiefOfNavarre]

In retrospect the Ducati over the Thruxton was definitely the correct choice. They go for obscene money now

[@George-on5hi]

I love that last part you added not meant to be a decoration piece. Awesome video 👍🏼

[@paulred158]

Another cracking video, I would love to see Chris on a Gilera Saturno Bialbero 500. Another Italian machine that is greater than the sum of its (very good) parts. Also kudos to the owner of the Paul Smart for letting Chris really ride it.

[@MatNewtonTrio]

One the prettiest bikes and a lovely sound.

[@mike569112]

Thanks for another dream ride!

[@huayrarevo]

That's legit my dream bike right there. That's the motorcycle that got me into motorcycles

[@divexplore71]

Love these dream rides! 👍

[@benkelly2190]

That looks, something really special..nice.👍🏻

[@stuwhite1969]

Another awesome review from the fastest journalist!!

[@BulaMeister]

What an absolutely beautiful bike!

[@Scottm46]

What a Beautiful Classic ❤

[@ingeebeltoft]

Ducati in my heart❤ What a beauty Bike man 😎

[@LordBirch]

I love this style of bike, i have a triumph thruxton R in Silver with the fairing... Beauty and quick on the roads. I've never finished a ride without smoking.

[@gerardmontgomery280]

The Sport Classic was ahead of it's time and the Paul Smart edition was gorgeous.

[@peterherrington3300]

Great review & excellent genuine presenter

[@10secondsrule]

I still vividly remember seeing this at the Ducati at Vauxhall Station in London. Back then I was even able to afford it. Not so much these days. Time flies.

[@sburns2421]

If we are now working up to more recent models years, looking forward to a 1098R. Legitimately fast engine with amazing torque, fantastic non-ABS brakes. Stiff and great suspension (on smooth roads)

[@bsmukler]

That bike is strikingly beautiful and sounds great. The on-bike footage gives a sense of how light and poised it is, and Chris’s enthusiasm is infectious. It reminds me a bit of his video on the Hypermotard 950 SP (which he summed up as “stupid,” in a good way). Completely different bikes, of course, but the fun factor is apparent in both.

[@georgerosa2070]

It looks like it would be uncomfortable, is it? I have a Ducati desert sled and it's actually the most comfortable bike I've ever had.. cruisers included.

[@bsmukler]

It’s definitely a much more sporty riding position, designed for racing or track days, or carving up local curves. But, yeah, your Desert Sled is a much more comfortable bike (and a really good one!).

[@rosstinelli]

Fantastic ! I'm so close to buying a 1100 Monster Evo

[@harrymuziek5234]

Great story, great bike! I only had the big glossy flyer and that was valuable on its own, probably even more now…

[@killpop8255]

What a looker! Just waiting to hear her...

[@owenwalker637]

Performance articulated spot on for this ride, also I think Ducati timing and unveiling of this bike was fine and really anytime would been ok coz its a bit timeless so it doesn't matter, or will ever matter about past or forward dates.

[@timmo3351]

One of those dream garage bikes for me, for sunny Sundays. Here’s hoping that the ZXR 750 sticks in the showroom long enough to have its own video!

[@neilrichardson3986]

Gorgeous Bike😍

[@jfro5867]

Enjoyed that. Funny how back in the day all I can remember of contemporary road tests was they didn’t like it. Is that because like now our motorcycle press does ‘puff’ piece reviews on chosen bikes? Be interested to see how this compares to the new Norton 961. Try and bag a demo ride Chris.

[@armyman3666]

I remember this guy with mustache who used to ride one of these around my home town wearing an open leather coat Neo style and always traveling at quite sustained speeds.

[@JAubrey11]

Your "Bike World Dream Rides" series ist one of the most enjoyable things to watch when you have an itch for those classics and - of course - "modern classics". Thanks very much for your work and I am really looking forward to the next episodes!!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@stephenellefsen3866]

Had my Sport 1000 (Same bike but no fairing or Ohlins) 13 years now and could never sell it. Sweetest gearbox and engine. Clip-ons a bit low!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Let us know if you do, we'll have it! 👍

[@ragerider6283]

Great vid & bike. Surely Ducati need to bring something like this back in to their range soon with the more recent explosion in popularity of retro bikes?

[@barriegreen709]

Like that a lot , great video Chris. How about a test of the bmw hp2 or a megamoto , failing that I'd love to see you wrestle an 05 10r too.

[@barrycraig3500]

Good write up, I’m lucky enough to own one I bought brand new. Barry

[@Desmo904]

A 'classic' bike years ahead of it's time as it turned out. When it was released it didn't sell too well but quickly became very sought after. Sadly, Ducati discontinued it after only a few years.

[@nickrider5220]

I think Chris would be fast and have good fun on any bike he took to a track 👍🙂

[@Farlig69]

1:50 Yes!!! Though I do prefer a little less weight and power ca. 165kg & 80-90 hp

[@andrewvout9679]

Rode one of these a few years ago, just a typical ducati experience. They always feel special to ride. Dont know how they get a 100 ish hp motor to feel so good?

[@thetonetosser]

Can't say I've ever been a fan of the Sports Classic range from Duc. I do like this one though.

[@chrisb4504]

Don’t know what all the fuss is about sounds just like my Sv 😂 love Chris what a top lad!

[@williamfischer3990]

I’ve looked into these bikes brother the Sport Classic 1000s. They aren’t as expensive as the Paul Smarts but do give that same style and character.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Sport classic is a great option even the GT, we're looking!

[@tgleaton]

Yes, the biggest difference is in the suspension. I have both a PS and a 1000s - Love them both!

[@The9meister]

One of my mate's has mh909e Ducati, and I see similar frame design between the two of these bikes.

[@alvindavenport5657]

I owned one of these for about 4 years. It had just over 500 miles when I bought it and was completely stock. When I sold it, it had less than 700 miles and was still stock. Sadly, I knew when I bought it I wasn’t really going to ride it much. It was just too valuable. I remember my last ride as I took it to the shop where it was to be crated for shipment to the new owner. It wasn’t very fast compared to other bikes I’d owned, but there was something different and special about the experience. If I had it to do over, I’d have ridden it more and would probably still have it. Most collectible bikes aren’t really that valuable in the greater scheme of things, and don’t deserve to be kept off the road.

[@sburns2421]

I wanted a Benelli Tornado for 20 years and vowed to ride it when I found a good one 2022 I bought an 2003 LE, the really special one, with 188 miles. Basically brand new. It has 1300 miles on it now. Did it hurt value? Probably.

[@user-xw1pu8kg8y]

I also owned it. Bought new . Sold it. 100% regret

[@timothymills733]

Long time Ducati owner, and I remember when they came out with the Sport Classic range they were completely "written off" by the press, and even Ducati enthusiasts were not interested as it was a more expensive version of the standard SS, with no advantage, just different looks. They sat on dealer's lots for ages, and I don't know how many times the local dealer tried to talk me into one with large discounts. The Smart replicas did sell first of the range, though still slowly, but the Sport GTs sat there forever. Funny how time works isn't it? 🙂 I would say if someone does want one today, for the riding experience, look for the 1000DS SS of the same era and you will have the same riding experience for a lot less money.

[@sp00ky1969]

The same riding experience? The SC riding position reminds me of the old RGV and 400s - properly over the front and not particularly comfortable. I still love mine though. 😂

[@timothymills733]

@@sp00ky1969 Not particularly comfortable, but we love them anyway; that's us Ducatisti in a nutshell 🤣

[@anthonyewing2814]

I’d love to see a review of the 03-07 1000SS DS. The Terblanche designed model.

[@joeblow5037]

WOOT!!!

[@Bazfrog]

Thanks Chris and BW, always enjoy all the BW video's? Definitely the best, IMO, and most watchable (Bike content.) presenter, on YT.👍 Not really "Dream Rides" related but, just occurred to me? I once owned a Honda X11 (currently own a 22 MT09SP and love it 😍. Perfect bike for a 67 yo teenager?) , surely a🤔Pre-Naked Naked, possibly even a Pre-Supernaked... , makes sense to me?? Would, surely, be interesting to compare the X11, Suzuki B-King and similar "rarely mentioned" Pre-....'s to more modern equivalents?? 🤨 BTW Why an X11🤔, you may ask? A complete "Impulse Buy", (on a Sunday afternoon, "window shopping", trip to "Carnell") due to it being such a truculant looking, Ugly Brute? Oh! and a very easy and quick finance deal.🤫 (Picked it up the following Wed.)

[@stevelawrie9115]

Yes.... this is the one....! :)

[@maxbg]

Love mine...

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Fabulous looking bike and great review of it. If Ducati re-introduced its Modern Classics range, they would make a mint - if they temper their tendency to charge outrageous prices for their products and make themselves irrelevant in the market for the majority of bikers. Big ask - Triumph following suit, sadly.

[@danielhoppley2961]

V twin ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ 😊😊excellent

[@stevebayross7248]

Chris Northover.... articulate, enthusiastic, interesting, knowledgeable & a gifted rider.... Just do something with your hair... Wash it, cut it or style it😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@flinch622]

A speedo and a tach - all I ever really needed.

[@hapyharyhard0n581]

This and the MH900e. Best looking Ducatis every made.

[@graydemunter5850]

I love this bike also, but it is very hard on the wrists. It was painful to ride it long

[@graydemunter5850]

Please can you do a review of a Ducati 1098s Tricolore ? 🙂

[@jcblum1507]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊

[@nigelbarratt9807]

😍🤩🤩🤩

[@sabamacx]

It's all about that engine... so I'm picking up a Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP this weekend. Yahoo! :)

[@gavinstubbs3949]

Ducati jump the gun on the retro wave on these but they so need to bring them back out im sure it sell

[@johnnycomelately6341]

Just discovered the channel via Dani P. What is the story of the frame (not the colour) and how was it adapted to the upside down forks?

[@Farsightful]

i wish i had the psyduck licence plate !

[@geneharrogate6911]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, 'collectable' 'iconic' and all that. London to a brick there's some B roll of Chris ripping stand up wheelies on it..

[@001dres]

Looks like Joe Bar Team 900SS to me

[@dorian_vlogs]

I have a 2008 SC 1000s with a full fairing, with, don't hate me, 6,000 miles. It's too rare and valuable to ding up on the road. I take it to bike meets once or twice a year, and that's it. 😅

[@ampassionstruck9138]

....Ducati l twins with those exposed timing belts and those dry clutch assemblies r the most beautiful bikes ever made on this planet, icing on the cake is that super sexy traillis frame !!😍😘😘....u should have worn a jet helmet with jet goggles on the test ride to complete that look !!!😂😂

[@blipco5]

Hmmm... When these first hit the market almost every, at least many, professional test reviewer claimed they vibrated so much they were almost unridable on a daily basis. I don’t know if Ducati addressed this issue but I remember well the early reviews. Stunning bike tho.

[@tgleaton]

I don't remember the vibration issue it was more of a surging issue when riding slow. A temporary fix was to install a FatDuc. The real fix was to get, in my case Termi exhaust and have the ECU reflashed for the new exhaust. Also, putting a 14t front sprocket transforms the bikes in my opinion.

[@theriderdtm8650]

✌🏻😊

[@anxiousappliance]

They were behind the times ahead of the time.

[@seanyo9122]

MV Agusta F4 soon please thank you 😁😁😁

[@danielwood7550]

Does he have a MH900e in that Aladdin’s cave I’d love to see what u make of that piece of art

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Yes he does!

[@danielwood7550]

@@BikeWorldTVshow then we need to see this 👍👍👍that’s a work of art chris

[@adamprawiranegara5800]

at long last

[@RoeyHaviv]

When these came out I was enamored with the looks, I took it for a test ride and it felt special to ride it but what saved me from signing the massive loan on it was the tank crushing my jewels whenever I touched the brakes. They are pretty though…

[@_audacerider3838]

Ducati Paul Smart 1000 is nice but not as nice as Ducati MH900e for me Mike Hailwood all the way!

[@spookydog6959]

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@matthewbrown7659]

These bikes *are* pretty (other than the tail, viewed from the back it has a fat butt, way too fat to really emulate the lithe vintage bikes it's supposed to look like), but they're also quite overpriced if you're not taken in by the manufactured nostalgia. If you want a retro air-cooled, dry-clutch Ducati with the convenience of fuel injection and modern brakes, get a S2R1000, tail chop, delete the exhaust collector, retrofit forks from a Ducati superbike if you want sharper handling, customize the looks to your liking, and you'll have a truly unique and sexy retro Ducati for less than $10k.

[@johnfazackerley6951]

These were about £10000 in 2009.Prices have been fairly flat before Paul died.The bike specialist is a bit over optimistic selling this at £24000.They are ok to ride ,Dont get over excited.Ceers John

[@sp00ky1969]

That’s about the going rate for one and it looks like it’s got Paul Smart’s signature on it? The prices were over £20K before he died - I know because I was looking for one very recently but ended up with a normal 2006 SC.

[@nickhellen6303]

2:15- That thing NEEDS a charge. Or you won’t be going anywhere!

[@KnightRider1157]

Ducati just missed the goal with the modern classic range. They were there and gone just before the retro boom started. Secondly as someone who grew up with these classics when they were the original 750GT, 750 Sport and 750SS I just find the styling just misses the mark.. compare any of the classic range to the originals and you'll see what I mean. The new ones are great and my brother has his original GT owned from 74 and the modern GT which makes the basis of a great tourer, just like most 70s Italian bikes you can't beat the originals for style, electrics, reliability, chrome etc yes but style no.

[@CurvedSlightly]

A up, Jay Kay (from Jamiroquai) is at it again, racking up the miles on classic bikes for sale just so he can fulfil his dream bike tick list, farting on the seats and drinkiing their coffee. I'd be well pi55ed if I was looking at a bike that the shop owner lets people ride for their sh1ts n giggles, what apair of wnakers, won't be going to that shop.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

You might be surprised to hear that the customers love that face that we've ridden the bikes, people ask to buy the actual ones Chris has farted on. You might have trouble visiting the shop anyway, there's a pri*k filter on the door.

[@thomastraddles1204]

Shows how far Ducati had fallen after the glory days of the early 70’s. What a sad retro piece of crap. Paul Smart was given one by the factory and never rode it, that’s all you need to know

[@GhettoSuguru]

Hope Ducati makes a retro v4 bike

[@williamfischer3990]

Oh my gosh could you imagine a V4r engine with a classic 70s cafe racer style and fairing. They could charge six figures and people still wouldn’t care.

[@carlmayer691]

You have to 'think' about riding an 888, CBR900RR really.. I've ridden more than my share of Ducati's best ... and the PS1000 is just another Ducati parts bin special w/' proprietary' shite Ohlin suspension far far from the genuine aftermarket Ohlins.. pulled the engine off the shelf along w/ the frame..made this noodley swinger.. applied some green and silver sparkly paint..rather ride a 900SS SP w/ Termis.. glad Ducati gave kudos to PS w/ a modern day replica but holy cow guys . What Ducati does do best is offer a huge catalogue full of accessories.. and the pre-painted PS fairing kit is brilliant.. Take note TRIUMPH .. speaking of TRIUMPH. where's the test on the Daytona T595, 955i ? Triumph record setting sales model.. the latter MY is the one to test..test both .. Yes, there's no Special Edition replete w/ blingy "fake" Ohlins, blingy Marchesini wheels, sparkely spec paint ...it's suspended by SHOWA, .standard telescopic forks to boot, no USD units.. but the TRIUMPH's proprietary SHOWA suspension is far far better than the OEM SHOWA that came with my Ducati which was summarily replaced w/ aftermarket Ohlins .. The Daytona 955 w/ 147 hp. 76 ft lbs is no slouch..great road going sport bike..shame that it hasn't been road tested present day. Fantastic value, cheap to insure, very inexpensive parts whih are still availiable .. and that triple howl.. coming from me, a Ductista at heart ... the Daytona 955 is very impressive sport bike of that era .