

The Ducati SportClassic was a bike ahead of its time. Three years ago, poor sales triggered the end of a short five-year production run. But today, it’s one of the most sought-after machines for retro bike fans, and a popular platform for customization. Ergonomics be damned: the SportClassic looks good and goes fast.

This 2009 Ducati Sport1000s is owned by Lucas Worthing, and despite its stunning aesthetics, it’s no trailer queen: Worthing uses it to the max at his local track, the Buttonwillow Raceway in California.



The stock 43mm Marzocchi forks have been swapped out for adjustable Öhlins Road & Track Superbike forks, with a pair of Öhlins shocks replacing the usual Sachs units at the back. To keep the bike tracking straight, an Öhlins steering damper has been installed using a custom mount.



The wheels are now Marchesini forged racing Y-spoke rims, taken from a Ducati 999R and finished in gloss black. Brembo Monobloc brake calipers have been fitted with competition pads, and the rear stoppers have been upgraded to 999R spec to match the wheels. Eagle-eyed Ducatisti will also recognize the 999R front wheel cowl.



Worthing has resisted the temptation to modify the magnificent Desmodue 992cc air-cooled motor. But he’s increased power by fitting a high flow racing air filter from MWR, and an NCR/Zard titanium exhaust system. The ECU has an NCR remap to take full advantage.

There are too many other trick bits on this Sport1000s to mention. But everything is of the highest spec, from the Driven Racing clip-ons and rear sprocket to the Rizoma reservoirs, grips and pegs. And yes, that angular custom fairing really is carbon fiber.



The original Ducati Sport1000s was a marriage of retro and modern. Ducati mostly got it right, but as always, there’s room for improvement. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see a machine like this rolling off the Bologna production line today?

Many thanks to Sean Smith for the images.