DUCATI'S GT1000 has the style of the ’70s but the technology of the new century. It's a great mix of old and new, and Ducati has worked hard to get some 'soul' into its retro roadsters.

Ducati originally brought out three variants in this SportClassic model range to great fanfare. From older riders reliving their youth, to riders with less miles on their clocks looking for a link to the past without the pain and expense of running one of the original models the new ones are based on, they turned up in groves to buy a SportClassic.

In the past we've tested the Paul Smart and Sport 1000 models. While they looked awesome the bikes were not without fault, especially when it came to handling; twitchiness being the order of the day.

Perhaps the best road bike of the three is the GT1000. It's upright riding position and comfy seat make it a much better day to day proposition, and its styling based on the original GT750 make it a standout for us. Now Ducati has added a GT1000 'Touring' version which comes standard with a chrome rack and a big screen, adding another sphere to the bike's capabilities.

Tech
Powering the GT is the Dual Spark V-twin engine. It's air-cooled, has 500cc and two valves in each pot, and of course, Ducati's time honoured Desmodromic valve actuation system. For those who aren't aware – we're sure there's not many of you out there – this means there's no valve springs to close the valves.

A rocker arm opens and closes each valve. The benefit is a lack of valve float at high revs but as this engine is mostly about torque it seems pretty much non consequential. It sounds good when you say 'Desmo' though.

It might only have 90-odd horsepower but it's usable horsepower. Remember the days when 90+ ponies was 'big'? Marelli fuel injection helps keep the coughs and splutters at bay, unlike the original GT750.
The final link in the chain is a six -speed ’box, and a, chain. Imagine that.

Again Ducati has stayed true to itself by using a tubular steel trellis frame to hold the engine, and all the other bits and bobs which make up a motorcycle. The engine is a stressed member, hanging from the frame rather than sitting in it.
Beefy 43mm upside down forks and pre-load adjustable only twin shocks tie it together, and Brembo brakes – 2-piston at front and single at rear – do an admirable job of squashing those Pirelli Phantom tyres into the tar.

Sitting on the stand you'll find a 15 litre fuel tank which is less than it looks. Seat height is 810mm and she tips the scales at 185kg.
We love the fat spoke rims and retro Pirelli Phantom tyres which really add to the bike's charm. Likewise the dual chrome mufflers which don't look or sound as nice as a set of Conti's but they are not bad. Perhaps the only thing we don't like in the styling department is the bum up attitude of the bike. From what we hear we are not alone with these thoughts.

Let's ride
We love the starting system where you push the starter button just once and the engine turns over by itself until it starts.
You don't really feel the bike's bum up attitude when you ride it, although it stands out like dog's bollocks to the eye. For us the riding position is just about spot on, with the seat/’bars/’pegs ratio great for commuting and touring. Helping the cause is the bolt on screen which didn't give us any buffeting to speak of although we're sure some riders out there get some depending on their height.

There's no lack of power on tap from the big GT. Rev it out and you'll be pleased by forward progress, lumber along and the engine will vibrate and get all lumpy like. Nice. It likes it best when you are cruising along a winding backroad, away from traffic lights and cages, the rider using the flexibility of the engine by holding 3rd or 4th gear, playing with the throttle.

In town the bike becomes a little cantankerous.
Not hard work, just lets you know it's not really happy in the built up environment. This is where the only real flaw we found in the bike during the test cropped up. Every time we tipped into a roundabout the bike would all of a sudden feel as though it was about to flop over. Of course it didn't, and we got used to it but this feeling was always there.

Earlier models had a reputation for tank-slapping on rough roads. We experienced this ourselves and had to agree it was a valid criticism. Not so the new GT1000 Touring. It never displayed this tendency during our test so one would have to assume it's no longer an issue.
There's no reason your perky pillion shouldn't find this bike accommodating. Its seat is wide and plush enough to take most backsides, the pillion footpegs are in the right spot, and the rack doubles as a grab rail.

Verdict
We enjoyed our time with the GT. Not only does it look the part but its 1000cc donk performs well and the bike seems to have shaken off its handling maladies of the past.

Two colour schemes are available – red and black/white. At $18,490 + ORC it represents sound value, and ownership will be rewarding, whether riding it or looking at it outside your favourite cafe.