Racing a Paul Smart in endurance races was the most fun racing I ever did. I think it would suck on the street.
the bars being that low? I'm not seriously looking at them, but every time I see one, I price them out, and start thinking about it... A street bike makes ZERO sense for me, but I still want one. It would be hard to spend Ducati money on something that I will not use very often. I should probably look at old Super Hawks instead.
I have a Paul Smart that I bought new in 07. I love the bike but it breaks often. It's not very comfy on the street. Bolt backed out of the flywheel at 300 miles. Barnett clutch basket lost a rivet around 700 miles. Spun a rod bearing at 2300 miles. Both rear turn signal post broke just from the vibration of riding it. Swing arm guard that protects it from the chain near the CS sprocket broke in half a few weeks ago. Bike has about 2350 miles and a junk yard motor in it currently.
I have an 06 Sport Classic, it's a torture rack on the street, less than 1000 miles on it. I do love looking at it though.
Owned 2 of them. They are not worth the money people are getting for them now. That Tron movie sent their value skywards. Great air cooled motor, but crap suspension and brakes. No adjustability up front and limited in the rear. Super uncomfortable and if you put the higher bars on it completely ruins the look. Gas tank is almost guaranteed to expand as well. With that said, I'd buy another in a heartbeat if the price was right. It's a great looking bike with a perfect back road motor, loads of torque. If you can fix the shortcomings and deal with the comfort they are awesome. I just don't think they are worth the 12 to 15k price they are pulling lately.
My cousin had a Sport GT (like the one in Tron) and it was a blast. He sold it after a year or two. Too bad. If he had sold it these days, he could have got a lot of moolah. BTW, what the hell is a Ducait ?
I looked at them when I bought my 848. I wanted one badly. I finally got to a point where I thought they were overpriced and got the 848 instead. The Nashville Ducati dealer didn't have one, but they could get their hands on a brand new one (never sold) that was in New York. They wanted something ridiculous for it, but the kicker was that they didn't want to provide any warranty with it. It was brand new (when I say brand new - I mean, it was an older year, but it had never sold to anyone. It might've been 3 years old or something). So, I passed.
You're all talking me into a japanese twin... I just want something fun that won't feel slow with my wife on the back, but can still be fun at a track day ...and inevitably race-prepped when I realize how often I don't street it.
My 01 Monster that I bought brand new...I've never had one single problem. My goofy son can't even break it!
That was a great time Pete. I owned a Paul Smart. Like others have said way over priced now and not comfortable Ride safe, AAron
