Ex-Paul Smart, 2,881 miles from new, 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition

• Previously owned by Paul Smart himself
• Purchased directly from Paul by the vendor
• 2,881 miles from new
• Full provenance

"Want it for Paul's achievement, want it for Ducati's heritage, want it for how it looks." – Bike magazine.

Paul Smart's famous victory in the 1972 Imola 200, riding what would become the 750SS, was instrumental in establishing Ducati as a high-performance brand for the modern era. So what better way to celebrate the Bologna marque's heritage than a limited edition model in the spirit of the iconic 750SS? And why not duplicate the rest of the original bevel-drive twins line-up while you're about it? That was Ducati's reasoning behind the launch of its new 'Sport Classic' range in 2005. However, none of the three models - Smart 1000 LE, Sport 1000 and GT1000 - is in any way a 'replica'; all are thoroughly modern motorcycles with only the styling and colour scheme acknowledging the past. The Paul Smart 1000 LE uses the air-cooled 1000DS v-twin engine, as found in a number of other Ducatis, which is housed in the Italian firm's trademark trellis frame, the latter complemented by some top-quality Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes. "After 20 miles I was totally sold on the bike, as I had been after five minutes of looking at it. Exclusivity, style, power, handling... what else could I want?" queried Bike magazine's tester at the 1000 LE's launch. A production run of only 2,000 units was planned and few motorcycles of modern times have become as instantly collectible.

This Ducati Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition was originally owned and registered by the late Paul Smart, from whom our vendor purchased it in 2009 (see handover photograph in folder). The Smarts were/are old friends of the vendor's elder brother and sister-in-law, and it was through this connection that the vendor came to purchase the Ducati from Paul. Paul owned three examples of this model but this is the only one he registered in his name. The others were gifted to Paul's family but it is understood they were never registered. When purchased, the Ducati lacked the lower fairing panels, but Paul was able to source a pair for our vendor from Ducati Italy (receipt on file).

On 12th July 2023 the owner personally rode the Ducati from his home in Lincolnshire into Bonhams' Milton Keynes motorcycle facility and the ride was as exhilarating as always. Presented in outstandingly original condition, having covered only 2,881 miles from new, it has impeccable provenance and is offered with numerous interesting photographs and other items.

'KX06 OWM' was first registered to Scott Smart Racing and transferred to Paul three months later. The other two PS1000LEs that Paul kept in his garage were given to him by Ducati Italy as a 'thank you' for all the promotional work he undertook during the model's early days. Paul told the vendor that he undertook a number of personal appearances on this, his own machine, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Sammy Miller Museum, the National Motor Museum, and Beaulieu (the Beaulieu museum visitor's tag is still in place on the handlebars). The photograph of Paul riding this bike, which features on the special Ducati Club tribute poster (included in the sale), was almost certainly taken on one of these occasions.

Also included is an illustrated folder made up by our vendor for the Ducati Owners' Club tribute to Paul Smart at last year's Motor Cycle News Rally at Peterborough in May. There is also a copy of the special banner that can be seen on the display (Paul can be seen riding this machine in the bottom left-hand photograph on the banner.

The motorcycle is offered with an owner's manual (signed by Paul on the inside page). There is no service manual but there are receipts on file for the following services:

• 2010 (615 miles) – cam belts
• 2015 (1,863 miles) – cam belts and service
• 2020 (2,364 miles) – cam belts and service
• 2023 (2,731 Miles) – voltage regulator

The file also contains a V5C (with Paul's details as previous owner); MoT to 2nd May 2024; and a receipted invoice for the sale in Paul's handwriting.

Additional items comprise:

• 2022 Memorial Tribute Banner (vinyl)
• Original exhaust components which Paul had changed for Termignonis before selling the bike
• A fitted cover
• Limited Edition T-shirt size XL, unworn, with tags
• Side panel extensions for semi-naked configuration (see above – Paul sourced the '16' side panels for the vendor)
• Small tool kit (under saddle)
• Keys

Paul Smart Ducatis are exceedingly rare. This example, previously owned by the legend himself, and with fewer than 3,000 miles recorded, represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this piece of Ducati history.