About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

High style and solid comfort for the long haul... "character" flaws be damned!

Pros

• L-twin engine has power and character, strong brakes have good feel
• Comfortable saddle + good windscreen coverage = easy riding over long hauls
• Classic styling adds a different dimension to touring
• A counterintuitive choice for a touring bike

Cons

• Lacks touring amenities like cruise control & heated grips
• Clutch lever gets heavy during city riding

• Rear suspension can be unrefined, especially during 2 up riding
• A counterintuitive choice for a touring bike

Description

• Price: $11,995 (model is discontinued for 2010)
• 992cc L-twin produces 92 horsepower, 67.3 lb-ft of torque
• Comes equipped with tall windshield, saddlebags, chrome fenders
• Six-speed transmission with straight-cut gears
• Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch
• Chromed steel rims with spoked 17-inch tires
• Seat height: 31.8 inches
• Dry weight: 407 lbs
• 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty

Guide Review - 2009 Ducati SportClassic GT 10000 Touring Review

I've toured the American southwest on a Harley and ridden through Quebec, Canada on a BRP Can-Am Spyder, so it only seemed fitting to "do Italy" on the next best thing to Ducati's new Multistrada 1200: the SportClassic GT1000 Touring.

Some may consider Ducati's SportClassic a counterintuitive choice for touring. Unlike slick, smooth-as-silk spaceships like the 6-cylinder Honda Gold Wing, the Duc is a touch rougher around the edges. No worries; sometimes all you need is a tall windshield, a comfy saddle, and entertaining open roads for a pleasant ride...

oh, and a good GPS unit and helmet-to-helmet Bluetooth system doesn't hurt, either.

First, a word about the GT1000's slick styling: this black beauty's classic looks are striking enough to turn heads even in its aesthetically aware homeland, as proven by this shot of natives to posing for photos with the thing. Pretty impressive. And when you fire it up, the pulse of the air-cooled 992cc L-twin has a mechanical edge that echoes the bike's visceral appearance. Nice.

A pull of the heavy clutch, a click of the light shifter, and the GT1000 chatters forward through long gears that highlight the engine's meaty midrange torque-- 67.3 lb-ft that peak at 6,000 rpm, to be exact. Though it needs to be revved into its smoother rpm range for optimum power, it's certainly no slouch, either. Two-up riding reveals the adjustable rear suspension to be a bit wallowy at times (especially at the scenic, winding Futa Pass), but on most roads the Duc behaves with stable handling, solid wind protection, and enough power for the occasional high speed blast down the Autostrada connecting Florence, Rome, and Bologna. The 320mm Brembo brakes are exceptional, though it takes a bit of right foot tilt to activate the pedal for the rear stoppers.

Though it shines over long distance rides, the bike's "character" starts to show in the city, where the weight of its clutch lever can make you dread stop and go traffic. At least during grand prix-style starts from red lights, the big twin creates enough oomph to beat scooters and small-engined Fiats off the line. In other news, the leather saddlebags offer 10 liters of storage each-- which is not a whole lot, but certainly enough if you don't mind packing light for multi-day trips like our 570 mile jaunt.

I will admit to a bit of big touring bike envy when I saw a fleet grip heater and cruise control-equipped GLs during one particularly chilly stop on the A1. But when you consider the GT1000's $11,995 price tag-- which is roughly half that of a Gold Wing's-- its equipment list actually starts to look rather attractive. Factor in the fact that this model has been discontinued from the 2010 Ducati lineup, and the SportClassic GT1000 Touring might actually become a classic. If you're into retro looks and long rides, this SportClassic is an attractive choice that is unlikely to look uncool any time soon.

>>Click here for a 2009 Ducati GT1000 Touring Photo Gallery<<

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