These days anything retro is ‘cool’. Personally I’m not sure when we entered this societal self reflective period, but suddenly it seems everywhere I look something is popping up that’s retro in its origins. At least in terms of its designs. And of course as a company that has a rich history filled with fantastic aesthetics that specificly denote certain bygone eras, Ducati seems like a prime canidate to capitalize on this newfound retro explosion. Starting at the stroke of midnight in the year 2000 with the amazing concept bike turned limited production model Mike Hailwood Replica, the folks in Bologna have been working overtime to quench this retro thirst.

In 2003, they introduced three retro concept bikes (plus, eventually a fourth bike) called the ‘Sport Classics’ at the Toyko Motor Show. The public went so crazy that they practically demanded that Ducati build the bikes. Over 300,000 unique visitors even voted online to convince the brass at Ducati! Once again Ducati decided to make limited production bikes for public sale, only this time they’ve announced the bikes ahead of time so that you can put your money down at your local dealer.

Here’s a bit from the offical Ducati Announcement for the ‘Sport Classic’ line:

The three new Sport classics

The first model produced will be the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition. It features the incredible Ohlins suspension front and rear, and is painted in the silver and green colour scheme similar to the original 1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport. Inspired by Paul Smart’s Imola 200 winning racer, it captures the verve of the original and fulfils the performance demands of today’s sport rider. Production is forecasted to begin in November 2005.

The next model to appear will be the Sport 1000. The bold Café Racer styling and the essential timeless beauty of the original Sport 750 combines elegantly with modern Ducati performance and road-going savvy. Production is forecasted to begin in March 2006.

Six months later it’s the GT 1000. As a sport bike to be ridden every day, it has a balance of two-up comfort and Desmo twin performance. The new GT 1000 combines heritage styling, quality and modern road manners. Production is forecasted to begin in September, 2006.

And Here’s a pict of the first three ‘Sport Classics’ bikes:

Now of course any Ducati rider who reads the slew of sportbike mags out there would know about these bikes… What they may not know however is that there is a small racing outfit that has already been building custom one of the kind ‘Sport classic’ Ducati Motorcycles for several years now!

Baines Racing has been building personalized retro bikes to their clients specs for several years now. They call it their Project Imola. Basically they sell you a kit that comprises of a hand made frame, swinging arm, shock absorbers, conti replica silencers, clip ons, chain guard, full bodykit & seatpad, front & rear lights and fuel cell. They expect you to add either a 900, 750 or 600SS or monster engine to this kit and they’ll either ship you the kit for you to build or if you prefer build the bike for you. It’s up to you!

Here’s a bit from their website:

Project Imola is not just an attractive dream that may or may not eventually rumble into production. Unlike so many ’specials’ this ‘bike really works and outperforms it’s mentor in every way and we can prove it……..We have two prototypes built now that show different levels of available spec’ and one of these is available for test rides to serious enquiries. So, is the sun out? Yes? Well then, come over for a cup of tea and bring your crash helmet and cheque book!

And Here’s a pict of their version of the ‘Sport Classic Series’ - [Please note that this just one of several different body work selections they offer]

Now personally I find this entire retro crazy amazing not because I question why someone would want one, but rather because of its seemingly endless popularity. I think we can all agree that these bikes hark back to an era that had an amazing styling aesthic. What fascinates me to no end, is the question, “who is buying these bikes?”

Obviously some portion are people who see their youth in the retro nature, but I have to believe that there is also another percentage of the potential audience of these bikes that is much younger than the originals. These peopple are buying these modern bikes because they think these bikes look cool not because it speaks to their age. And if this is true then perhaps we judge style to quickly. Everytime a new bike comes out - for instance when the 999 replaced the 998 - people quickly jump to make judgement calls on how beautiful a design is. In essence they ask the question of how long a particular design will last. Will it stand the test of time.

In the case of the 999, it was deemed ugly or less than stellar because it replaced what everyone seems to agree was the most timeless Ducati design ever, the 916 platform. I used to agree 100% that this was the Ducati icon… But now having studied the pictures of these retro bikes, I find myself wondering if nowdays the ultimate test of a timeless design isn’t what we think of it currently, but whether or not they will build retro verions later on in the future.

Until I see people buying 916 or 998 repllicas in the future then I think we have to withhold final judgement. Certainly we can say it was a great design statement and that it shifted the then current design paradigm when it came out - but what the ‘Sport Classic’ Line and for that matter the Baines Racing Imola Project has made me realize is that the ultimate test of aesthics is whether or not our kids build replicas. That’s when we’ll know that the 916 styling was an amazing design. Until then I just get along knowning that the original bikes that these replicas are based on stood the test of time…. And that’s the best compliment that a motorcycle designer can get.