2008 Ducati SportClassic Review

Intro

In the 1960s, café racers were created by motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted maximum speed and handling from their bikes. These pioneers of motorcycle racing took factory-made bikes and stripped all unnecessary parts from them to make the bikes lighter. Then, the speed demons would jazz up the engine and modify the body to ensure maximum velocity. In the 1970s, large motorcycle manufacturers sold café-racing versions of their most popular models. However, in the early 1980s, the café racing fad passed, and those who wanted a café racer were forced to buy older machines.

The 2008 Ducati SportClassic is a throwback to those golden years of motorcycle history. Ducati wished to create a motorcycle with a nostalgic feel, but they also wanted to build it using modern technology and high quality materials. This motorcycle is elegant and eye-catching. The fuel tank features classic knee cut-outs, a common feature of the older machines of the 60s and 70s. The Ducati SportClassic also has plenty of shiny chrome, including a pair of chrome exhaust pipes and mufflers.

The original café racers sacrificed comfort for speed, but the 2008 Ducati SportClassic proves that you can have an easy ride, good handling and speed all in one bike. True to the Ducati reputation, all components of this motorcycle are of the highest quality and engineering. Even though this motorcycle looks like a vintage bike, it handles and performs like a modern motorcycle.

New For 2008

  • Ducati gives buyers the choice of three attractive color schemes for the 2008 SportClassic, including silver, red, and two-tone black and cream.
  • Foot-pegs are slightly forward to ensure a comfortable ride.
  • The Ducati SportClassic has a dual seat with the passenger foot-pegs in a comfortable position.
  • The SportClassic has fabulous acceleration, achieving 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds.

2008 Ducati SportClassic Specs

  • Model: 2008 Ducati SportClassic
  • Engine Type: L-Twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
  • Bore and Stroke: 94 millimeters/ 3.7 inches; 71.5 millimeters/ 2.8 inches
  • Compression ratio: 10.01:1
  • Valve Train: SOHC
  • Induction: Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45 mm throttle body
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: Six-speed chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 15 liters/ 3.96 gallons
  • Brakes (Front): Double disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Single disc
  • Suspension (Front): 43 millimeters, upside-down fork
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin, fully adjustable shock absorber
  • Wheelbase: 1,425 millimeters/ 56.1 inches
  • Seat Height: 825 millimeters/ 32.5 inches
  • Curb Weight: 182.0 kg/ 401.2 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 120/70-R17
  • Tires (Rear): 180/55-R17

Accessories

  • The 2008 Ducati SportClassic has the suspension of a sport bike and a Trellis frame These two features mean that the SportClassic holds the road confidently.
  • The SportClassic has a removable tailpiece cover. This cover can be removed to reveal the extended seat for a second passenger. When in use, the tailpiece cover adds to the sport bike appearance of the SportClassic.
  • The standard SportClassic comes with an engine immobilizer to keep the motorcycle from being stolen.

Key Competitors For The 2008 Ducati SportClassic

  • 2008 Yamaha YZF R1
  • 2008 Honda Interceptor Base
  • 2008 Aprilia RSV 1000 R
  • 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R