With its last major refreshening in 2003, the Ducati Supersport waited out the inevitable without much fanfare. Concentrating on the 1000cc variant, even Ducati’s own model archive doesn’t show the 800 SuperSport after 2004. Lightweight and simple compared to the SuperBikes, the SS models are great riders and the sculptural Pierre Terblanche design is still a head-turner, especially in red.
2007 Ducati 800 SuperSport for sale on eBay
Built around a steel tubing trellis frame, this time also in red, the 800SS has 43mm Marzocchi forks and adjustable Sachs monoshock underneath. The air-cooled 2-valve V-twin generates 75 hp and a nice 50 ft-lbs. torque. This generation was also fuel injected and had wet clutch and 6-speed transmission. Upswept exhaust has been upgraded with Leo Vince carbon slip-ons. Brembo brakes front and rear, 320mm and 245mm respectively.
Controversial at introduction, the complex fairing design is interesting without getting overly busy, the lack of carbon details being almost refreshing. The dual seat fairing has had the designer’s attention as has the NACA duct-looking windshield. The fuel tank has a integral protective pad, something every Ducati could use.
Offered by a big retailer in New Hampshire, this 800SS has almost 4,000 miles and looks super, almost too many studio photos. The only mods appear to be the mufflers and a battery charger cable, and the front tire is mentioned as being almost ready to replace. Helpfully, they offer to take trades and provide a 90-day warranty, and a copy of a title / damage record search ( 3 owners, no reported damage ). From the eBay auction:
This beautiful low mileage Ducati 800 Supersport has been upgraded with a Leo Vince Slip-on exhaust that makes fantastic sounds. This excellent handling bike is powered by a 800cc air cooled twin with 75 horsepower making it a great option for a mid weight sports bike.
Unfortunately, the design and engineering poured into the SuperSport couldn’t overcome the futuristic glare from the water-cooled side of the showroom, and a series of marque races never gained momentum. The factory ceased production in 2006, and stocks were sold out in 2007. The 1000DS engine lived on in the SportClassic and MultiStrada. The last generation SuperSport tested well, a good handling torquey bike with better than expected reliability.
This SuperSport is a real looker with red over the red frame and appears unscuffed. Pretty rare bike especially at this late year and low mileage. Racey ergonomics make bar risers a possibility for longer trips. Cam belt maintenance will have to be determined. Slightly different than a private sale ( and maybe higher reserve ), this full service retailer has inspected the bike and offers a service contract. This just might reduce the risks in buying an older Ducati…
-donn
The styling on these always leaves me cold, The fairing is ok but that rear looks like a japanese bike.I much prefer my 1992 version.
Bought an ’04 brand-new for Superstock-class racing, which the shop delivered to me at the track. Previously raced a well-developed ’92 750SS Superbike & was looking forward to the upgrades: fuel-injection, 6-speed, etc. Biggest improvements: steeper swingarm angle for overall better handling & ground clearance (& my Penske shock still fit); consistent fueling; excellent fade-resistant brakes (with EBC kit pads). Disappointments: More weight; ground clearance still a problem in stock trim; rev limiter cut in randomly between indicated 8200 & 8500 (so no or unpredictable overrun & shifting (reved my 750 to 11k)); non-adjustable front forks are a joke (end of damper cartridge is fully crimped, so cannot easily change to better valves); throttle tube has way too much freeplay (it feels like it’s going to come off anytime!); oddly spaced gear ratios & sticky gear shift action (prefered the 5-speed); wet clutch was awful for starts, notched up quickly, & needed constant attention; riding position is awful on the street (cannot use bar risers b/c master cylinders will contact the front fairing); can’t tuck in behind stock windscreen; super-slick stock footpegs. I won a WERA championship with it & still ride it on the street; but frankly, it’s a soul-less appliance compared to the charm of my ’92. For similar money, a properly modified carburetted SS (or maybe a 748/916) is the way to go – street or track.