It’s no secret I’m a big fan of the 900SS of the 90’s and this striking silver Final Edition 900SS 1998 model is no exception. That classic, carbureted, dry clutch, booming V-twin is the definition of what makes the last of this era Ducati Supersport such a special machine. This particular example has covered less than 5000 miles and while it looks very sharp in it’s own right, it includes a new side fairing for the one panel that has some tip over damage. It also has the upgraded Keihin carbs that are almost a must do upgrade for the carb’d examples, some carbon pipes to make it sound the part as well and several other correct upgrades that benefit this model. All ingredients of a recipe that spells buy if you’re looking for a SuperSport!
dc
1998 Ducati 900SS/FE for sale on eBay
from the seller:
I purchased this bike in March of 2013. I’d wanted one since they first came out in 1998, but finances being what they were back then, it wasn’t in the cards. Now things were in my favor.
When I went to look at the bike it had been sitting for an extended period, and as such it wouldn’t start; I didn’t care, I bought it anyway. When I brought it home it had 3,982 original miles. As of today it has 4,708 original miles on the odometer. It needs nothing.
I replaced the stock/factory carbs with a pair of Keihin FCR 41mm flat slide carbs that I purchased from California Cycleworks / they cost $929.00. The kit came complete with the carbs, billet manifolds, throttle cables, and everything to mount them. It’s a well-designed carb kit, and the difference in the performance of the bike is simply amazing.
I also replaced the stock slip-on mufflers with a pair of Spark Carbon Fiber pipes. The CF wrapping enhances the other CF parts on the bike, and they make the bike sound like an air-cooled, two-valve, dry clutch Ducati should sound. It’s magnificent. The pipes were $654.00.
The stock carbs, with all the parts that came off the bike, and the stock slip-on mufflers will come with the bike when purchased. Everything else on the bike is bone stock with the exception of an aftermarket clutch slave cylinder, which the PO installed. If you know these bikes, you know that’s the bike’s Achilles’ heel.
While working on the carbs I decided to replace the (then new) battery that came in it with a MotoBatt sealed AGM battery. I didn’t want to have to deal with any battery acid leakage issues. The battery that came out of the bike has been on a Battery Tender, and it will come with the bike.
As you’ll see in the photos, the right side fairing has a small scrape. That happened when the PO had a tip-over in his garage. The scrape is hardly noticeable, and unless you tell someone it’s there, they won’t see it. But!.. not to worry, the bike also comes with a brand-new, still in the original box, factory right side fairing. Should you decide that the small scrape isn’t your cup o’ tea, it’s a 10 minute job to swap lower fairings. The price tag on the box reads $812.00. I doubt you could find another one at that price today.
Both cam belts were replaced on 3/15/08, when the bike had 3,218 miles. I also have an extra pair of cam belts that will come with the bike.
The attached photos speak for themselves. You will see a small mark in the paint on the left side of the nose fairing. I assume that came from when the previous owner was riding it. It’s small enough that I probably shouldn’t mention it, but I want you to know.
I have all the original paperwork dating back to the original purchase. I have two service manuals (hard to get), both owners manuals, two keys, the small tab with the key code on it, and some very nice magazines and other literature that will come with the bike.
Why am I selling?.. I’m 64, and I need to have both of my knees replaced. I was scheduled to have surgery last October, but I had some complications that prevented me from having the procedure. The bottom line is I simply cannot ride the bike. It’s a shame, because it needs to be ridden. I’m also retiring at the end of April, and I need to downsize my m/c stables. Otherwise, I’d keep the bike and ride it after my knees are replaced.
I’m really liking this one. A modern classic- maintain it in the same condition as it asppears to be in, and I’ll bet you won’t lose any money on it when it comes time to sell. You might just fall in love though, and it could become a long term relationship. Having owned a ’92 900ss (white frame+ black wheels that year), I can tell you these really aren’t fast at all, just plenty of low end and mid-range heaven. You don’t buy a bike like this for speed contests against modern 600’s. Highly suggest a test ride first if you’re coming from something very different- like any Japanese sport bike! Handling is rock solid and unflappable, very conservative geometry. Even on 4 different tracks, my 900SS never bit back and was totally forgiving, and I completely trusted the front end.
I sure wouldn’t hesitate to bid on this particular example. The whole situation just seems to ring true to me. It has the right aftermarket parts that you’d want already on it, along with the stock stuff too, and extra bodywork. The only thing I noticed was that the belts were last changed about 5 years ago. Budget some time and money to do that for sure, and then enjoy it this summer.
It’s really refreshing to see an ad like this. The owner sounds like a real guy and his bike presents well with an honest sounding story and good pictures. If silver is your color and you’re in the market for a 900 FE, this would certainly be one to look at and listen to….aaaahhhh the sound. I’d be calling this guy. Great street bike and a lot of bang for the buck.
don’t trust a 6 y.o. gimler belt & toss the spare,NOT worth the risk. KuDos to slangbuster & sixthgear Great input ,thanks
Gents, I own the bike.. thanks for the positive comments. I rode it a couple miles Friday night (which is about all the knees would allow)since I haven’t ridden it since the end of last summer. The bike runs great, and it sounds like no bike I’ve ever owned. I hope to be able to see the look on the new owner’s face when he takes delivery..
Final eBay price was $8100, congratulations!
dc
Hi guys – I figured I’d chime in and close the loop in this one. I purchased this bike and will be picking it up tomorrow. In this case I was obviously willing to pay a bit of a premium for the condition, FCRs, extra bodywork, etc. The FE example at Barber has always been one of my favorite bikes there so I’m looking forward to seeing this one in my garage every day. It will be in good hands, promise!
Congratulations on your purchase, and just in time for spring!
dc