Even with an occasional hiatus, Ducati’s Supersport is an evergreen model, and the 1990’s 900SS was centered in a very sweet spot. Without being an under-used garage queen, today’s offering on BaT appears expertly preserved.
Though it left circuit racing aspirations to the 4-valve 888 and 916, the 900SS specs kept the focus on sport. The 904cc air-cooled mill had a generous oil cooler, and Mikuni carbs straightened out the fuel delivery compared to previous Webers. Just over 400 lbs. dry weight made its 84 hp perfectly adequate, and the exhaust and clutch sounds made a nice soundtrack for every launch. Painted pillion cover and upswept exhausts set the stage, and nicer components like Showa dampers, 320mm Brembo brakes and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the sporty picture.
Notes from BaT
The fuel tank and side fairings were refinished in October 2020 following the seller’s 2017 acquisition, reportedly from the bike’s second owner. Features include a carbon-fiber front fender, a tinted windscreen, a black solo seat, digital ignition, adjustable Showa suspension, triple Brembo disc brakes, three-spoke 17″ alloy wheels, Arrow slip-on mufflers, and a side stand. Recent service in April 2023 included changing the fluids and cleaning the dual Mikuni carburetors as well as replacing the tires and timing belts.
RSBFS
Numerous close-ups show this 900SS to be a lovely ridable restoration, cleaned and polished to a high standard but leaving off any untoward mods. The non-adjustable dampers and steel swingarm lead commenters to believe that this is a 900SS/CR model with added fairing lowers. Hopefully it will run as well as it looks for the next owner.
The Used Motorcycle You Need
Many have written about the Supersport’s all-around skills, and beside testing in Tuscany, Cycle World’s Peter Egan wrote about riding to Sturgis with a duffle bag across the back, then showing the 900SS’s sporting manners in the Black Hills. And that he wished he could have his 1996 Supersport SP back.
Check out the full gallery and BaT auction – here – !
-donn
