The 900CR is a bit of a forgotten Ducati. Offered as part of the late 1990’s Ducati range, the 900CR and its sister 900SS weren’t objects of lust like the Ducati 916/996/998 but also weren’t the companies sales leader like the “standard” Monster series. The 900 series was targeted towards non-hard core sport rider, a smaller market segment that wasnt as interested in having the latest tech or bolt ons. The result was that the 900 series bikes were never the most technologically advanced bikes in the Ducati lineup nor did they have the most aftermarket bits/offerings created for them. Furthermore, most buyers at the time seemed to prefer the full fairing look of the 900SS so the CR is a bit of a rarity.
While the 900CR didn’t enjoy huge sales success back in the 1990’s, nowadays it is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in popularity. This is probably due its exposed/cafe racer style aging better than the bulbus 900SS and the fact that CR’s are a bit less common.
1998 Ducati 900CR for sale on ebay
The genesis of the the CR is that back in 1989 Ducati engineering boss Massimo Bordi set up two separate production lines; one for the liquid-cooled, four-valve, fuel-injected 851 range and the other for air-cooled, 600/750/900cc two-valve carburetor twins. This was done because while the 851/888 range was the one that formed the basis of the companies racing efforts and future tech, the air-cooled twin powered bikes were actually what kept the coffers full/were the most popular selling Ducati’s.
For 1998 the Ducati 900 SS/CR series came with a pair of 38mm Mikuni CV carbs, an aluminium swingarm to shorten the wheelbase, Showa shocks and forks and 320mm Brembo discs. None of this technology was revolutionary at the time it was introduced nor was it discontinued after the bikes production run ended. The benefit of this is that the 900SS/CR series are easier to live with than their liquid-cooled brethren. Simply put, the 900 series are a way to have the Ducati experience without breaking the bank.
This particular 900CR looks to be in good condition but isn’t pristine. There are some aftermarket parts (exhaust, seat, bar ends?) and the fluid reservoir caps look to be either replacements or have had the paint come off due to fluid leaks. Mileage is approximately 18,000 and the maintenance info is very limited with the seller indicating only that “maintenance locally at an established Motorcycle Dealership here in Nashville, TN” so there might be some belt replacement costs for the desmo engine. The seller also indicates that the bike went down at 15mph which is perhaps why the pictures don’t show the other side of the bike?
So is this Ducati 900CR a future classic or a future crock? Sure the 900SS/CR series will never be as desirable as other Ducati’s such as the Supermono, Desmosedici or even 916, but prices for the late 1990’s 900 series bikes do seem to be creeping up in value. Bidding for this one is currently at $2500 USD with the reserve not met and previous listings of these on RSBFS have shown prices slightly under $5000 USD.
Perhaps if this one interests you an email and then phone discussion to the seller would be a logical next step. Personally I think this one is a bit of a gamble; it might be a future “classic” or it might be a “crock”…perhaps some of our more experienced readers will share their opinions in the comments section.
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
I cant see how these could be a crock. The DNA is still 900ss aluminum swingarms had a tendency to crack. It was built on a budget forks are non adjustable. Later models at least had adjustable shocks. I prefer the CR looks very minimalistic look. These are a good buy for a fun bike. Collectable time will only tell and I will enjoy my CR for the time being.
The CRs have steel swingarms & a narrower rear tire than the SS/SPs.
I bought one for my son last year w/14K miles for $1500.
Great little bike I want to get another just to play with.
These CR’s have always been known as the “cheap” 900SS, for good reason. Cheap suspension, cheap swing arm, cheap wheel size, cheaper initial cost. Cheap, cheap, cheap. Will never be collectable, will never appreciate, will just bottom out on depreciation. $1500 -$2000 for your first Ducati is very cool- but watch out as you catch up on maintenance and then are tempted to upgrade to better brakes and swing arm, wheels, and much more. The SP version (see featured listing above) and earlier pre- 1995 standard 900SS (there was only one version available then) are much better values for money.
Got to agree with Sixthgear. You might as well buy an SP and put CR fairings on it. Though the CR is not a bad bike by any definition you will want to upgrade the front forks and probably slap a set of FCR41 carbs on it. I prefer the skinnier rear tire on the CR as it turns a little easier but that’s just me. Whatever you do, don’t let it sit for weeks with gas in the carbs as they block up the idle jets. Use seafoam if you are storing it. Oh and check the headstock frame area for cracks.
The CR series gets a lot of flack. It is an excellent 90s Ducati. The 94-95 model years had Showa front forks (non-adjustable) and a Showa rear shock. These are the ones to get. You can do a direct swap to a 900 SS/SP set of forks, or just go with Race Tech or another supplier to upgrade the forks. For daily riding the stock pieces with a better spring and quality fork fluids work just fine. Ohlins and others make a rear bolt-on upgrade shock. The engine is the same 904cc V-Twin torque machine with the 6-speed gearbox and dry clutch. The stock carbs are slightly different than SS/SP but can be set up to run well. Or just go the FCR41mm route and enjoy. The steel swingarms are very stout and the 160-series rear speeds turning. Plenty of good rubber available for this size rear rim.
The 96-98 CR had Marzocchi forks and Boge rear shock. Avoid these years. The forks are non-rebuildable and are 40mm so the triple trees, etc. won’t accept the Showa pieces. The shock does swap out however.
So, spend $5K for an SS/SP, or spend half as much, get the same engine, and spend the other $2.5K on the fun stuff to truly make it your own.