With everything else Ducati had in the early 2000’s showroom, it’s not surprising that even the newly re-vamped Supersports struggled. But the Terblanche design has weathered the storm, and the time-tested chassis with its fuel injected, air cooled mill is still a great choice.
2002 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay
Charged with updating the square headlight design that had been on the books since 1988, Pierre Terblanche presented a complex set of curves that was sculpted in places the old 900SS didn’t even have places. The long wheelbase favored gentler curves but the torquey L-twin still made plenty of power. Showa USD forks and Sachs monoshock were fully adjustable, accompanied by typically excellent Brembo brakes and a dry hydraulic clutch. Semi-gloss black looks super-bad and maybe even a little longer than a gloss black finish.
Today’s 900SS is presented by a Virginia mostly auto dealer with an eclectic collection, and looks good with just under 4,000 miles. Not much catches the update eye except the DP exhaust, open clutch cover and seemingly recent matching Michelins. Hopefully “serviced” includes cam belts, a good question for the dealer. A new owner can lavish the TLC all those different silver and black finishes need, and maybe put a black cover on that Pepé Le Pew seat. Just a short comment in the eBay auction –
We just purchased this nice 2002 Ducati 900 Super Sport with only 3995 miles!
This Ducati was purchased in Italy new by one of America’s finest service members and brought back to the states!
Just serviced & Virginia state inspected and ready to enjoy!
The later Supersports had a sportier riding position, and raising the bars might require some finagling since the fairings are snug. The Weber-Marelli fuel injection was tuned for less emissions and often wanted a Power Commander to plump up the fuel map. But for a relatively modern 900 with easier two-valve maintenance, this example looks worth an inquiry.
-donn
Not sure that’s really a 900- it’s got the steel swingarm and non adjustable shocks. Possibly a 750ss with 900 decals?
The only thing Ducati could have done to make this bike less appealing, was to paint it flat black..
Ooops..
Those Showas don’t look adjustable at all which doesn’t augur well for the adjustability of the Sachs shock either.
I’m not a fan of the Terblanche redesign, the earlier iterations look much better IMHO.
I recall the 750 of the time having a wet clutch…
Fugly is the word. Earlier design nailed it, and red is just correct.
Good bike, but fugly.