We don’t generally post modified bikes on RSBFS (April 1st posts notwithstanding). The general rule is that for truly rare and limited edition bikes, stock condition rules the roost. An original bike by and large is worth more and holds value better over time. As is often the case, however, there are exceptions. And one clear exception is when the execution of the overall modifications present an entirely new and complete machine – not just a JC Whitney approach to tacking bits on.
1996 Ducati 900 SS SP for sale on eBay
From the seller:
For sale is a pristine 1996 Ducati 900 SS SP. No expense was spared while building this bike. It started out as a bone stock, well cared for 900 SS and was re-built using only the best parts available. The bike runs flawlessly and is likely one of the cleanest 900’s you’ll come across. It has 5,633 original miles (may be slightly higher depending on the weather) and looks brand new. The belts and valves have been done, along with all new starter wires, fluids, and new Dunlop Q3’s. Now let’s start with the upgrades.. I have removed the full fairing and replaced it with a single piece CR fairing and then had the bike painted Jet black. The vintage Ducati black and gold combo has always been my favorite. The bike comes with Ohlins forks and shock, and magnesium Marchesinis. The seat is custom made out of carbon fiber, and features a seat pad that has been freshly re-upholstered in black suede, as well as a set of super bright LED taillights. The front fender is a 1098 shift-tech carbon fiber fender that has been custom painted and clear coated, and the rear hugger has also been re-clear coated to look like new. The front turn signals have also been tinted slightly for a more aggressive look. A Yoyodyne slave cylinder was fitted so you will never have to worry about leaks, and let’s not forget the Fast By Ferracci pipes. I will include stock wheels and body work with the bike. I am in no hurry to sell so please keep the offers reasonable. The next owner of this bike will not be disappointed. Feel free to ask any questions, and I have no problem sending more pictures upon request. I also have pictures of the bike in its original condition should you desire to see them.
The seller has also included a video of the bike in question. This thing is eye candy for sure. I won’t even start to comment on the sound this beauty makes…
This bike is located in Florida, and this BIN auction is on right now. The price: $11,500, with the seller open to reasonable offers. While the price is definitely up there for a 900 SS model, I can’t see building it for a whole lot less. It feels like it is in the ballpark to me – what do YOU think? Check it out and then share some comments.
MI
while I completely agree that this is a very handsome and looking to be well sorted out machine, it begs some questions for me. What spec or bike are those forks taken from, what brake master did he put on it, what carbs are on it, has the engine had the head studs replaced, does it still have the 2 wire or upgraded to 3 wire regulator/rectifier? These are just off the bat, which I am sure there are a ton of other questions I could come up with if I spent some real time ‘really’ looking at it/over it.
Those forks aren’t take-offs, they’re R&T’s. I think the bike is terrific in looks and spec, though a 944 kit and carbs would seem the obvious next step. Still, even with the old fairings, you start adding the used values of the Ohlins, Marchesinis, and CR fairings to the price of a typical SS, and you just don’t get close to $11,500. Even $9k would be top dollar in my opinion.
I agree, $11,500 is too high. I’d guess the market will bear maybe $8-9,000, in spite of all the add-ons. Nice bike though!
Ahhhh! Vertical video syndrome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt9zSfinwFA
Nice bike though. While I think the ask is rational, I think it’s realization will be unlikely.
It’s clean, but these mods are just cosmetic. In my book (and everyone’s is different) upgraded wheels, forks, and paint don’t increase the value of the bike at retail prices. If this were a stock 96 900ss, we’d be talking 3-6k. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautifully executed.
Gorgeous bike….but….this model has lots of major issues with quality and reliability.
Uh Ray, have you ever owned a carbureted 900 SS? I have 2, including a 317 lb. track bike, and I can tell you sure, they had a few issues, as all bikes do. But overall, they are pretty damn bomb proof!
‘Cept that little “frame cracking” thing. Assuming you want it nicely painted after welding up a gusset, you’ve either got to do a full strip and rebuild (not that hard), or pay someone else to (very hard–writing big checks, that is).
And the swingarm would break too–I forget is it’s the steel CR or the alloy SP.
I got one. A nearly bone stock 96 (with jets and Arrow pipes). Not a single problem. Not one. I think the frame is still and open item with Ducati. Not a crazy fast bike. But then again, I’m 50. 3 kids. A job. And work on Mondays. Every Monday. Not trying to drag a knee, or race anyone on Mulholland who pulls up along side on their RZ350, blippin’ their throttle, like when I was 19 on my way to the Rock Store or my old man’s Malibou Lake house on my GPz 550. A 900 SS SP is a blast to ride. Also got a Paul Smart, a couple Aprilias, and a Mondial. The 900 SS SP is the one I, and my friends/cousins, choose. Comfortable, feels right, starting to look classic good, sounds amazing. And gets you home reliably. In once piece. Ready for work on Monday. And very, very, very reasonably priced these days.
CR had a steel swingarm, SS had aluminum. The engines are rock crushers, the frames can take a beating, aside from the fore mentioned crack issues on some frames (but overall not that many had issues), and the electrical issue was really only a problem with the regulator/rectifiers.
Slow steering (but not as slow a a Guzzi), great torque, and fun to ride.