The 1990s were good for Ducati and Ducatsi alike. On the Superbike side, the 851 paved the way for the 888 and the amazing 916. But it was the offerings across the Super Sport line that really broadened the marque’s appeal. Consider the original 900SS, augmented by the Super Light (SL), the Sport Production (SP), and the Cafe Racer (CR) in both full and half fairing versions. The CR model was further bifurcated into the 900SS and the 750SS. The latter is one of the most under rated motorcycles from Bologna – and quite limited in numbers (i.e. rare) in its own right.
1992 Ducati 750SS for sale on eBay
Essentially a 900SS CR model on a diet, the 750 SS offers the same visceral motoring experience as its bigger brother. Sure, it makes due with a few less cubic centimeters and a couple of fewer ponies (66 vs 84 HP), but the ride is essentially the same. It utilizes the same air cooled L-twin, spins its cams by rubber belts, and opens the valves in the same Desmo manner. By the numbers, the 750SS is nearly 20 pounds lighter with the remainder of the running gear and chassis being identical. The 750 model, as a result of its lighter weight and lower power numbers, achieves braking performance via a single disk up front. What you give up is approximately 3-4 tenths down the quarter mile, and about 10-12 mph of top speed. The rest is pure Ducati goodness in a more rare format.
From the seller:
1992 Ducati 750SS Great Shape, runs great just had carbs cleaned and new fork seals. Left side fairing has been repaired no decals have been replaced, right side fairing has some spiedering around bolt hole, scratches on left side exhaust a couple of small scratches where seat is rubbing see photos. over all bike is in great shape.
The Ducati Super Sport lineup is a popular one. Parts are plentiful, as is knowledge of how to service and maintain these machines. Because the 750SS is based on the 900, many parts are interchangeable. So popular was this model that in European markets there is also a 350cc, 400cc and 600cc model – which are all patterned after this 750SS. The Super Sport is the kind of motorcycle that has the bones to last; it may not be the fastest in a straight line, but with gobs of torque, a stiff chassis and willing suspension, a 750SS can motor very swiftly indeed.
Today’s bike is the rare 750cc variant. The seller claims that it has a new left side fairing, and the exhaust has some scratches on the same side. That is pretty convincing evidence of a tip over – but does not necessarily mean a high speed off. This era Ducati has a spring-loaded kickstand that retracts as soon as the bike is picked up. Many bikes suffer inadvertent cosmetic damage in this manner, always on the left. It would not shock me to discover that this damage is minor and the result of the infamous self-retracting stand. Otherwise it looks to be in good shape, has reasonable miles (these bikes beg to be ridden), and is available for what feels like a song. You might wish to inquire as to the whereabouts of the original mirrors, however. This bike is not likely to appreciate any time soon, but it will always be appreciated; you would be hard pressed to find a more solid, long-term bike for your stable. Check it out here, and be sure and jump back to the Comments to share your thoughts. Have you ever been bitten by the wretched Ducati self-retracting stand? Let us know. Good Luck!!
MI
I remember when these were new and don’t ever seeing one at the local dealership with a full fairing. Tank decals are wrong as well.
Neat bike though.
I picked up a low-mileage ’93 750SS in late ’94. I confess it was moto-intoxication. I was in way over my head. The owner lived in an apartment and was eager to sell before Missouri got to deep into winter. It snowed between my test ride and a few days later when I had my loan together. When I arrived there was a light coating of snow on the bike–it was a rescue-bike! Under cover of darkness I rolled it into my first floor apartment and spent Christmas polishing and staring. I had the 2-wheeled equivalent of a Ferrari. At least, in my part of the midwest. The torque was great, the power more than enough, handling smooth and confidence-inspiring. The pipes were not-too-loud, just a deep basso. My girlfriend, about a mile away on the same campus, could tell when I was coming and knew when to be ready outside. Unfortunately, the clutch and the handlebars weren’t made for the suburban riding I was mostly stuck with. It is the bike I most regret selling.
Oh, yeah…it had the quarter-fairing that I thought all 750’s had. There was a kit that relocated the oil cooler from below the front cylinder to above it. That cleaned up the engine visually, although it was always easy on the eyes. I appreciated the exposed engine and preferred it to the full fairing, even though it’s not too shabby looking either.
That’s a great story Steve, it sounds like it was just yesterday for you. That’s what bikes are all about.