If you want a machine with charisma, humane ergonomics, and a dash of tradition, the early 90s Ducati 900SS is a modern classic that offers a less frantic experience than similar bikes from Japan. Straight-line performance for the two-valve v-twin is modest, but these were all about midrange power and torque. Powered by a 904cc version of Ducati’s air/oil-cooled Pantah-derived engine, the 900SS came in SS/SP and SS/CR flavors. The SP was equipped with some carbon bits and adjustable suspension components, so handling for the more entry-level CR is pretty basic.
I happen to love the half-faired version of the bike seen here, although I’d probably try to find a nice SP version and just fit the abbreviated fairing: the non-adjustable Showa forks found on some CRs aren’t great, but even those are better than the much-maligned Marzocchi parts… I’m not sure which are fitted here, but it really shouldn’t matter since you either won’t use the bike for serious canyon-strafing and live with the stock parts, or will just bin them and get something better. But plenty of parts exist to sort that out: a set of forks from the SP, an adjustable Öhlins rear shock and some good rubber should see things improve significantly.
As always with a Ducati: condition is key and maintenance is critical: valve adjustments every 6,000 miles and timing belt changes every 12,000 miles or two years at the very least. The air/oil-cooled Ducati engine is fundamentally rugged, but needs more attention than many other machines and neglect is your enemy: the 900SS may be cheap to buy, but putting a bad one right can quickly exceed your purchase price, so this one looks like a pretty good deal.
From the original eBay listing: 1995 Ducati 900SS/CR for Sale
Ducati’s Supersport line has a pedigree that unmatched, its lineage traceable all the way back to the original 750cc racing Supersport of 1972. That bike won the famous Imola 200 race under rider Paul Smart, cementing respect for the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. The early 1990’s were special years for Ducati’s 900SS. With the re-designed frame, improved Brembo brakes, the 900SS had the handling to accompany the booming 904cc desmodue. Powered by an air-cooled desmodromic 2-valve 90° V-twin is nicely carbureted by Mikuni, and has a wide power band.
This 900 SS/CR has had a pampered life, one owner, 5888 original miles, dealer serviced and always garaged. Basically stock with the exception of carbon fiber exhaust by D&D, bar end mirrors and rear fender eliminator. Recently serviced with belts replaced and carbs rebuilt. Includes all stock parts, both original keys and original manuals. This your opportunity to own a beautiful example of Italian engineering.
I happen to think the air/oil-cooled Ducati twins are some of the nicest-sounding engines of all time, but if you buy this one you’d better hope your neighbors agree, as those D&D cans are pretty loud… I’d keep them, but the seller indicates that he has “all stock parts” so you can always fit the original, much quieter pipes if you prefer. The Pantah-engined 900SS has been at or nearly at the bottom of the Ducati food chain for a while now, but prices are starting to creep up for good examples. The Buy-It-Now for this very clean example is a reasonable $5,200 but as always, a few folks are really jumping the gun on values: there’s an SS/SP that’s been sitting on eBay for a while now, with an asking price of almost $9,000… But nice, reasonably-priced examples like this one are still out there if you look.
-tad
Get rid of that Michelin sticker and I like it.
Bought one of these for my son w/14K miles for $1700 last Fall.
It needed a service + tires, sprockets and a chain for about $1K.
I had one of these back in 95 and paid $5500 OTD. Solid predictable handling. Great engine. Easy to go fast on. Mine would set off car alarms with a GiaCoMoto exhaust. I’m sure it is even louder with the D & D slip ons.
good first italian bike…1st order of business is redoing the grips and coming up with a different set of mirrors.
Doesn’t the SP have an aluminum swingarm whereas the CR has a steel swingarm?
One more reason to buy the SP and put the CR half fairing on if you like the style better. I’m with Tad I like to see the engine.
My 900SS had those D&D slip ons…for a while. Awful stuff- poor build quality, way too loud, and not even a good Ducati kind of loud. On early Sunday rides, I used to push my bike a block away before firing it up out of respect for my neighbors. They still knew every time I went for a ride, and every time I came back. The sound would beat me up even with ear plugs, and I enjoyed the bike less and less until I got rid of them. Budget for something good, and get an SP instead of a CR. These are great bikes, but completely different than anything else- try before you buy if you’re coming from only Japanese ownership.
Heres a 93 SP for half the price:
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/mcy/5892995352.html
I have never owned one but have always thought the 900 is the best sounding bike ever.
Except the MN bike is clearly not an SP. Rear brake is above the swing arm as opposed to below the swing arm. No CF front fender, no Brembo cast iron full floating rotors and finally the Ronald McDonald color scheme likely signals full disassembly to return the frame color to something normal to most buyers.
Ray is correct- that Minneapolis 1993 SS is a misrepresentation, there were no SP models until 1994. 1991-1993 900SS only came in one version, and there were no CR’s until 1994.
And also correct about the Ronald McDonald paint scheme. Made me laugh.
Comepletely hideous.
I have a 1992 900ss that came stock with a half faring, white frame and black paint. It was made before the SP/CR/SL bikes and it is more SP than CR. A good mix of half faring but with what would later be considered a SP. People always think it’s a CR repaint with SP upgrades….it’s not because it made before. I bought a NOS body panel that was still in the box and I ask people to tell me which panel that is when they claim the bike is a repaint….nobody has guessed correctly yet. Anyway, the 900ss is fast becoming a collectable bike and the SP’s are only upgraded by the SL’s. A nice clean 900ss is not only a solid bike to ride but a good investment IMO