Practical Classic: 1996 Ducati 900SS/SP for Sale

1996 Ducati 900SS/SP for Sale
Miles: 35,601
Clean Florida Title
Bid at Post: $2,150
Auction ends: Jan 14, 2025
Reserve Not Met

Ducati’s original Supersport was basically ground zero for the company’s big-bore sportbike efforts when the line was introduced in the early 1970s. At the time, Supersports were the only bikes in Ducati’s range to use their famed Desmo valve-actuation system, while bikes with mere “Sport” and “GT” badges made do with simple, pedestrian valve springs. By the time the 1991 version of the Ducati 900SS/SP seen here rolled around, all Ducatis used Desmo valves, likely to simplify manufacturing, a move that coincidentally increased profits for dealerships and shops qualified to enact the ancient black rituals and perform scheduled maintenance on them. By 1996, the Supersport was available in either SS/CR or SS/SP trim. The CR or “Cafe Racer” generally featured a very stylish half-fairing and non-adjustable suspension. The SP or “Sport Production” version featured fully adjustable suspension. Reviews at the time were very favorable and straight-line performance, while mild by today’s standards, was perfectly adequate.

Here is the latest of my collection to go is a beautiful SP 900 Ducati with a clear Florida title in my name. It is in superb condition with as new tires and had the work listed below approx 600 miles ago:

• Rear tire
• Wheels balanced
• EBC brake pads
• ExactFit timing belts
• Changed brake and clutch fluids
• K&N oil breather filter
• Yuasa YT12B battery
• All Paint buffed/polished

Virtually totally stock and purrs like a kitten.

Please study the last picture of the battery as I believe the wrong [one] was installed as it looks small in the battery box by previous owner, even though it started the bike last week I would install the correct size battery [I may be wrong on this matter].

It started great with no noises, smoke, or anything unusual. It is in superb overall condition and the only faults I know of are the battery size [possibly] and if you look at the left hand fairing panel near the front wheel you will notice one panel screw missing, possibly vibrated out?

JP Morgan have this model/year at $6810 but my reserve is much lower than that.

Wait, there are “no noises”?! It’s a Ducati 900SS/SP, so is it even running if it’s not making noise? This example is far from perfect, with little missing details here and there. The miles are nothing to worry about if the bike’s had regular maintenance, although there are plenty of examples around with lower odometer readings. That being said, these are collectible and relatively rare bikes that make excellent practical classics: they are reasonably comfortable, handle well, sound terrific, can carry a passenger, and parts are available to repair them and keep them running, although maybe not as plentiful as they once were. If you’re handy with a wrench and can pick this one up for cheap it might be worth a look.

-tad