1992 Ducati 900SS
Miles: 35,000
Third Owner
Clean California Title
Listed Price: $6,500
Listing Ends: August 24th, 2025
Introduced during Cagiva’s ownership of the brand, the 1991-1998 Ducati 900SS offered a surprising blend of usable performance and comfort. The bike was powered by a 904cc, air/oil-cooled, two-valve version of the v-twin “Pantah” engine, backed by a six-speed gearbox. Handling was top-shelf, with adjustable Showa components on some models and 851 brakes, all hung from Ducati’s usual signature trellis frame. The bikes came with a full or half fairing, generally in yellow or red, and some early bikes were available with white frames and wheels. Here in North America, the 900SS generally came in SS/SP [“Sport Production”] trim with carbon bits and adjustable suspension, a SS/CR [“Cafe Racer”] version with non-adjustable suspension, and SS/SL [“SuperLight”] limited-production trim with a solo seat, more carbon, and upswept exhausts. On paper, in terms of pure performance, the 900SS was a dinosaur, compared to something like a Honda CBR900RR, but it had a certain undeniable charisma. If you’re not familiar, famed scribe Hunter S Thompson’s “Song of the Sausage Creature” was written about this version of Ducati’s 900SS. For some insane reason, Ducati’s corporate types thought he’d kill himself on a 916, so instead they sent him a comparatively tame 900SS to review, and he was plenty happy to lavish it with his distinctive brand of praise. It’s a very entertaining piece, if you’ve never read it. Go rectify that right now. I’ll wait.
For sale is one of my 3 Ducatis, a 1992 Ducati 900SS in the sought after white frame with black wheels. In this listing I will be as honest and complete as possible, to the best of my knowledge. In general, I consider this bike to be ready to go. It doesn’t “need” anything unless you’re going for a specific aesthetic. Belt snapped on original motor (all black.) Dropped in another V2 motor (black cylinders and everything else silver.) Frame has ~35k, new motor has ~23k. I have the speedometer of the newer motor that will come with the bike. The BDST38s were tuned many years ago at Nichol’s on the original motor, but I can say they respond equally as well on the new motor; it pulls hard to redline, idles well, etc.
- Third owner
- Never down but some blemishes; major ones pictured
- Valves done in past 50 miles. They’re on tighter side per LT Snyder’s specs
- Healthy compression (in the 140s last I checked)
- New: engine oil, DP oil filter, fuel line, spark plugs, brake and clutch fluids (Motul 5.1-never use DOT 5 in this braking system), pickups, starter, alternator and clutch gaskets, battery, front brake pads, Tygon tube for master clutch and tank vent
- Goodridge PVC-sleeved braided steel oil lines for clutch, and front and rear brakes
- Complete carb deep clean less than 50 miles ago
- ZeroGravity windscreen
- Original red Vitaloni mirrors
- Upgraded masters; both are remote reservoirs as opposed to the PITA stock coffin box. Front brake master came from a 748 and has a DP 4-setting adjustable lever; clutch master came from an SP and only accepts the classic non-adjustable Brembo. You will receive the matching DP clutch lever as well if and when you need it.
- Domino handgrips. Please note that the bar ends don’t fit with these as they are too long, but I will include them with purchase.
- Showa 3-way adjustable forks
- HeliBars
- Corbin two seat; rare in this condition
- Black cylinder studs; not the silver ones prone to breaking
- Yoyodyne clutch slave cylinder; rare and will never fail you like the OEM junk
- Speedymoto pressure plate; 4 out of 6 springs to reduce hand fatigue.
- IP Ducati Corse open clutch cover; very rare
- K&N crankcase breather
- Aluminum swing arm
- Front and rear sprockets ~80% left? View pictures.
- Michelin Pilot Road 2 (160/60) on 5.5″ rear wheel – both tires are probably ~70% left? View pictures.
- Carbon fiber front fender; view picture, front nose could use a sand and clear coat as pictured.
- Auto-retracting kickstand
- Extremely rare and highly sought after Australian Staintune low-mount exhausts that haven’t been in production for well over a decade. They are slightly damaged from when they were on another bike but can be repaired by the interested party. The last photo shows them installed. I will install them before the bike is sold; also the rear break assembly will be fully assembled as well before shipping.
Needs/heads up:
- Not required, but belt covers. I have a CF unibody one that I can sell for $100 shipped to con. USA as a separate transaction or I can install the OEM grey ones for free (they’re in good condition.) Or I can ship as-is without them.
- The choke assembly slightly shifts when engaging (twisting) it; that is because it does not bolt up to the upgraded master clutch cylinder.
- The new motor has a kickstand adapter since PO broke one of bolts (pictured.) It has never given me issue.
- I will assemble the OEM rear fender before shipping.
- I removed that terrible gasket around the headlight that never stays put but I will also include that so it can make your life miserable as well.
- Registered non-op in California
I respond to emails quickly. Shipping available worldwide at buyer’s expense. Please ask me as many questions as you want, I want to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting especially since you probably won’t be inspecting this in-person. I’m very open to calls / WhatsApp / Facebook video to give you a full go around. Anything for my Desmo tribe. Oh and by the way, in case they didn’t tell you — forza Ducati =)
The early 90s Ducati 900SS features solid handling, provides all-day comfort, and makes usable power along with all the classic Ducati noises. As a bonus, parts are available to maintain them, there’s a thriving community to support them, and they can still be had for very reasonable prices. They used to be dime-a-dozen at crazy low prices and, while you can still occasionally find examples like that, they’re getting very thin on the ground, and most won’t have been as well-maintained as this one. At $6,500 I think it’s a bit overpriced though: it’s very clearly been enthusiast-owned, which is a huge plus for any Ducati and that alone might make it worth the price, but the non-original engine hurts the value a bit. If he’s open to a bit of negotiation on that price, this could be a really nice bike for someone more interested in riding their acquisition than in its investment potential.
-tad
