Posts by tag: 900SS

Ducati January 4, 2022 posted by Donn

Sunnyside – 1995 Ducati 900SS

The bright courtyard pictures of this 900SS must’ve been taken last fall, because at 6,349 ft., it’s a bit wintry in Santa Fe. But a little warmth awaits the new owner when the truck drops off this very nice Supersport.

1995 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

In the days before the Monster and Multi, Ducati’s Supersport was the do-all bike – built sporty but comfortable enough to take on a commute or weekend. Air cooled and with belt-driven cams, the 904cc desmodue made 84 hp via 38mm Mikuni carbs and a dry clutch. Showa supplied the inverted fork and adjustable monoshock, and Brembo the 320 mm brakes. Dry weight was right around 400 lbs. even with the full fairing.

Never seeming to have been fawned over, this 900SS looks very good and just a few rubs interrupt the flow. Termignoni mufflers and Superlight monoposto seem to be the majority of the mods. The seat cover is a little crispy but could easily be re-covered or Sargent-ized. Comments from the eBay auction:

Very nice example with patina from regular use as expected of a 27 year old bike.

Looks and sounds fantastic. Pulls strong. No smoking or obvious mechanical wear.

Belts replace 4 years ago but have only ridden about 1500 miles since then.

Tires are virtually new having been installed a year ago and have only about 400 miles on them max.

Rare Termignoni high rise pipes and brackets from a superlight.

Superlight solo tail.

Correct factory vented clutch cover.

Battery always on a tender and is strong.

With nothing aboard that isn’t required, even lunch on a 900SS will require a backpack. And though the handling won raves, U-turns with the chassis geometry can be a dab-fest. But if a splash and a snack are available at the turn-around point, then the 90’s SS can be a grand day out. The example gives up SP credentials and static display perfection for a very sensible starting bid and a not-bad buy-it-now.

-donn

Ducati December 3, 2021 posted by Donn

Duc Season – 1982 Ducati 900SS with 1,622 Miles !

Most our early 1980’s Ducati’s tend toward the fully-faired MHR, but the Supersport with bevel driven cams has its own following. Here’s a collector with almost impossibly low miles, and requisite cosmetics for its mid-five figure ask.

1982 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

Though a bit more civilized than the mid-1970’s Supersports, the last year 900SS had enough gumption and the stable high speed handling that brought its early renown. 32mm Dell’Orto carbs had replaced the 40’s, and fairly quiet mufflers were DOT requirements. But 65 hp was still brought to bear, and could get the semi-adjustable Marzocchi suspension into trouble, and challenge the 280mm brakes, at least temporarily. Recent cast alloy wheels wore 18-inch skins, and the bullet fairing cut a nice pocket in the windstream, beautifully rounded though the engine cases had the angles of the previous stylist, Giorgetto Guigiaro.

Offered by a recently opened workshop in Miami, the condition of this 900SS is at the higher end of the collector range. No history provided, but the bevel drive desmo is an all metal affair, so however unlikely, it might be ridden home. Unrestored condition is downright inspirational. Short notes from the eBay auction:

Unrestored all original 1982 Ducati 900SS in very nice condition. Was recently recommissioned. Inside of tank is rust free. The bike runs flawlessly as a new bike should.

900SS production numbers started out strong but dwindled to an unsustainable low, with just a few hundred rolling out each year. Managers took the brand another step away from sport the next year, with the more domestic S2. Luckily the belt driven cam desmodue, Castiglioni brothers, and revival of the Supersports were just around the corner. This reference quality example might be more at home in a live arena auction, but hopefully the new owner will be a RSBFS reader and drop us a comment.

-donn

Duc Season – 1982 Ducati 900SS with 1,622 Miles !

Ducati October 19, 2021 posted by Donn

Sum of Some Parts – 1996 Ducati 900SS/CR Supersport

Ducati’s 900SS/CR was meant to be a conversation starter but its light looks have inspired many updates. Here’s a stealthily modified example with receipts to easily eclipse the price of admission.

1996 Ducati 900 SS/CR for sale on eBay

The 900SS might win a multiple owner’s contest, so many fans of the brand have owned one at some time. Simplicity bred lightness – air cooled, carburetted, two desmodromic valves (per cylinder) with a malleable 84 hp. The drivetrain is all there for anyone to see, with the gold chro-moly trellis above. Dry clutch and upswept exhaust certo, and the wide front fender protects the upside down forks.

Beside the excellent condition and just 8,689 miles, the long list of updates is the back story here. Some of the mods have a more up-to-date look than the 25 year-old CR, but don’t shout about it. Also stated is a recent valve adjustment and inclusion of the original parts if desired. The compendium from the eBay auction:

Zero Gravity Double Bubble windshield

Miller Specialties Oil Cooler Relocation Kit with replacement Earle’s Oil Cooler & braided stainless lines

Silmoto high mount mufflers

Superlight-style solo tail section and Corbin seat

Pro Italia vented clutch cover

Rear fender eliminator

Stock front forks have been replaced with Showa fully adjustable forks, which were fitted with fork internals by Race-Tech

Ohlins fully adjustable rear shock

SP aluminum swingarm (replacing stock steel swingarm)

Cycle Cat fully adjustable rearsets

Cycle Cat adjustable clip-ons

Cycle Cat machined upper triple clamp

Ducati 996 adjustable brake and clutch levers replace thestock parts, with 996 remote reservoirs

Pantera fuel cap

Carrozzeria Wheels (with 6” rear wheel) replace the stockBrembo wheels

BrakeTech Ductile Iron Axis full floating rotorsreplace the stock front brake rotors.

Stock rotor bolts replaced with Titanium

Spiegler rear wave rotor replaces the stock rear rotor

K&N Air Filter

Factory carb re-jetting

Carbon fiber countershaft sprocket cover

Carbon fiber belt covers

Cycle Cat bar sliders

CRT mirrors

Evoluzione clutch slave cylinder

Anti-Gravity lithium battery

Various aluminum and titanium fasteners throughout

The 900SS was Ducati’s all-rounder before the Monster arrived, and picked up kudos in the twisties or on a week-long tour. No less than Peter Egan wishes he hadn’t sold his, along with many other former owners. When just a used original, they are still reasonably priced – or groomed to a new level like this one, which shares a lot of ideas with our current 1998 SS/CR – Featured Listing –

-donn

Sum of Some Parts – 1996 Ducati 900SS/CR Supersport

Ducati July 18, 2021 posted by William

Generational Shift Ducati Super Sport

As time marches on, everything changes. People age, tastes change and new generations enter the motorcycle hobby. Here at RSBFS there are always a plethora of clean first generation Ducati SS bikes. Many have waxed poetic about the sound, simplicity and beautiful ownership experience. It really is hard not to love them, and it is easy to see why finding a good example is hard at any price point. As with most collectable motorcycles it seems that prices are on a constant trajectory up.

2000 Ducati Super Sport on eBay

But what drives that at the core? Is it stories about what Hunter S Thompson thought about the bike or is it a long lasting personal connection to the vehicle? Lets face it, the people that lusted after the first generation SuperSport are at an age where their bodies might not let them enjoy a sports bike any more. We are seeing a new breed of people entering into the hobby and they have a stronger connection to the often overlooked second generation Ducati SS.

Seller’s Comments From eBay:

This is an Extremely Clean, Great Looking, and Running 900ss. Paint, Tires, Chain, Brakes, and everything on the bike is excellent ready to go with many extras. New timing belts 1 yr ago. Marelli Fuel injection trouble free. Bar ends have been flipped for more comfort. Can be easilly flipped back if preferred. This is one of the simple, easy to maintain Ducatis. No red key nonsense. Just push the button, and go.

The example here appears to be in above average shape. It is a latter model with the fuel injection, but still retains that iconic dry clutch. The pictures reveal an aftermarket exhaust that is sure to please the ears. The listing talks about a questionable decision to flip the clip ons for a more comfortable riding position. The new owner would be wise to either replace the bars with an aftermarket riser option, or revert back to stock. It is nice that the bike has had a recent timing belt change

These bikes are a wonderful bargain in the current market. Truly an upgrade over the first in terms of performance and usability. In period many rejected the design aesthetics of Pierre Terblanche, but his bikes have aged very well. Opening bid of $3500 has yet to be made. Results are all over the map with some super low mileage examples pulling large numbers. If you had ever thought about owning one of these bikes, it might be your best time as these are a shoe in for being a future classic.

Ducati July 12, 2021 posted by Mike

Affordable Classic: 1993 Ducati 900 Supersport

We have posted a few Ducati Supersports on RSBFS recently, and there is a good reason for it. As a rider, these are fantastic platforms that give you all the great Ducati vibes and good looks. They are not ultra-fast to be sure, nor are they ultra-refined in terms of creature comforts. These are very basic – and very good – motorcycles that involve the rider in the experience in a manner that few bikes accomplish. And if you are looking at a bike worth holding on to, either to continue to customize and modify with numerous available performance bits or to simply collect and watch it appreciate in value, the 900SS is an affordable entry and willing partner for either plan.

1993 Ducati 900 Supersport for sale on eBay

The Supersport is powered by yet another evolution of the wildly successful Pantah engine. Using toothed rubber belts to drive the 2-valve Desmo system (as opposed to the tower drive and bevel gears in earlier models), the Supersport throbs its way to 80-ish horsepower at the top end. And that top end is not like a Japanese inline four or even a Desmoquattro Superbike wind up rush. Instead, the air cooled twin prefers to ride the fat torque curve more in the middle of the rev range, where skilled riders can make use of the stiff trestle frame and 851 brakes to make swift progress indeed.

From the seller:
Runs and looks great. All original with good service records.

This era Ducati Supersport has much to recommend. Aside from the solid feel and quality construction, the 900SS enjoys a pleasing silhouette – the same which cannot really be said about the follow on design by Pierre Terblanche. The Pantah motor is relatively basic and utterly reliable. Service intervals are reasonable, and a semi-skilled home mechanic can certainly change the belts. Valve adjustments are a bit more tricky in that you need a number of shims on hand, but not beyond the realm of someone armed with calipers, some basic math skills and access to a shop that will sell you the shims you need. At worst the home mechanic can do the fluid service and belts at required intervals and have the local shop run the valves when needed. For exotic Italian exclusivity, ownership is not difficult in any meaningful way.

Today’s bike has traveled a reported 26,000 miles. That is quite a few, but nothing to be concerned about when it comes to longevity. In reality, the key failure point on a Pantah is related to failure to change the belts; with adequate service history this bike is only being broken in. Asking $5,800 in a Buy It Now format auction, this 900 Supersport is a decent buy. However you should compare and contrast with this 1995 Ducati 900 SSCR Featured Listing to see what that sum of money can buy you on the performance upgrade side. Stock (and looking untouched) in this format or performance-tuned in the case of the Featured Listing, you cannot go wrong with a Pantah-engined Ducati Supersport. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Ducati June 4, 2021 posted by Mike

Sport of Kings: 1991 Ducati 900 Supersport

The Pantah-powered Ducati 900SS is a stalwart icon in the sport bike world. Devoid of the sewing machine, turbine-like windup of the Japanese inline four competition, the air-cooled, two valve L-twin grunts and booms to a relatively low RPM redline, riding a wave of torque. The trellis chassis is stiff, aiding in handling. Ducati took a page from the dominant 851 and used some of the same components on the Supersport, such as the massive Brembo brakes. The riding position is not too extreme, and the whole package looks timeless. That is a good thing, given that by appearances the 900SS remained relatively unchanged over the model run from 1988 – 2000, even though some tech did change under the covers.

1991 Ducati 900 Supersport for sale on eBay

By the 1990s the Supersport had been solidly supplanted by the mighty 851, however the SS remained true to its original form and intent, providing a lightweight, torquey and simplified (read: raw) riding experience. There is not much in the way of creature comforts on these machines, and while the 80-ish HP is plenty of motivation, it is the lower RPM torque that really shines when riding. Gear selection becomes much less critical than on a two stroke or even a high-strung inline four, and driving off the corners is the Supersport’s forte.

From the seller:
I am relisting this due to an error in the listing on my part. 1991 Ducati 900 SS. This is the first yr for this bodystyle 900, and only yr w/white frame and wheels. It has all the features of the later model 900ss SP model. (Aluminum swingarm, 5.5″ rear wheel and adjustable forks). I bought it 10 yrs ago from the original owner and have put about 500 miles on it only riding to bike nights and shows. In my opinion, this was almost too nice to ride so I bought another and started gathering parts for this one.

More from the seller:
Bike has never been down, painted on or damaged in any way. Upgrades include: Carbon fiber upswept exhaust, K&N air filter, Other Carbon Fiber parts include: Inner rear fender, Clutch cover, Belt covers, Dash surround and front fender. Also added preload adjusters for the forks, steering dampner and tinted windscreen. BIke has been rejetted for filter/pipes and runs perfectly. Also 41t rear sprocket. I also have a Corbin seat for it as well as a solo tail section that has been painted but never mounted and all removed stock bits. Valves adjusted <500 miles ago as well as replacing belts. They still look good but would recommend replacing them before riding much because of their age.

The seller claims a scant 4,960 miles on this beauty, which is a bit of shame. These are great bikes to ride, and as with most things mechanical regular usage helps to keep everything in working order. The seller does note some maintenance that has been completed, but readers should understand that cam belts on Ducatis are a time-based item just as much as miles. This bike does have some performance related farkles added on, which are all reasonably correct mods for the model. The rear sprocket is an especially beneficial upgrade; the factory gearing is way too tall to be useful on the street.

This listing was open for a period of time, and then it was pulled and relisted with the text noting corrections. There are double-digit bids already at the time of writing, and pricing is in the bargain basement territory. There is a reserve in place, so let’s see where this one takes us. The Ducati 900SS has the bones to be one of the all-time greats. It may not be as fast as later Superbikes, it may not be as exclusive as homologation machines, but it remains a fantastic platform and a capable dancing partner. This one looks great and needs a new home. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Ducati March 24, 2021 posted by Mike

Desired Duc: 1996 Ducati 900 SS/SP

An affordable way into collecting exotics that you can ride, the Ducati Supersport line is an approachable (and enjoyable) platform on which to begin your journey. Long known for being robust, reliable and a heck of a lot of fun, the Pantah-powered SS models are fairly basic motorcycles that deliver decent performance, great looks and a fantastic soundtrack – without breaking the bank. Today’s example is a 1996 Ducati 900SS SP – the higher spec (and more collectable) of the two seat Supersport models.

1996 Ducati 900 SS/SP for sale on eBay

All Supersports of this era were very, very similar. While introduced with a white frame in 1991, by ’93-’94 all two seater models had a bronze-colored trellis frame, the same 900cc air-cooled, 2-valve Desmo engine with carburetion, a dry clutch and a six speed gearbox. There were a few variations in the line, including full or half fairing, factory carbon bits such as mudguard, adjustable front suspension, aluminum swing arm and wider rear tire. The bikes that had all the options were known as 900SS SP – or Sport Production models – and were affixed with a special headstock plaque indicating such. Think of these as a biposto 900 Superlight, so close are many of the specifications.

From the seller:
Make: Ducati
Model: 900 SS/ SP
Milage: 3562
VIN: ZDM1LC4N4TB021577

For sale is Ducati 900 SS/SP with 3562 miles!!

If not familiar with the SS/SP, some history.
The 1991 Supersports were produced with white chrome molybdenum steel frames and white wheels. The swingarms used needle bearings instead of bushings as in the past. Brakes from the Ducati 851 were used on the Supersport vastly improving braking performance. All new bodywork and a pivoting fuel tank were elegantly shaped.

More from the seller:
The 900 SS/SP (Sport Production) was offered to the North American market only. This model had carbon fiber fenders and clutch cover, sound damping material, adjustable Showa suspension, and an aluminum swingarm.

Displacement: 904.0 ccm
Engine type: V2, Four stroke
Power: 80.0 @ 7000 RPM
Torque: 85.0 Nm @ 6400 RPM
Top Speed 130.5 MPH
Valves per cylinder: 2
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 6 Speed
Transmission type final drive: Chain
Dry weight: 410.1 pounds

The bike listed has 3562 miles. Other than a few small issues is in excellent condition (touch up on left mirror, small chip in front fender, paint flaking on left side engine case). bike has been store in a heated room in my collection since purchased. All bodywork and paint is original. No accidents!

Bike will be sold with:
Both sport and regular seat,
Supersport 900 owners manual
(2) keys
Tool kit
Ducati VHS tape

There are few negatives to owning a Supersport. They offer a fair amount of mechanical noise, they vibrate and throb a bit, and the final gearing is very tall making for some interesting clutch work when in traffic. Clutch slave cylinders are usually the first components to fail; replacement is easy and aftermarket options are plentiful. Belt replacement and valve adjustment are probably the biggest deal – the belt change is not difficult on these air cooled motors but the need for shims might make finding a decent Ducati mechanic worthwhile. If you wish to do the work yourself, you will find these are relatively easy bikes to work on. There have been reports of the aluminum swing arm being prone to cracks; this is an area that should be carefully checked.

This very pretty 900SS SP has been housetrained and is looking for a new home. It has some minor mods (Termi cans, the solo tail section, and possibly the brake/clutch lines) but otherwise looks to be stock. It’s nice to see the complete list of what is being offered with the sale, including the original seat. The only real concern I would have is where to find a VHS player to view that Ducati tape! Check out all of the details here, as this is one the Ducati models that will be going up in value in the future. These have been on the cheap side of the market for a long time, but as the well-cared for examples are snapped up, the dwindling stock of good quality bikes will help drive the price curve. Good Luck!!

Ducati November 30, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Elemental: 1993 Ducati Superlight #838 for Sale

Until pretty recently, Japanese sportbikes were subjected to a pretty ruthless program of focused evolution, with significant updates to styling and mechanical components every two years. European sportbikes, on the other hand, often hung around well past their sell-by date, and special editions like the Ducati Superlight were often used drum up a bit of interest in a moribund model.

Put simply, the Superlight was a lightly modified 900SS. The engine was bone-stock, but weight was saved through the use of carbon fiber sprinkled here and there and a solo tail section. The biggest performance increase can probably be attributed to a set of Marvic composite wheels that contributed the lion’s share of the 15lbs saved, compared to the stock bike. It wasn’t especially fast then or now, but the 900SS is a simple, charismatic bike with excellent handling.

This particular example looks to be complete, with the lightweight wheels, open clutch, upswept exhaust, and numbered plaque, although the carbon has faded noticeably and the mufflers don’t appear to be original. The bigger issue is the nearly 40,000 on the odometer. That’s no problem for a 900SS, but I can imagine collectors might balk, considering the $9,000 asking price…

From the original eBay listing: 1993 Ducati Superlight #838 for Sale

Limited Edition Number 838. Outstanding condition, and just a bit of weathering, but overall very presentable and nice with 39,767 original miles. In 1992, Ducati took their 900 Supersport and added several choice extras to create a limited edition called the Ducati Superlight – 953 examples were built over 2 years. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, in 1993 they removed almost all the extras, leaving just a fully floating rear brake to differentiate the limited edition from its less exclusive brother. We are proud to have a beautiful example of one of those ’93 models.

It’s easy to see why cynics scoffed at the Superlight a bit at the time it was introduced, since it was basically a just a 900SS with some bolt-on parts that saved a bit of weight. There wasn’t much of the package that was really all that special, other than the numbered plaque and the Ducati DNA already present in the Supersport. Personally, I think these look great, but I’d probably just find a nice yellow 900SS/CR and fit improved suspension so I wouldn’t have to worry about riding a depreciating asset every weekend.

-tad