While not a critical or sales success, the 1982-84 Ducati 900S2 is still an honest-to-goodness 900cc Desmo-engined Supersport. Caught up changing in emissions and noise regulations, the air-cooled and carbureted engine was silenced on intake and exhaust, and performance suffered. With bevel-drive cams and Ducati handling, it’s better than its reputation. The example here has been a collector bike since new, apparently never registered, titled, or run.
1983 Ducati 900 S2
Hanging on though they were at the time, Ducati still built a fine machine, with beautiful half faring, 18-inch cast wheels, triple disk brakes, and adjustable suspension. Putting out a respectable 80 hp, the neat bevel drive engine now has a vintage look. The red frame stands out, complementing the stripes on the black faring. The cockpit is completed by sweet teardrop mirrors and nice instrument cluster. Distinctively, this is a kick-start Ducati, one of the last models without a starter.
Evidently on display since new, this is a zero-mile, no fluids, and no chain bike. Never registered, the owner provides the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin as documentation. Looking better than a neglected museum bike, this one seems to have been cared for and detailed.
A lot of information in the eBay auction, here is a short excerpt:
This is a rare chance to own a VERY PURE zero miles vintage Ducati . Might be the only one in the world in such well preserved condition . Bike looks brand new like the day it came from the factory. Brakes functions correctly without any fluid leakage or damage. Front tire rotated frequently to avoid flat spots . Petcocks knobs turns freely. Cylinders are lubed and kicks over with great compression. All settings remains factory. It should start up and ready to ride with gas , fresh oil, and recommend using sealed battery. These bevel twins are bullet proof with much more refined electrical for reliability than early Bevels . Bevel Ducati sounds very exciting , rides smooth and responsive in corners.
The S2 was the 900SS’s kid brother, and never got the development it deserved. Around the corner were the belt-driven cam engines and cool as they were, the bevels were history. This amazing collector bike could be put back on the road, but more likely will be on display again, showing all the classic Ducati beauty without divulging its foibles…
-donn
I used to own one of these a few years back. There should be a lower chin fairing that is missing in the pictures…