1993 Ducati 900SS Superlight on eBay
The 900SS falls right in the middle of an interesting period for Ducati. The SS was subject to years of continuing refinement rather than any dramatic changes, however they were very capable machines by the end. This 1993 900SS Superlight is perhaps the peak of that refinement. By this point, it had inherited better brakes from the 851, better Showa suspension, carbon fiber bits all around and a solo seat. There were only 700 Superlights ever made and reportedly only 300 of them made it to the U.S. so it’s a rare bird for sure.
This one isn’t in the collector condition like some of the ones listed for sale recently, so hopefully that makes the price more attractive for somebody looking for a little bit of a project. The seller states that this IS a barn find and it needs TLC. There is some damage to the fairings and tank and I would expect replacements to be all but impossible to find. Repairing them might be the only option. However, given the rarity of the Superlight, I think it’s worth saving. You can read more details from the seller’s auction found here: 1993 Ducati 900SS Superlight on eBay
1 of only 300 imported into the US and number 690 of 700 in the world. Some of these vintage Mk1 Superlights are titled 1992 and some are 1993. This one is a 93, probably because it is a late production bike. 949 original miles, yes nine hundred forty nine miles, maybe the lowest mile Super Light in the country.
This was a modern “Barn Find”, it was covered in a Los Angeles back yard for 18 years, unloved and un-ridden. She is mostly complete and original, the only aftermarket parts are grips, bar-ends, windshield, rear-sets, exhaust hangers, rear sprocket and brake lines. She has all of the Superlight parts still intact: high pipes, carbon fiber front and rear fenders, vented clutch cover, single seat, Mavic wheels and cast iron front rotors.
Mike M.
wow those front discs are rusty
where are the mirrors?
I have 900SS ownership experience with also another outdoors stored 90’s Ducati SS, so I’d like to share some observations. First, what a shame. “Maybe the lowest mile Super Light in the country”. OK, maybe, but it’s also probably in the worst condition of any Super Light in the country. Condition is everything on a Ducati, and serious collectors want proof of maintenance, not stories. Who keeps a 949 mile Ducati outside for 18 years? Seller is not to blame- he apparently lucked into it, got it cheap, did the minimum to get it running, and is flipping it. Fine- it’s clear he realized he’ll make more $ quickly by not investing any more time or money. It’ll be someone else’s problem.
But as someone has dealt with a 1992 SS that was stored outside under a cover for 20 years (different climate, not L.A.), I can assure you they are a nightmare to deal with. Ducatis of this era were solidly engineered, but honestly not that well finished and needed ideal conditions and lots of love to remain nice. All rubber, plastic, and carbon fiber fades and cracks. All of it- and drenching it in Armorall won’t fool anyone. Rust ruins anything steel or iron (brake rotors, chain, engine and wheel bearings). Electrical connections corrode internally. Black paint on the cylinders and heads flakes off. The clear coat on the cases also peels off, and the aluminum itself starts to corrode. Those funky yellow zinc plated fasteners Ducati used everywhere corrode and quickly look terrible. Engine seals harden and dry up. You can do it right and completely disassemble, inspect, and refinish almost everything, or do it half-assed and chase issues forever. I think I’ve made my point.
Here’s a tip for potential 1990’s Ducati buyers (SS and Superbikes). Notice the small (about 1″ X 3″) flat plate gussets between the two frame tubes by the rear cylinder? The lower fairing attaches there with a black metal tube mount in between. Always inspect that area closely- it’s a “tell” of how hard the bike’s really been down. All force is passed into it in a moderate or greater crash, and the plates bend and get wavy. Impossible to hide, and difficult to fix properly. Check the steering stops for damage and bar contact with the fuel tank also. If a Ducati seller states “it fell over in the garage or driveway” and you see damage in these areas, you’re being lied to and need to look further or pass. Which is what I’d do here, and I love these bikes.
The amount of aftermarket parts does not match with the low mileage, seen a few low mileage bikes and originality is the common rule.
I am in the market for a 1998 900 FE and appreciate you sharing your the tips, Sixthgear!
-Jeff