'98 Duc 900SS (CR)

BlueSkyJaunte · 07-04-2003, 02:02 PM

OK, I'm still on my bike search. Gonna check out a guy's 900SS on Sunday. Duc lovers, what should I look out for on a '98 900SS? Any particular major items to watch for? Head studs?

Doug Zielke · 05:30 PM

Blue,
I own a '96 900 SS SP, essentially the same bike but with a full fairing, and a few other bits.

Being only "Desmo due" (2-valve), they are not as complex as their Desmo quatro relatives. Just like Porsches, if there is a solid history of service, then you should have no fear.
Because the OHC's are *belt* driven, you should determine if the belts have been properly maintained. I replace mine every 2 years regardless of the mileage. The belts are not expensive, but tangled valves are.

As far as I know, there are no huge repair issues. These 2-valve motors have been around for a long time.

BTW: If you buy a 2-valver, let me know. I bought out a nice selection of factory tools from a defunct dealer. I have all the special tools you will need to do the valve adjust.

BlueSkyJaunte · 07-04-2003, 08:05 PM

Thanks Doug!

Right now I'm in the "ride everything I can" mode before making a decision. I had to sell my last bike because the ergonomics (cruiser seating position) caused an injury. So I have to make sure whatever I buy now will be tolerable long-term. So far I've determined that my requirements are 1) sporty 2) V twin or V4.

I really want to ride a 748 but summer is not a good time to sell a bike in AZ, apparently. There were 5 or 6 748s for sale two months ago, now there's one--with "cosmetic damage".

There's a fellow here with a pair of '90 750 sports for sale, and he'll only sell them together--for ~$6300. I think I'll look at the low-mileage 900 first.

I've always loved the look of the 900SS CR. Kind of like a Monster that means business.

BlueSkyJaunte · 01:06 PM

Well, an interesting first ride on a Duc.

1) I think the front brakes needed bleeding! They seemd slightly spongy.
2) Just because the bike has only 8k on it doesn't mean it'll LOOK like it has only 8k on it.
3) Duc owners must like to put aftermarket parts on their bikes almost as much as HD owners.
4) Very light bike--quite "flickable".
5) Could stand more power (despite a jet kit and CF cans)--my old Kawi Concours had lots more oomph.
6) My wrists are still sore--gonna have to do something about the bar position if I'm to buy one of these things. Not so much the height or reach, but the angle. They make my arms look "knock-kneed", which is bad.

Next up for a test ride is a new BMW R1100S. Then I'm gonna hunt down a Triumph Sprint or Daytona (w/ the 955 engine).

Doug Zielke · 07-07-2003, 08:51 AM

Blue,
Moto Guzzi dealer near you?
If so, beg a ride on a new LeMans. Hugely more entertaining than a 2-Valve Ducati, and much more comfortable.

BlueSkyJaunte · 07-07-2003, 09:32 AM

Doug,

There is, but I've heard mixed reports about buying stuff from them. Plus, the last time I tried to get a test ride on a Triumph Daytona there, they wanted me to buy the bike first and then do an "acceptance ride". This after I specifically set up an appt with them for a test ride. The ol' bait-and-switch. It's been really hard to get dealers to allow test rides here...insurance must be killing them.

I've been drooling over the LeMans but I don't see any way I can take one for a spin, unfortunately. There's just somethin' about a Goose...

I've got an appt to ride an Aprilia Falco tonight, and am going to schedule that R1100S ride soon.

Man, I can still hear the Duc in my head. Glorious!

Doug Zielke · 07-07-2003, 01:55 PM

Blue,
Just go into the Guzzi shop with a checkbook visible in your shirt pocket.
Ask for a test ride, and be sure to tell them Frank Wedge sent you.

Eric Coffey · 07-07-2003, 05:35 PM

Two more V-twins that you might want to throw a leg over:

Aprilia Tuono
Suzuki SV1000S

BlueSkyJaunte · 07-08-2003, 03:22 PM

Eric, I took your advice ahead of you actually giving it.

Aprilia seems to be where I'm gonna go. Specifically the Falco.

As for the 'zuki, too bad it's so hideously ugly (IMHO). It's got the specs that might meet my needs.

Eric Coffey · 07-08-2003, 09:55 PM

Yeah, that zook is pretty harsh on the eyes. Still haven't got any seat time on the 748 though eh? Have you been down to see the guys at AZSBK? Pretty friendly and knowledgeable bunch.

BlueSkyJaunte · 07-09-2003, 12:59 PM

No, still no luck finding a 748 to ride. If I'd been more aggressive about it back when I started thinking about one, I would've had better luck. There were 5 or 6 for sale in the area. Now there's 1, and it's a true beater.

AZSBK was quoting me crazy high prices on used 748s. Plus there's always sales tax to take into account (I'm paying cash on whatever I buy, and trying to keep it under $7k if at all possible). I may have to use Doug's ploy.

Unfortunately my experiences w/ the 900SS (in terms of ergos) doesn't bode well for the Duc 916/748 family. I'm going to keep hunting for one, though.

Doug Zielke · 07-09-2003, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte

Unfortunately my experiences w/ the 900SS (in terms of ergos) doesn't bode well for the Duc 916/748 family. I'm going to keep hunting for one, though.

If you thought the 900SS was hurtin' your body, you'll want to find a full time bone-bender if you buy a 916/748.

If you're still in love with Ducati, you might consider the ST4. Not so painful on the body or wallet. Our shop just took one in trade, and it seems like a pleasant ride.