Shopping for a Ducati

[Jeff Higgins]

A 900 Super Sport, to be exact. I've had an itch for some time now, and have finally decided to scratch it. I won't give up the H-D's; I see this as a fitting compliment to them. I have considered (and ridden) several Buells, with the thought of "keeping it in the family", but I've decided I just don't want to do that. I see the 900 SS as everything the Buell wishes it was.

I've kind of narrowed it down to a late '90's vintage. I understand there are two flavors, the SP and the CR, with the SP being the more desireable, higher performance of the two. Being new to sportbikes, though, I'm not sure I would notice the difference for quite some time to come, if ever. I'm sure even the CR is vastly more capable than I.

I'm obviously not looking for some monster horsepower crotch rocket from hell. The moderate power and simplicity of the air cooled, two valve, basic bike appeals to me. I'm looking for something I can work on myself, maybe play around with and modify a bit without breaking the bank, and to ride locally after work.

So, I know some of you own or have owned these bikes. Any words of wisdom?

[greglepore]

Yeah, early 90's bikes are superior to late 90's, particularly suspension.
Know weaknesses involve charging system (regulators and undersized primary wiring) and starter sprags. Engines are relatively bulletproof, but are interference motors, so keep after belt changes.

Riding position is an acquired taste, its fine when your jamming, but practically everyone finds its painful for more than a half hour of slab or commuting. Helibars or equivalent risers help.

Tanks are prone to rust, I'd seal it as soon as you get it.

Other than that, pretty straightforward. Not the easiest bikes in the world to diy, but doable.

[VincentVega]

No wisdom to share, but please keep us posted. I'm looking for one too.

[Noah930]

The SP model had a full fairing and nicer, much more adjustable suspension. I can't recall the exact specs, but there were higher spec forks. The swingarm may have been aluminum vs steel, too (though I might be wrong on that). Motor was the same, I believe. CR (Cafe Racer) model had the half-fairings. I see CRs for sale more often than SPs. And I always seem to see them for sale in the Seattle area. See if Ducati of Seattle has any on consignment. Last year of the bike you're looking for was '98, I believe (a silver Final Edition model of 300 bikes). Then there was a new (hideous) bodystyle that came out in '99.

Not a ton of power (I was a bit underwhelmed the first time I rode one, and I was coming from a 90 BHP Japanese 600 cc sportbike). But you could feel the quality of the chassis.

Common mods include a big bore kit to 944 cc, and upgrading to Keihin FCR carbs.

If you don't like the ergos of the 900SS, then you can opt for the more upright Monster. Same motor, if slightly different chassis.

[Jeff Higgins]

Thanks, Noah. Ducati of Seattle has a beautiful '93 white frame SS right now, but they want over $9k for it. Red Label Moto has another early '90's 900 SS that has been extensively modded, but they want $10k for it. I'm sorry, but I don't care if Foggy conceived his first child on it, no 16 year old sport bike is worth that. It seems Seattle area dealers are way too proud of their old bikes. Private sellers are down in the more realistic $4-$6k range for equally nice bikes. I procrastinated and missed a nice '92 for $5k last week.

From what I understand, the CR's have steel swing arms and Marzocci forks that are not only non- adjustable, but also non- rebuildable. The SP's have aluminum swing arms and Showa forks that are pretty easy to rebuild and tune. Brakes are better on the SP's as well.

Apparently, the SP is essentially the "original" SS built through '93. In '94 or thereabouts, Ducati starting making two 900 SS's, the SP that mimics the original, and the cheaper CR. SP's also have higher quality fairings, made from carbon fiber, and the CR's half fairings are ABS. I prefer the look of the CR, really.

I see these things put about 84 hp to the rear wheel. Certainly no rocket ship, but that's not what I'm looking for. I want something light and nimble that outhandles my H-D's. Granted, some would say I could buy an old school bus and get that. But I digress...

I've ridden the latest and greatest superbikes. I don't want that kind of power. I just want a fairly quick, light, nimble, sorta classic machine. I don't need or want the latest and greatest. Sort of like with my old 911.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Jeff, as you may know, I was bestowed with a 93 SuperSport recently. I've only put 400 miles on it so far, but here are my observations and a little I've learned in this short period. Note that after 3-4 months of riding the CB, I just starting to get used to the bike. the 900 is way beyond my current skillset/comfort level and I treat it with respect accordingly.

1. I'm a total newbie rider with only the CB400 under me, so this will sound naive and perhaps silly, but the bike transcends what I thought riding was. The sound, the balance, the torque, the aesthetics...this bike has everything (for my taste), it is a total package.

2. Maybe it's my body type, (5'10" with slightly longer than normal arms) but I don't find the position tiring. I've done 2 over 1 hour rides on it and find the position just fine. it does have some springy-soft grips on it that are nice. Maybe I'm still on a new bike high. I go out to the garage sometimes and just look at it, sit on it.

3. Parts are readily available and about the same as a 911. Needed a new left handlebar switch, $105, ordered Thursday, getting here tomorrow.

4. Did I mention the sound?

5. As a 93, my bike is only the SuperSport, no SP or CR designation. It does have all the SP goodies Noah referenced: Al swingarm, full body fairing, suspension, etc. I don't find the CR to be a pretty bike.

6. Not a great bike in traffic due to the heavy clutch. I've just learned there are aftermarket slave cylinders though that reduce the effort and hand fatigue though.

7. Brakes are phenomenal, acceleration is instantaneous. I'm sure there are faster bikes, but for normal road riding, I can't imagine ever really using more than this bike offers. the torque and power on the bike are well-balanced.

8. Balance. I feel more in control of this bike than the Honda owing to reduced weight, but more-so to balance I think. the Honda you had to drive. This bike really reacts to small precise inputs of weight transfer, like it knows where you want it to go. it's wonderful!

that's about it. I get a lot of "nice bike" and waves and kids checking it out. there's little else like it on the road. hope this helps.

[nostatic]

Sure you don't want an ST? More versatile bike

http://nostatic.com/st2/

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/800102000.html

[Jeff Higgins]

Thanks Shaun, it's always nice to get an owner's impressions. I've ridden a couple over the years, and find I can actually stay on one comfortably, for longer periods, that other sport bikes with rearsets and clip ons. I'm 6'0" with some pretty long arms as well.

Todd, I've actually looked at and ridden an ST. Fantastic bike in every way. Just not quite what I'm after. "Versatile" is usually good, but I'm looking for a very narrowly focused, single purpose toy. As impractical as they get. That's actually part of the appeal.

Maybe it's a "mid life crisis" kind of thing. Problem with that is, I already own motorcycles; always have, always will. I already own a completely impractical sports car - a heavily modified, track oriented early 911. I already play with guns, and have hunted dangerous game. I have very few unexplored avenues of foolishness and irresponsibility. I suppose I could dump my wife of 23 years, but I actually still like her. She's a lot of fun to be around. Why, she even said "do it" when I mentioned this hair brained idea.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Todd, I've actually looked at and ridden an ST. Fantastic bike in every way. Just not quite what I'm after. "Versatile" is usually good, but I'm looking for a very narrowly focused, single purpose toy. As impractical as they get. That's actually part of the appeal.

Understood. In that case, maybe look for a Sport 1000S (or Paul Smart if you've got more money).



I'm going the other way - seriously thinking of buying one of these:

[Shaun @ Tru6]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycles___1993-Ducati-900-ss-944-kit-FCR-carbs-Corbin-low-miles_W0QQitemZ280257360208QQddnZMotorcyclesQQddiZ 2283QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280257360208&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

[nostatic]

http://www.multistrada.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15183&sid=8d55bff10bb7bea6afbd681f2ba56cb7

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by nostatic

http://www.multistrada.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15183&sid=8d55bff10bb7bea6afbd681f2ba56cb7

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[nostatic]

Forced to sell my '95 900ss/sp due to divorce. See Picasa gallery linked below for 62 pics of the bike. Bike is in near mint condition and ready to ride. I bought this bike from a friend's 30+ bike collection (nearly half being Ducatis). Paint in near perfect (see pic of mirror) and shows amazing well. I take it out for the occasional 'nice day' ride and never have any issues. Once warmed up, she runs like a top. I hate to sell it, but I'm making ever effort to keep my Paul Smart, so the 900ss and ST4s (and the DRZ, KTM and the Indian) have to go. Definitely going to miss it. Extremely hard to find in this condition (see all pics), especially with all the carbon bits and extras that this bike has!!!

'95 900ss/sp #226
Red
8,323 miles
Carbon clutch cover
Carbon belt covers
Carbon sprocket cover
Carbon chain cover
Carbon gauge surround
Carbon inner fairing side panels
Carbon rear hugger
Carbon rear plate mount
Carbon upswept exhaust (Superlight style)
Polished aluminum exhaust hangers
Custom painted carbon front fender to match gold outlined logos on bike - beautiful!!!
Red Vitaloni mirrors
Stock ducati pipes included
Sargent seat (with red rear section)
Stock Ducati seat included
Metzler Sportec M-1 tires
Full floating front rotors (but you knew that)
Battery tender lead

Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/ducbeebe/900ssForSalePics

Asking $5,500. Will consider offers. Reply to thread here or PM me with questions.

[island911]

wait wait. . Jeff, you do know that they do crazy stuff on those bikes . ..like firing the power strokes more than 10° apart, suspension, unchromed bits, and no handlebar tassles! --shocking, I know.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Forced to sell my '95 900ss/sp

Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/ducbeebe/900ssForSalePics

Asking $5,500. Will consider offers. Reply to thread here or PM me with questions.

that's the kind of guy you want buy a bike from. same type as my first 911, an 86.

[Britwrench]

I bought an 900SP about two years ago, previously had a Kawasaki ZRX1100 (in green, of course).
I'm 6' and need to loose weight (!) but the bike is is great to ride, superb handling and brakes and wants to be on roads with bends. Riding on the freeway or town is not fun.
We rode up to Lake Diablo on Saturday, 300 miles of fun....

I had the timing belts and carb tune done at Seattle Ducati last year and have had no problems. The Michelins that came with the bike are just about to be replaced, lasted about 6,000 miles. I just keep changing the oil and filter.

The only down side is the less than wonderful fuel economy, keeping an eye for gas stations is essential.

[HardDrive]

Jeff, the bike below is available locally (Queen Anne, Seattle). I went and saw it, and the pictures don't lie. Its very clean. I checked it for frame cracks, and my amateur eye could not spot any. Beautiful exhaust system. The owner is asking $5500. I loved it, but having not been on a bike in 12+ years, I want something that already has some wear and tear. This bike is basically pristine.

I am in the market for a Ducati as well, but will likely go with a later model fuel injected SS/Monster. I seem to be one of the few people on earth that likes the later model 900/1000SS bikes. Their look is a bit over the top given the modest power on tap, but I think they look cool.

I'll PM you the owners phone # in just a moment.

[Jeff Higgins]

Very cool bike. That looks like what I'm after; I'll give him a call. Thanks.

[javadog]

As much as I like a Ducati SS with a white frame, nostatic's bike has a lot of nice extras. Plus, if you bought it, you'd have to ride it up the coast to bring it home. I can't think of many places I'd rather be right now than riding up highway 1. Nothing like a little road trip to get to know a new bike.

JR

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by island911

wait wait. . Jeff, you do know that they do crazy stuff on those bikes . ..like firing the power strokes more than 10° apart, suspension, unchromed bits, and no handlebar tassles! --shocking, I know.

You know me, I do quite well with no suspension at all.