All things being equal, which SS?

Rot 911 · 12-03-2013, 12:42 PM

Just when I think I have things narrowed down, I am faced with choices. I have lusted for the early 900SS for years, but never seemed to find the right one at the right time. So recently been looking at some 750SS's. Been talking with the owner of one I am really interested in. Now a 900SS comes up for sale relatively close to me. Both bikes are in decent mechanical condition, well maintained and have almost the same mileage (14,000). One is a red 1993 900SS, full fairing and the other is a yellow 2001 750SS half fairing.

They are priced: 750SS is $3600 and the 900SS is $4000. Both a bit negotiable.

I suppose this is a good dilemma to have. Any reason to choose one over the other? Neither is going to tear up the streets, I know that. But that's not the point of owning an SS is it?

Oh and I am 5'8" and 160lbs. Which one would fit better?

MotoSook · 12-03-2013, 12:50 PM

Good chance the 900SS fully faired is an "SP" version so I'd got for that or look for an SP version. The 900 with FCR carbs and free flowing exhaust makes for a respectable bike.

I am not a fan of the half faired SS.

I'd go with the fully faired 900. I have a 1993 900 SS SP model!

Yorkie · Yorkie's Garage

I think an early white framed 900ss is the best bet (other than a Super Light) as they have the aluminum swing arm, adjustable front forks. whereas the CRs have the budget suspension. I think the market tends to value these early 900s the most. But the clutch on the 750ss is nicer than that nasty dry clutch thing on the SS. If you find one you like look from cracks in the frame around the tubes that join up to the headstock and look for a notchy clutch action which indicates a worn basket.

MotoSook · 12-03-2013, 01:29 PM

The "SP" model is the one that comes with an aluminum trailing arm and adjustable forks.

Rot 911 · 12-03-2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoSook

The "SP" model is the one that comes with an aluminum trailing arm and adjustable forks.

Yep. Here is a good synopsis of the differences between the SP and the CR. I want a true SP if I go with the 900. 900SS: SP vs CR

BlueSkyJaunte · 12-03-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Yep. Here is a good synopsis of the differences between the SP and the CR. I want a true SP if I go with the 900. 900SS: SP vs CR

I've always loved that site.

"Friends don't let friends buy 1996 and newer CRs."

HHI944 · 12-03-2013, 03:04 PM

I love my 2001 750SS.....
Just opened up the airbox, have cored mufflers and the header cross pipe is being opened up by a local shop....it'll get a dobeck installed after that. The FI can be loads of fun to mod.......plenty of things that a fairly competent mech can do from home....800/620 6spd tranny will be the next i do....that's the only real bad part of the 750.....only 5 spd

Gogar · 12-03-2013, 03:11 PM

Add me to the list of people who think CRs are ugly.

A 2001 750 CR

Kind of has the odds stacked against it. It's a fine bike, but for the same money the 1993 will be more fun, and is appreciating in value. The 2001 will likely never appreciate in value.

Rot 911 · 12-04-2013, 04:28 AM

Pictures of the two contenders:

2001 750SS:

1993 900SS:

MotoSook · 12-04-2013, 06:02 AM

That generation of CR is the worst IMO...buy the 900.

Gogar · 12-04-2013, 07:02 AM

Before 1994 there was no real designation "SP", so I -think- that they ALL had the goodies, except for (as evidenced by the pic) CF fenders and mirrors.

Or else NONE of them had the goodies. Something like that.

After 1994 there is

Full fairing
Full fairing, SP
and CR.

So, if you go look at that red one, toss a magnet on the swingarm, and look at the brakes and the shock, etc. and see what you find.

MotoSook · 12-04-2013, 08:21 AM

You're right, Jeremy. The SP designation thing was a little murky. My 1993 900 has adjustable forks and an alum swing arm, but no carbon front fender. I wasn't able to confirm its SP designation but didn't care as long as I got the good bits.

My bike currently has 41mm FCRs, KN oval filters and DD high mount cans. It screams!

The stock carbs are crap.

motion · 12-04-2013, 08:33 AM

Arghhhhhh! You guys have me looking for a 900 SP now! I think these bikes are a good buy right now, and values will head north in the not too distant future.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Black with white? Is this stock guys?

Ducati 900SS

HardDrive · 12-04-2013, 08:48 AM

Not really a competition in my mind. 900 all the way. But then again, I'm a bit biased.

My current love affair.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

The biggest difference (other than the aesthetics) is that one bike is carbureted (the 900SS) and the other has fuel injection (750SS). Do you mind fiddling with carbs and a choke? Or are you a hop on it and ride kind of guy? I didn't think I would mind having a carbureted bike again, but it's certainly nice to just start up a motor and go riding on my FI bike. I use my 900SS for commuting, so sometimes it's a pain to fiddle with the choke and stumble around on a cold motor when I'm late and just want to go. With a fuel injected Ducati, you just fire up the motor and go.

If you upgrade the 900SS carbs to the common FCR mod, note that you lose the choke, so the bike is even more cold-blooded.

I'd go for the 900SS because I think it's the prettiest modern-ish sportbike out there (for mass consumption) and I've wanted one ever since I was in college, but I'm biased. It's fun to ride, but it's not super-exciting the way truly modern sportbikes are. (Though neither is the 750SS.)

motion · 12-04-2013, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Black with white? Is this stock guys?

Ducati 900SS

Magic 8 Ball says Yes: Black Carbie 900ss ? - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum

BlueSkyJaunte · 12-04-2013, 09:43 AM

Kurt: no question, the 900.

The styling on the post-99 is repulsive, IMHO.

Gogar · 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Black with white? Is this stock guys?

Ducati 900SS

YES! That's a good deal, too.

edit: If it weren't for the big rash on it. and the fender isn't right. And the tank. And . . . And . . . .

Jeff Higgins · 12-04-2013, 10:47 AM

"All things being equal" is right where the buck stops on this one - they are most decidedly not equal. The 750 is a massively de-spec'd bike from the early 900 or the late 900 SP (all early, pre-SP/CR bikes were built to SP specs). Go with the 900, for sure.

So, while we are at it, here's my '93. It has full (aftermarket) carbon fiber bodywork, revalved forks, Fox rear shock, Termi "Spaghetti" exhaust, Keihin 41mm FCR's, and a freshly rebuilt motor featuring JE pistons, ST2 cams, ported heads, and Kibblewhite stainless valves.