Ducati 900SS - possible purchase

[jhynesrockmtn]

When it rains it pours. I'm just digesting the purchase of a C4S and a local motorcycle buddy who has had a 92 white frame 900SS in his garage for quite a while emailed me last night and asked if I was interested in the bike. I had told him a year ago if he ever sold it to get a hold of me. He's a gearhead and takes really good care of his stuff. His shop is a nice little showroom for vintage to modern Moto Guzzi's mostly.

I know it is in nice shape but will be getting more info today.

Price range for these now? Things to look for?

[Yorkie]

I also have a white framed '92 900ss so I can possibly shine a light on some things to look at. First take a really close look at the frame tubes around the headstock as they crack and were the cause of a huge number of frame swaps by Ducati.

The carbs on these things are crap and the devoted fork out for flat slide FCR41 carbs to eliminate the sluggish throttle response. If the bike has not been run in a while then expect a really thorough carb rebuild including all jets as the motor tends to make the jet orifices oval. Factory Pro makes very good kits.

The aluminum crank plug tends to back out on some of these and the only way to check is to drain the oil. It does not result in a catastrophic failure but tends to shave off metal over time.

The head studs are divlar and tend to break on early motors. They are really hard to remove. You check by simply rotating the nuts on the cylinder heads.

Other than that they are wonderful. You can buy a project for about $1500, a good runner with service history and under 20K miles should be $3-4K and Super Lights head off into the $5-$10K territory. CRs are quite a bit cheaper as they do not have the full fairings, forks are non-adjustable and I think the swing arm is steel. For a point of reference my super clean and totally stock white frame with 13K miles BUT unused for many years was $3K. I have had to replace the tires, belts (a must but only $80 from CA Cycle) and battery.

[HardDrive]

I paid $4k for my 92 with 17k miles on it. My bike had the head studs replaced prior to purchase because one of them broke.

I disagree somewhat about the carbs. The stock carbs are not super crisp, but that doesn't detract from the bike for me. The flat slide carbs don't have a choke, and can make for difficult starting on cold, damp PNW mornings.

They really are excellent bikes for the $. I go through motorcycles rather quickly. The SS is the only bike that I've ever sold, then bought another one because I missed it so much. Its a keeper. Parts are available and the 2v valve train is relatively inexpensive to maintain. And that sound.....oh hot mamma....that sound.....

[creaturecat]

other than ......
broken/cracked headstock, garbage carbs, broken head studs, and a crank plug that shaves metal into the oil ...... they are wonderful.
: )

It is a Cagiva, as well, no?

[VincentVega]

Dont forget cramped

Great sound

I have an ST2 and just cant get enough of the exhaust note. Would really like a 900ss but I'm old, fat and ~6'3 so its not a perfect match.

[Rot 911]

The best one out there wouldn't run you $5K. As has been previously pointed out the big issue is frame cracks around the steering head. Look it over closely with a flashlight. I'm in agreement with HardDrive on the stock carbs. I rebuilt mine and have been very happy with them. However, I do run an open airbox.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Dont forget cramped
.

Downright spacious compared to the 748/996 lineage. I loved those bikes, but unless you were under 6' and going 80mph to get some wind under you, they're murder. Loved riding my 748S.....for about 15 minutes at a stretch.

[porsche4life]

I'd like to find a yellow one... We have the perfect spot in our house to park a display bike, and I've been given permission to do so....

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I'd like to find a yellow one... We have the perfect spot in our house to park a display bike, and I've been given permission to do so....

Sid, I would just find the best one you like and then paint it yellow. All of the decals are still readily available.

[MrAlien]

I have had a number of ducatis the oldest being a supersport like this but also many newer ducatis both 2v and 4v bikes... usual ducati checks belts, frame, ect. The carbs are junk, will you ever get them dialed in just right? probably not. I would value one between $2-$3K, these are not highly collectable, and for the same price you can find a newer 2v ducati (monster or SS) that will run better with less issues.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Sid, I would just find the best one you like and then paint it yellow. All of the decals are still readily available.

Won't that wreck the value though? I can't help but think that long term finding a factory yellow would be a better investment...

[Noah930]

The yellow ones tended to be the Superlights, so yes, a better investment.

Previous owner installed a set of Helibars on my bike, and regarding the seating position they make it feel like riding a tractor compared to even my 888 (let alone a 916-series).

[intakexhaust]

Can't quite fully grasp what the appeal is, but these have it. Nuisance things aside, its a lazy turn-in and you've got to be extra smooth to get any good corner exit speed. Yes to the sound.

Been away from this stuff for quite some time yet hadn't realized how reasonable priced they are. If I was in the hunt, small fairing would be my choice.

[HardDrive]

do, it. do, it Do, it. Do it. Do, it! Do, it! Do, IT! Do, IT! DO, IT! DO, IT!

[HardDrive]

Interesting you guys don't like the riding position. That series of SS fits me like a glove.

[greglepore]

Yeah, they ain't comfy, but they exit corners like an early 911. Not fast enough to kill ya, but enough to be interesting.

[Noah930]

Like I wrote, I think a 900SS with Helibars is very comfy. I can ride all day on it without feeling beat up.

[jwasbury]

I'm surprised by all the crap carb comments. I owned my 1995 M900 for 18 years from new. Carbs were stock, never jetted. The only fueling mod was done by the selling dealer before I took delivery which was to adjust the idle mixture screws to richen it up a bit. That bike ran great.

I'd own another 900SS engined bike in a heart beat...Bimota DB2 preferably, but I wouldn't mind a superlight or an FE model either.

[cnielsen]

Mine has been well loved for 56k but has now been retired to living room furniture. I can't bring myself to sell it, they are one of the most beautiful bikes! '91 was a special year...white frame and white wheels.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I looked at the bike today. We have a handshake deal pending getting it "de winterized" from last year and running well. He has at least 7-8 bikes in his shop and this one is not getting ridden and he won't sell it until it is. I'm going to work on it with him. 92, all records since new including the $8,976 purchase invoice from 11/91. Serviced for most of its life at Fast By Ferracci in PA. 3 owners. Currently at just shy of 26,000 miles. At 22k, FC41's installed, head studs done, new clutch and belt service. My friend did the belts and valves again a few hundred miles ago. Super clean. It has some other goodies on it. Termignoni cans and there is a record of the carbs being re done and rejetted at 25,000 miles at MaxRPM in Bremerton for you Seattle area guys.