LOT 532

1981 Ducati 900SS Registration no. SNK 764W Frame no. DM860SS 090611 Engine no. 092207 DM860

Sold for £16,330 inc. premium

Lot 532

1981 Ducati 900SS
Registration no. SNK 764W Frame no. DM860SS 090611 Engine no. 092207 DM860

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 September 2019, 15:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1981 Ducati 900SS
Registration no. SNK 764W
Frame no. DM860SS 090611
Engine no. 092207 DM860

Ducati's second-generation v-twin engine - the 900cc 'square case' (actual capacity 864cc) - debuted in the 860GT of 1974. The following year it was used to power the new 900SS superbike, which was styled like the original 750SS that had been developed from Paul Smart's 1972 Imola winner. More than just a simple over-bore, the 'square case' engine incorporated a new camshaft drive arrangement, improved oil pump, cartridge-type oil filter, and electronic ignition. In addition, the gearchange was moved to the left-hand side and the frame altered to provide chain adjustment at the swinging arm pivot. As had been the case with the original 750SS, desmodromic valve gear distinguished the new sports roadster from its tourer counterpart. "Like the tamer valve spring version of the engine in the 900GTS it is uncannily smooth, while possessing a much more dramatically punchy power output than the soft touring motor," reported Bike magazine in October 1977. Breathing through gaping 40mm Dell'Orto carburettors, the 900SS engine produced 70bhp at 7,500rpm, an output good enough for a top speed of 135mph. The 900SS's competition heritage was obvious on the road: "While other flash Italian bikes are basically roadsters dressed up and pretending to be racers, this is the real thing," declared Bike. This particular 900SS is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. The machine comes with three old-style V5 registration documents listing only one keeper from new.

Saleroom notices

Please note there are no keys with this Lot.

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