LOT 180
1978 Ducati 900SS Road Racer Project Frame no. DM860SS*0869229* Engine no. 087151 DM860
Sold for US$9,775 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 180
1978 Ducati 900SS Road Racer Project Frame no. DM860SS*0869229* Engine no. 087151 DM860
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1978 Ducati 900SS Road Racer Project
Frame no. DM860SS*0869229*
Engine no. 087151 DM860
Frame no. DM860SS*0869229*
Engine no. 087151 DM860
By 1970 Ducati had developed a 750 v-twin, becoming the 750GT, and thus began a line of, arguably, some of the most beautiful motorcycles of the 1970s. The GT was joined by the 750 Sport in 1972; with its streamlined looks and high-performance engine, it was one of the most visually balanced of all time. Hard to beat it may have been, but Ducati managed it with its next creation, the 750SS, with even more power and, arguably, better looks. The obvious next step was an increase in cubic capacity with the introduction of the 860 engine, but the new machine's 'angular' appearance was initially unpopular by comparison to the sublime 750s.
Fortunately, Ducati adapted the 860 engine for the new 900 Super Sport which carried on the great Ducati looks into the next generation, initially in a silver and blue color scheme then in1978, black and gold. Incorporating cast alloy gold-painted wheels, the styling was kept up-to-the-minute, but still with the traditional lines which had served the model range well. The engine had been improved, as had the gearbox which had undergone a move to a left-hand change.
This example comes from a large collection of Vincents and a few other sundry motorcycles found in 2019 after 30 years in a dry warehouse in Chicagoland. This 900 SS left the factory in January 1977 and was never titled when new having been road raced from day one. It still carries a slick tire at the rear. 137 – it is believed - 900 SSs came to the USA in 1977. The fuel tank has gone missing as have a number of other parts such as the carburetors, headlamp and front disc brakes but there are other parts that do come with it. Ducatis of this era do not have matching engine and frame numbers but this bike does have both numbers within the right range. It is sold 'as-is' and 'where is' without any guarantees as to completeness, originality and condition.
Fortunately, Ducati adapted the 860 engine for the new 900 Super Sport which carried on the great Ducati looks into the next generation, initially in a silver and blue color scheme then in1978, black and gold. Incorporating cast alloy gold-painted wheels, the styling was kept up-to-the-minute, but still with the traditional lines which had served the model range well. The engine had been improved, as had the gearbox which had undergone a move to a left-hand change.
This example comes from a large collection of Vincents and a few other sundry motorcycles found in 2019 after 30 years in a dry warehouse in Chicagoland. This 900 SS left the factory in January 1977 and was never titled when new having been road raced from day one. It still carries a slick tire at the rear. 137 – it is believed - 900 SSs came to the USA in 1977. The fuel tank has gone missing as have a number of other parts such as the carburetors, headlamp and front disc brakes but there are other parts that do come with it. Ducatis of this era do not have matching engine and frame numbers but this bike does have both numbers within the right range. It is sold 'as-is' and 'where is' without any guarantees as to completeness, originality and condition.
Footnotes
Offered on a Bill of Sale
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The frame number is DM860SS 086929. The machine has a frame tag from the US Ducati distributor Berliner Motor Corporation indicating an importation date of January 1977, leading our specialists to believe that this example may be part of the 1976 production run. A selection of spare parts are also offered with this lot.
Additional information
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