1995 Ducati 900 SS/SP

Frame no. ZDM1LC4N2SB015744 Engine no. LCHS02230

The whole series of 2-valve, belt-drive Ducati V-twin sportbikes, developed from the very first Pantah 500 SL of 1979, ran through until at least 2005, without counting the retro 1000s to celebrate the original desmo 750 bevel twins of the early 1970s. To track the different models in multiple capacities – 350 through 900 – is indeed like picking out pasta letters from kid's – even adult's - canned soup. 1991 saw the launch of both a new 900 SS, or Supersport, and several short-run "halo" models, which ran through 1998, and the 750 Supersport through 1999. And then there was more as the shape changed but the essentials did not. The bike here is from the middle of the 1991 through 1998/99 series.

By 1995, Ducati's SS had been developed into a very fine performance platform, all of which models were recognizable by the rectangular headlamp. The Desmoquattro 916 rightfully added to Ducati's portfolio of motorcycling tours de force but only after the Desmodue 900 had pioneered and perfected the superbike concept hand in hand with the 851/888. The Supersports were affordable, available, with much improved reliability, providing a well-loved, superb handling, well-balanced chassis wrapped around a bellicose, raspy 90-degree, air-cooled, 2-valve v-twin. The 1995 model 900SS (actually 904cc) came into America is two forms, the SP and the CR. The SP, for Sport Production, was essentially a limited edition, "fully faired Superlight with a dual seat and lower exhaust pipes." The CR, possibly for Café Racer or Club Racer, in 1995 was a half-fairing, standard, Supersport with Marzocchi fork and Sachs-Boge rear shock.

This rare example – many SPs were modified and simply used-up - is original in virtually every respect. It "starts and barks" like it should.