1995 Ducati 400SS

• Exceedingly rare in the UK
• Offered with NOVA
• For recommissioning or restoration – much work undertaken by the vendor

This striking Ducati 400SS is a rare Japanese domestic market model—also known in Japan as the 400SS Junior - and was acquired by the current private owner from DK Motorcycles in June 2020 (£1,500 invoice on file).

Produced between 1991 and 1995, the 400SS features a 398cc V-twin engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Ducati claimed an output of 42hp for the model. Notably, many of its components are interchangeable with the larger 600SS, 750SS, and 900SS models. As a result, many 400SS's were dismantled for parts, making surviving examples like this exceedingly rare - particularly in the UK.

Although currently offered unregistered, the bike is accompanied by a Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) Acknowledgement dated May 2020 (stating: "Based on the information provided to HMRC, an application can now be made to register and license the vehicle with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)", The successful purchaser is therefore responsible for applying to register an imported vehicle with the DVLA.

Since acquisition, the Ducati has undergone a number of cosmetic improvements: the frame and fuel tank have both been repainted, with new, correct tank decals sourced from Germany. Additional work includes replacement front and rear left-hand indicators, a new brake lever, and a replacement silencer.

For performance reasons, the vendor removed several intake, ventilation, and breather components (offered detached with the machine) and fitted a direct breather pipe – a common modification. However, the machine has not been run since purchase and is in need of a new battery. As such, its mechanical condition is unknown, and is offered strictly as seen, requiring recommissioning or possibly further restoration.

The January 2020 Japanese Vehicle Inspection Report accompanying the machine, records the motorcycle as previously owned by a resident of Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Odometer readings from the report show 27,200 km in May 2016 and 28,100 km in May 2018. An original DK Motorcycles stock tag remains attached to the bike, noting the reading at 28,497 (presumably in kilometres).

The vendor advises that the original instruments were in poor condition and have since been replaced with a used set sourced online. These currently display 6,583 miles, which is not reflective of the true mileage. Accordingly, prospective must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, and mileage of the motorcycle prior to bidding.

Offered with 2020 brake lever invoice, 2020 DK Motorcycles purchase invoice, 2020 LHS indicator invoice, 2020 Nova Declaration, 2021 tank transfer invoice, Haynes manual, Intake, Technical literature, Spare key, Spares including intake/breather components, spare silencer, belt, rear footrests, old brake lever and sundry components.

This presents a fantastic opportunity for Ducati enthusiasts and collectors to acquire a rare example of the 400SS Junior - a unique and desirable addition to any JDM motorcycle collection, particularly given its rarity outside of Japan, shaped by Japan's specific licensing and regulatory framework.
Offered with key