1993 Ducati 900SS

"More than any other Ducati, the 900SS recalls the roots of Bologna's success and rediscovers a niche in the marketplace long empty." Cycle magazine, 1991.

The arrival of Ducati's all-new, eight-valve, water-cooled v-twin in the late 1980s led to a comprehensive re-structuring of the range, the appearance of this range-topping World Superbike contender creating a niche for a super-sports roadster. This gap would be filled by the 900SS that arrived in 1991, reviving one of the great model designations from the Bologna factory's past. The newcomer used a development of Ducati's long running 'belt drive' v-twin motor that had first appeared in 1978 in the Pantah 500. Air-cooled and two-valves-per-cylinder, the 80bhp 900SS was simpler, easier to maintain and, of course, less costly than the 851 superbike. In style though, it gave nothing away to its more exotic cousin, having the same distinctive 'trellis' frame as the 851 - now an established Ducati trademark. Handling was, needless to say, exemplary and while ultimate performance was down on that of the superbike, with a top speed of 140mph the 900SS was more than enough for the majority of riders in everyday conditions. 750SS and 600SS versions followed soon after. A major success for Ducati, the 900SS underwent progressive development over the years and remains a fixture of the range until 2003.

This Ducati 900SS was first registered 21st June 1993 and retains its matching frame and engine. Our vendor, its eighth owner, purchased the Ducati on 28th August 2014. According to the vendor: "The bike is 100% complete and in 100% working order with a current MoT."

In 2022 the engine underwent a fully documented professional rebuild by V-Twin Services in Consett, prompted by broken stainless steel cylinder studs at 21,452 miles. (The bike has covered 21,537 miles since new.) The rebuild included new hardened steel studs, blasted cases, and new seals and bearings. The vendor states that the engine starts and runs beautifully and tells us that the machine has been started and ridden regularly. The chassis and bodywork are said to be in original condition and exactly as they were then the vendor purchased the bike in 2014, showing only minor signs of use.

Modifications include high-level Micron (Termignoni badged) carbon-fibre end-cans, with bespoke link pipes and hangers; and a carbon-fibre front mudguard, hugger and clutch cover. The original end-cans, footrests and front mudguard are included in the sale together with the single seat cowl which covers the seat's rear section and can be removed to carry a pillion. Accompanying documentation includes some maintenance history, various receipts and MoTs to 2025 (current expires 30th May 2026. All paperwork is included in the history file.
Offered with key