Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1993 Ducati 900SS. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
In this piece on Cycle World, Peter Egan says that this 900SS is “the used motorcycle you need” and notes that “they made perfectly comfortable long-distance touring bikes, but on winding roads through the Black Hills, they metamorphosed back into sportbikes of deep finesse, with killer, real-world midrange and light, intuitive handling.”
Mikuni carbs fed the air-cooled 904cc air/oil cooled V-Twin which was good for just under 80 horsepower. Combined with a dry weight of 414 pounds and classic Ducati styling, the 900SS was quite the commercial success – almost 28k of them were sold over a seven year run.
This example is VIN: ZDM1LC4N6PB007878. The seller is the original owner. He purchased the bike new from MotoFixx Ducati in Portchester, New York.
The odometer shows 33,955 miles. Per the seller, “it has covered 10,000 miles since the engine was fully gone through.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “I purchased this Ducati brand new in 1993 and after owning two RZ350s in a row, immediately fell in love with its unique style and power delivery. After a good break in period, and proper oil changes and valvetrain tappet care, I decided to make modifications to increase performance and also acceleration. I began with an open air box and K&N airfilter and Termignoni carbon fibre exhaust. After a period of more riding, I spoke more with the dealership (MotoFixx) about upgrades, related to increasing power and also the acceleration. It was suggested that I could go with a high compression piston and ring kit, with new jets for the carburetor. Also, decided to change the front and rear sprockets to achieve better real world acceleration. As for the brakes and to keep up with the other upgrades, I added steel braided lines. I stuck with this basic set up and a Corbin upgraded seat for a number of years and then decided to do something extra. The goal being to make it a very fast 900SS, without overboring the engine to 944. I spoke to my mechanics at MotoFixx and to an engine specialist (and pro drag racer) named Jim Cooper. We spoke about the details of dialing the engine in and I took his advice and had the engine ported and polished at that point. We also decided to make it perfect to do another set of high compression pistons and rings, so everything was tight and solid again. From that point on, I felt very satisfied with the performance and I basically (as I had always done previously) kept the bike maintained meticulously. Only a few other small mods like the gas on off line and better batteries and special cut fender. It has always been kept indoors. It is truly a gem, very quick and also very close to my heart for all the effort and care put into it! I wish I had time for it still, but, I have been far too busy and now am back on the east coast. I hope and pray it goes to someone who will appreciate all the special mods which makes this such a special Duc.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us clean and sync the carbs, rebuild the master cylinder, and repair the taillight wiring. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Tire Years – Front: 2516; Rear: 4515
Tire % – Front: 90%; Rear:90%
Tire Pressure – Front: 34 PSI; Rear: 36 PSI
Brake % – Front: 70%; Rear: 70%
Front Hydraulic Fluid: Fail, +3% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: OK NEW
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: Fail, +3% Moisture
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Coolant: NA
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: NA
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Fork: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Final Drive: Ok
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.3V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.7V
Test Ride: TEST RIDE 1 MILE, Runs well, Clutch starting to slip in 3rd gear and above.
Notes:
– Bike has suicide stand
– Two petcocks on bike, on tank and by carbs
– Intakes have been ported
– Steel braided brake lines
– Open airbox, K&N air filter
– Termignoni Exhaust – No badges
– LH mirror loose, not able to tighten
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
– Front brake + clutch fluid
– Belts (date of last service unknown)
– Tires (aged 8+ years)
– Clutch replacement (slips)
Modifications:
Not pictured: Open airbox, K&N air filter, high compression pistons and rings.
Termignoni carbon fiber exhaust.
Braided stainless steel brake lines.
Lockhart Phillips tank protector.
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 tires from 2016.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a clean New York title. Have any 900SS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!