Description
Please note: This bike has not been operated since a restoration in 2002. As such, there is no cold start video.
The Ducati 750SS is widely considered to be one of the most instantly-recognizable motorcycles of all time. Whether it’s because of the swooping front fairing, the eye-catching frame azzurro metallizzato (metallic blue), or the round case Conti mufflers, it’s truly an iconic piece of two-wheeled exotica. Even more important than its good looks, though, was the way that it altered the very course of Ducati’s history.
That’s because , up until the 1970s, the Bologna-based firm was all but a non-presence in the industry, mostly known for its small (and admittedly peculiar) single cylinder offerings. Of course, within Italy, Fabio Taglioni was well-respected for his technological might; elsewhere, however, his name had yet to make an impact.
That all changed come 1972, when race fans finally had the opportunity to watch the best of the best battle it out at the inaugural Imola 200. Competitors lined the grid on bikes representing everyone from Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta to BSA and Triumph to Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki — each one a dominant presence at Daytona. With Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari leading the team, Ducati pulled off the seemingly impossible: a resounding 1-2 victory.
To commemorate the performance, Ducati began selling its legendary 750 SuperSport to the public in 1974. Despite its stable touring geometry, the bike was essentially a Grand Prix racer, barely homologated for road legal riding. So close to the Imola-winning bikes was the 750SS, in fact, that it didn’t even feature provisions for electric start or turn signals. Accordingly, it tipped the scales at a scant 333lbs, and though the mufflers were barely silenced and the carbs lacked air filters, its round case L-twin boasted 748cc of displacement, a 10.5:1 compression ratio, and some innovative bevel-gear-driven camshafts.
The “green frame” 750SS from 1974 gets plenty of attention, but the ’75 successor is even more rare with just 249 units built. Ducati built a 900SS alongside the 750SS as the team moved from Formula 750 to endurance racing and were free to go with a larger motor.
Both bikes used the square case motor, and they’re especially desirable in the US as Ducati never officially sold any here – you won’t even find a road test in any American motorcycling magazine of the time.
We’re having some trouble identifying the VIN – we believe it says DM750SS-75466. Engine number is 075460 – DM750.1. This example was imported from Argentina and then restored by noted Ducati expert Roy Kidney in 2002. Since then, it has been stored dry on display.
The odometer shows 20,212 kilometers (12,559 miles), though the only usage it has seen since the restoration has been a few feet of being rolled around.
Modifications
The bike appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Macadam tires with date codes of 338 and 479.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes
The front rotors have developed some surface rust.
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Ducati is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Please note that if you plan on riding this motorcycle that you must use non-ethanol fuel only as it is fitted with the original fiberglass tank. Steel and aluminum aftermarket replicas are available if you plan on riding it regularly, and our White Glove service would be glad to help you source such a piece if desired. We are also able to get this 750SS ready for the road if you wish. Have any 750SS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
