1977 Ducati 900SS

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

After a dominant 1-2 victory at the Imola 200 in 1972, 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. It tipped the scales at a scant 333lbs, and its round case L-twin boasted a 748cc displacement, a 10.5:1 compression ratio, and some innovative bevel-gear-driven camshafts. In addition to being highly desirable because of its limited production volume, the 750 was most notably the bike that saved Ducati from going belly-up.

When the 900SS arrived in 1975, it was just as competition-ready as its predecessor. Early models closely resembled the 750 racers, built with the improved square case engine, as well as fiberglass tanks, twin 40mm Dell’Orto carbs, Conti silencers, no turn signals, and even a right-side gear shift! Add to that a low-slung, stretched-out riding position with a single seat, a half-fairing, and some tight clip-ons, and the result was a bike that demanded respect and required a rider’s undivided attention.

Over the course of the 900’s production life, Ducati continued to improve the model in order to make it more livable. Upgraded electrics, smaller carbs, and quieter mufflers were some of the most noticeable changes, but the bike also received an improved camshaft drive system, an upgraded oil pump and filter, along with some strengthened cranks and a redesigned the gear shifter.

As Hagerty found: “The Super Sport was good for about 135 mph in standard trim, enough to see off almost all opposition in ’75. More importantly for road use, it cruised at up to 100 mph with a nonchalant, long-legged, mile-eating ease. The half-fairing was effective for fast riding, giving lots of protection provided I crouched down behind the screen. No doubt the fairing contributed to the Ducati’s legendary stability, too. The 900SS remained rock-solid at speeds that would have had many of its contemporaries weaving all over the road.”

This example is VIN: DM860SS086851. The seller acquired the bike from renowned photographer Mark Abrahams. Per the seller, Abrahams purchased the bike through Bevel Heaven.

The odometer shows 310 miles, which represents the mileage covered after the restoration. True mileage is unknown.

Maintenance:
If you’ve been following our YouTube channel, chances are good you’ll recognize this 900SS. Once we stripped the bike down for its semi-restoration, the seller asked us to use his Porsche painter John Willhoit to refinish the frame and swing-arm. He spared no expense — the job cost him $5,000.

While the bike was disassembled, we cleaned up the wiring with a new stator, higher quality terminals and sheathing, correct ignitor wiring, and a new neutral sensor.

The seller also had Brook Henry of Vee Two Australia perform a complete engine and transmission overhaul.

After the engine was put back together and the bike was reassembled, we tuned and adjusted the carburetors, modified the petcocks to face the same direction, gave the bike a detailing, and performed a road test.

At the time, our service department noted the following in their condition report:

Tire Year Front/ Rear: 4915/2616
Tire % Front/ Rear:80/80
Tire Press Front/ Rear:32/34
Brake % Front/ Rear :90/90
Hydraulic: New
Oil: New
Coolant: NA
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: N/A
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: New
Battery: New
Notes: Test ridden 5 miles by Brook + Angel, unit operates as designed.

Modifications:
Per the seller, “there are no modifications.”

It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Bridgehampton, New York, 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!