Description
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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.”
Manufactured June 1981, this example is VIN: ZDMAS9632CB090737. Engine: 092096. The seller purchased the bike from a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot’s estate out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. He notes, “I have owned it and enjoyed it for 17 years. Its now time to let it go.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 10,000 miles. The odometer shows 35,211 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller notes performing regularly scheduled maintenance. The bike needs the brake fluid replaced front and rear, and some carb tuning. Dreamcycle has provided the following condition report:
Modifications:
“DMC ignition, stainless steel braided brake lines, Ikon shocks, new battery, BUB Conti replica exhaust, Rene Waters (Ducati Meccanica) completely re-wired electrics with individual circuit relays. Extended clutch actuating arm.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires with date codes of 4207 and 1116.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Missing paint on frame by back of gas tank, paint chips on front forks, brake calipers, hand switch controls, rims and other spots. Scratch on front left fairing, minor scratches/imperfections on side covers, dent on exhaust.”
Currently located in Sorrento, British Columbia, Canada, this Ducati is offered on a clean Canada title. Have any 900SS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
