Description
Please note: The seller has drained the tank, fogged the engine, and tuned the bike in preparation for long term storage. As such, he will not be providing a cold-start video.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1982 Ducati 900SS. 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: DM860SS089568. The seller purchased the bike 18 years ago from Cody Tellis of Bultaco West.
During his ownership the seller covered approximately 100 miles. The odometer shows 12,082 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “Always stored in climate controlled environment. All fluids changed, a comprehensive tune, and properly prepared for display by marquee expert.”
Modifications:
According to the seller the bike is stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrunner tires which are aged out.
The sale includes one key, replacement instrument panel.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this Ducati is offered on a clean New Mexico title. Have any 900SS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
