Ducati 900 ss yes or no??

[Jerry74]

Hi, I am looking to buy an injected Ducati 900 SS about 2000 model.

Whats your verdict on:

Reliability?
Comfort?
Economy?

I have always wanted one but would like to know others opinions before buying.

Cheers :headbang:

[nudemetalz]

The person to talk to is Wannabiker. He has one and knows everything there is to know about them.
I rode his 900SS once and it was a beautiful machine to ride.
But my Moto Guzzi won me !!! :love:

[Jerry74]

Cheers for that

[avgas]

Yes - as far am im concerned all the SS models are the basic, classic ducatis.
Good sound, light, basic.......awesome

[Rob Taylor]

Yes the 900ss is a great bike.Super realiable.Maintaining the rocker shims is very important and best done by the shop if you have not got the proper gear.Other than that..... Go for it....:woohoo:

[McJim]

Well I want one... I just don't have the funds at the moment.

Ducati parts are farken cheap too. I've saved heaps since getting rid of my Honda.

[nudemetalz]

I considered one but was too worried about how a second-hand one may have been maintained before I bought it, ie the Desmo heads being serviced and oil changed etc.

Instead I bought a Moto Guzzi thinking it would be much more reliable.
It shat itself on the day I bought it due to,... you guessed it,..Italian electrics !!
Then the battery fried itself, the front crankseal blew spewing oil everywhere, the rear brake locked on a few times for no reason,...the starter switch has a habit of sticking and it goes out of tune frequently.
But I would not swap it for anything !!
Ah bellisimo !!!

[McJim]

I considered one but was too worried about how a second-hand one may have been maintained before I bought it, ie the Desmo heads being serviced and oil changed etc.

Unfortunately a lot of 900ss bikes get crashed so engine parts and whole engines are often fairly easy to obtain.

[flame]

Go for it Jerry74. Ive owned 3 SS models, loved them all. Prefered the injected models over the carbs, but thats personal pref I guess. Did loads of touring on them (80-90000kms), and they were awesome in every way, performance, comfort, reliability and economy. Like Rob said, keep the servicing up at the indicated intervals and you shouldn't have any probs at all.

Good luck with the purchase.:cool:

[AllanB]

Comfort?
Economy?


Ah - sure you don't want a Honda? :bleh:

I had a laugh - that's the first time I've heard (or read) of someone asking that when considering a Ducati.

Go for it!

[hmurphy]

At the lights yesterday, some guy pulled up next to me on his 900SS and took of in a huge power wheelie down the motorway, flicking through gears. Was awesome as! There was no traffic, he was just showing off a bit. I thought it was great, wish my Hyosung did power wheelies!!!

The bike sounded and looked great too! Good luck bro

[rat biker 08]

Go for it :niceone: if i had the cash i would have one to:first:

[Crisis management]

Don't buy an earlier than 2000 model!
In the finest Ducati tradition there is an ongoing stream of small improvements and by 2000 all the bugs were worked out of the system, the fuel injection is cleanish and the bars and screen have finally been raised to achieve a "reasonable" seating position.
If you can get an 03 you may be able to get one with the lighter (5 spoke) wheels and Ohlins suspension which is well worth getting.
Comfort? How young & flexible are you? My last 900SS was a couple of years ago now and in the end I was finding it hard work due to old age (52) and the sports bike position but be prepared to fiddle with the suspension and handle bars to achieve something workable.
Overall: Great bikes, lovely sound and nothing beats that flat torque curve for acceleration but it only puts out 80HP, I have to admit it didn't take long to start wondering where some more horsepower was.......916, now theres a classic!

[shafty]

I DID see a poster yesterday which read...

Ducati - making Mechanics out of Riders since 1946

[idb]

I considered one but was too worried about how a second-hand one may have been maintained before I bought it, ie the Desmo heads being serviced and oil changed etc.

Instead I bought a Moto Guzzi thinking it would be much more reliable.
It shat itself on the day I bought it due to,... you guessed it,..Italian electrics !!
Then the battery fried itself, the front crankseal blew spewing oil everywhere, the rear brake locked on a few times for no reason,...the starter switch has a habit of sticking and it goes out of tune frequently.
But I would not swap it for anything !!
Ah bellisimo !!!

That's the character that comes pre-installed in every Italian bike.
Sometimes they accidentally bolt a bit much on to some bikes but it's all part of the experience.

[Dooly]

Buy it.
Or even better a 1000SS/DS.

Love mine. Its set up for me now, handles like a dream.

Just put a carbon vented see thru clutch cover on.
The noise from the dry clutch is crazy, everyone thinks the engine is going to explode!!!
Awesome.:laugh:

[jim.cox]

Hi, I am looking to buy an injected Ducati 900 SS about 2000 model.

An excellent choice, Sir :)


I have always wanted one

Me too :)


but would like to know others opinions before buying.

You already know all you need to :)

You want it :)

That is sufficient of and for its self.

You, Sir, are an individual of choice and discernment. You don't need the opinions of others.

Go on

DO IT

.

[nudemetalz]

Totally agree with jim.cox there.
If you want it, get it !!!

Just make sure it's a goody first.

Little bit of info for you...
http://www.mcnews.com.au/testing/Ducati/900SS/Page1.htm

(and yes IDB, I agree with the "character" thing :laugh: )

[desmo dave]

Buy it.
Or even better a 1000SS/DS.

Love mine. Its set up for me now, handles like a dream.

Just put a carbon vented see thru clutch cover on.
The noise from the dry clutch is crazy, everyone thinks the engine is going to explode!!!
Awesome.:laugh: If its due for a belt change and valve re shim make sure you factor that in on the price

[Jerry74]

Thanks very much, I am convinced now..... cheers for all your good feedback !!!! :wari: :done:

[munterk6]

Thanks very much, I am convinced now..... cheers for all your good feedback !!!! :wari: :done:
Duclattery 900SS....hmmmmmm...never really understood the whole continental bike thing, always seemed like a lot of hassle when they crap out and ya gotta spend megabucks on them on a regular basis. having never owned anything like that(always been a japper owner) am I qualified to comment?
But i spose ya dont have to be run over by a bus to know that you should never step in front of one.
one thing tho, chicks love that shit, and there will always be a crowd assembled round your Ducati as soon as ya park up lol!
Good luck :innocent:

[Sparky Bills]

At the lights yesterday, some guy pulled up next to me on his 900SS and took of in a huge power wheelie down the motorway, flicking through gears. Was awesome as! There was no traffic, he was just showing off a bit. I thought it was great, wish my Hyosung did power wheelies!!!

The bike sounded and looked great too! Good luck bro


Who would do such a thing!!

Awsome bikes! Hugely under rated bikes. Id own one...
Love the clutch rattle too :)

[R1madness]

Belts are cheap. Shimming is easy. Do both when you buy and then forget about them for 20000km. Great bikes. Vroom vroom clatter clatter, nice.:2thumbsup

[Dooly]

Also, drop the front sprocket a tooth to a 14, what a difference it makes. Gets rid of the tall gearing and makes the bike way more responsive in real world riding.
Since doing that my bike has been transformed.

[Sparky Bills]

Also, drop the front sprocket a tooth to a 14, what a difference it makes. Gets rid of the tall gearing and makes the bike way more responsive in real world riding.
Since doing that my bike has been transformed.


Told ya :banana::2thumbsup

[Dooly]

Told ya :banana::2thumbsup

Indeed!
No slipping the clutch to get underway, and what a blast in the twisties, just flies out of corners, and easier to keep in the fun rev zone.:clap:

[98tls]

I to say do it,everybody should own at least one Duc in there lifetime for sure.Enjoy and post up your thoughts.

[desmo dave]

Indeed!
No slipping the clutch to get underway, and what a blast in the twisties, just flies out of corners, and easier to keep in the fun rev zone.:clap:I found the change in wheel base quite noticeable.Did take a while to click the first ride that there was a difference in the gearing alright but also the handling.Fitting the 14 tooth front sprocket left the chain very slack witch required the back wheel to be moved quite away back making the wheel base longer.

[Dooly]

I found the change in wheel base quite noticeable.Did take a while to click the first ride that there was a difference in the gearing alright but also the handling.Fitting the 14 tooth front sprocket left the chain very slack witch required the back wheel to be moved quite away back making the wheel base longer.

Interesting.
I can't notice anything different apart from what I've mentioned in the performance side.

[Winston001]

Here's one, seems fairly priced. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-158840194.htm

I guess its a matter of style and taste. I like the 900SS but couldn't live with the sprotsbike riding position. Lovely looking bike.

The ST4 is slightly more upright, similarly priced (seems to be a bit cheaper than other Ducatis) and has the 916 motor - YES!! so don't dismiss this as an option. The ST4 has a good reputation and I'm certainly happy with mine. More power than is healthy for this bloke!

[Jerry74]

I just like the whole look and style of them

:drinknsin

[Winston001]

I just like the whole look and style of them

:drinknsin

That is a fine reason, look no further. :Punk:

[Wannabiker]

Yes I have one and I love it...but am trading soon on 999. The 900 is a great first "big bike" and has plenty of power / torque to pull you through most anything.... The 2V heads are way cheaper to maintain and belt are simpler. The best thing about it though, is that it is awesome to carry a pillion on. The extra weight isnt really noticed, and the pillion doesnt pendulum about. Everyone (and there have been lots) that have pillioned on mine have had a ball!!
Mine an '02, the model before the "red key" models. Termi exhausts set off the car alarms, and yep...power wheelies!!!!

I love mine to bits, and am stilll working out how to keep it and get the 999...

[johan]

I'm on my third Ducati. First a 900 Monster, then the 996 and now 998.
Great fun, go and get one! :2thumbsup

[McJim]

Mine is only a 600ss so if the jappa lovers call a 900ss gutless imagine what they must think of mine!

And yet.....I still loves her.

[Winston001]

Mine is only a 600ss so if the jappa lovers call a 900ss gutless imagine what they must think of mine!

And yet.....I still loves her.

Yep and you know how to ride her too. Your bike isn't exactly underpowered!!

As a new-to-Ducati owner I'm still feeling my way. Everyone loves the particular bike they are riding, and some of us develop a passion for marques. Others, very rational bikers, look around and work out which bike best fulfills their needs. The manufacturer/country of origin is irrelevant.

Rightly or wrongly HDs and Ducatis inspire a passion in their owners which goes to the essence of motorcycling.

Buy a Ducati :D

[SPman]

Have only ridden one SS and it impressed. Compared to the YZF, it was light, felt really narrow and nimble in traffic, torquey, not over endowed with power but it didn't really matter, it just felt like fun. 80 hp doesn't sound like much, but its the way it integrates with the bike and how you can use it - and on the 900, on the road,you can use it all, which adds to the enjoyment.
Try using all the power on a 1000 sports bike on the road - it can be done - but not by most people. Not if they want to stay healthy and out of jail, anyway......

[piston broke]

Mine is only a 600ss so if the jappa lovers call a 900ss gutless imagine what they must think of mine!

And yet.....I still loves her.
class,not arse.600 is cool,tho i lookin at 900+ by the end of summer.
600's are cool,throw them anywhere ya wanna go.
nice tight handling.
biased as all hell tho:drool:

[svr]

Light, narrow, torquey, Italian.
3 out of 4 aint bad. Great formula though, and one the Japanese never got.
However I remember riding a 1990 SS that was 2 years old and had done 12,000 kays -and the whole bike was worn out. But they're better now, right?

[98tls]

Light, narrow, torquey, Italian.
3 out of 4 aint bad. Great formula though, and one the Japanese never got.
However I remember riding a 1990 SS that was 2 years old and had done 12,000 kays -and the whole bike was worn out. But they're better now, right? I to rode a 90 900SS which confirmed my decision to buy a TL.The later model ones are much better.

[flame]

Light, narrow, torquey, Italian.
3 out of 4 aint bad. Great formula though, and one the Japanese never got.
However I remember riding a 1990 SS that was 2 years old and had done 12,000 kays -and the whole bike was worn out. But they're better now, right?

totally different bikes now. You should try riding a later model you'd be gay if ya don't like them,or even better.....try a four valver:laugh::niceone:

well.......especially after riding a sv650.

[svr]

Haha Flame fair enough! Truth be told have always had a thing for Duke's - ever since the 900S2 (i'm old). Have ridden a 750ss, 900ss, 851, 916sps & a 999s. Great motors (reliable now too), but crippling riding positions for me, and way too expensive, although after spending some time in Italy last year I kinda understand the `style at all costs' attitude.
Lay off the sv tho aye? - it bemused that hypermotard racer eveytime I slipstreamed him at the pmc races!

[Winston001]

Haha Flame fair enough! Truth be told have always had a thing for Duke's - ever since the 900S2 (i'm old). Have ridden a 750ss, 900ss, 851, 916sps & a 999s. Great motors (reliable now too), but crippling riding positions for me, and way too expensive, although after spending some time in Italy last year I kinda understand the `style at all costs' attitude.


Actually the Dukes aren't expensive second-hand now with the bikes bring imported from Japan plus the strong $NZ. A bit tough on locals who bought NZ new.

My 2001 ST4 cost $10,000 with panniers and 8,500k. Now I realise you can buy a brand-new Suzuki 1000 for not a lot more.....but my mate paid $12,000 for a second-hand VStrom 1000 fully kitted out with panniers. Different bikes certainly but comparable value.

My bike looked like it was brand-new despite being 6 years old. I think Japanese owners buy the Ducatis, whiz around to their mates places on fine days in the summer, kick tyres, and then go home and park the bike in the living room. Pristine.

The ST2 and ST4 seem underpriced compared with Monsters etc which I'm guessing is because they have the touring label and Ducati buyers think they want pure sports or naked. Fair enough. I can only say that a water cooled 4 valve 916 motor is more than sporty enough to scare the bottom out of my pants.

Having just been for my first spring ride, with McJim, the ST has reaffirmed my decision. It is both capable of touring and sports riding. Dang I love that bike. :D

[Jerry74]

Cheers guys !!!

Ducati just do it more for me than Jap Rice Burners.

I have owned about 10 jappas and want to move onto something more classy plus I am getting too old for the land speed records and numerous tickets.

DUCATI CORSE mmmmmm

:woohoo:

[svr]

Actually the Dukes aren't expensive second-hand now with the bikes bring imported from Japan plus the strong $NZ. A bit tough on locals who bought NZ new.:D

True. 15 odd k for a mint 999 is pretty sharp for someone wanting a great track-day / posing bike.
Buying new's gonna bite tho. My mate's 2 yr old 999 owes him 37k - thats $11k loss a year or $2 per km - ouch.

[Winston001]

True. 15 odd k for a mint 999 is pretty sharp for someone wanting a great track-day / posing bike.
Buying new's gonna bite tho. My mate's 2 yr old 999 owes him 37k - thats $11k loss a year or $2 per km - ouch.

Yeah that is a lump to swallow. Mind you, my Toyota Prado is worth $40k less than what I paid for it in 2001. :shit: Which is why it's still in my garage and won't change for a long time, no reason to.

I'd guess that the big HDs, BMWs, etc have similar price drops, its all relative. It used to be that $10,000 was about the top rational limit for a bike, now $20,000 seems more like it and of course $60,000+ if you are keen.

[Jerry74]

Any bike is worth the $$$$ is you are happy with performance etc.


I plan to get the Duke next year just bus saving hahaha

[Forest]

True. 15 odd k for a mint 999 is pretty sharp for someone wanting a great track-day / posing bike.
Buying new's gonna bite tho. My mate's 2 yr old 999 owes him 37k - thats $11k loss a year or $2 per km - ouch.

The 999 is relatively unloved. Probably because it doesn't fit the styling progression from the 916 to the 1098.

Still has *plenty* of hustle however!

--------------------------------

Regarding the 900SS I say go for it. My Duc also has the 900SS engine and it is a really nice package. Not as powerful as other models, but very easy to live with.

[flame]

The 999 is relatively unloved. Probably because it doesn't fit the styling progression from the 916 to the 1098.

Still has *plenty* of hustle however!




Yeah they take a bit to grow on ya the looks of the 999/749's, and yet the ride is just awesome. Im sure its something to do with the 'red', my 749s in black looks like a totally different bike. And this black factory 999 is fricken lurrrrrrvly in my eyes too. And hard to find:yes:

Sorry ... that was a bit off topic.
Best of luck with the saving for the 900 Jerry74. Hope you manage to get one sooner than ya hope.

[Winston001]

Yes Flame that is lovely. Sex on a stick which I think also applies to the 900SS.

As for the 900 not being powerful, ok maybe compared with the Desmoquattro Testastretta motors but there's nothing slow or unexciting about it. Its also arguably more true to the Ducati heritage than the high tech bikes.

You wouldn't regret it. :2thumbsup

[McJim]

I nearly traded my 600ss for a 749. I bought my wife a new car instead as I would actually like a 749 AND the 600ss. There's something unspeakably cute about the 600 and I'm terribly attached to it.

I have no problems with Pierre Terreblanche's designs and I think it's a real shame that many Ducatisti do.

I'd also love to get my mits on a 900ss FE.:drool:

[Jerry74]

Cheers guys, I went and had another look today at the 900 SS.

Finish restricted in Jan, was on the learners for 14 years.

Big bike time for me, the 900ss new style is probably the best bike I have seen lately wanted a ZX9R for a bit but got the Italian bug......

Plus its not a cruise missile like a R1 etc I actually like keeping my licence hahahahaha

[rustycharm]

Cheers guys !!!
Ducati just do it more for me than Jap Rice Burners.
I have owned about 10 jappas and want to move onto something more classy plus I am getting too old for the land speed records and numerous tickets.
:woohoo:
Wot he said


I nearly traded my 600ss for a 749. I bought my wife a new car instead as I would actually like a 749 AND the 600ss. There's something unspeakably cute about the 600 and I'm terribly attached to it.
I have no problems with Pierre Terreblanche's designs and I think it's a real shame that many Ducatisti do.
I'd also love to get my mits on a 900ss FE.:drool:

Ahh now heres a man with taste.!:headbang:
I sold my 07 R6 in favour of buying a 749 and have loved the decision ever since. You can buy a lot of bike these days for under $13,000 and I'd really encourage a ride of the 749 / 999's
The riding position is not as bad as some would have you believe and being slightly heavier than the Jappers, they're great fun to crawl all over in the twisties. Lovely and stable being slightly longer wheel base...

Everyone needs to own one at least once in their lives!
Its strange, although they're a mass produced bike... they just seem to have this character about them.
(could be that they sound like they're dismantling themselves to the uninitiated at idle with no clutch load)

Go for it!

[Jerry74]

Wot he said



Ahh now heres a man with taste.!:headbang:
I sold my 07 R6 in favour of buying a 749 and have loved the decision ever since. You can buy a lot of bike these days for under $13,000 and I'd really encourage a ride of the 749 / 999's
The riding position is not as bad as some would have you believe and being slightly heavier than the Jappers, they're great fun to crawl all over in the twisties. Lovely and stable being slightly longer wheel base...

Everyone needs to own one at least once in their lives!
Its strange, although they're a mass produced bike... they just seem to have this character about them.
(could be that they sound like they're dismantling themselves to the uninitiated at idle with no clutch load)

Go for it!

Cheers to all of you awesome feedback ... I am now a Ducati Convert and will buy my 900SS as soon as I can.

Thanks guys !!!! :Punk::Punk::Punk:

[desmo dave]

You will soon be the envy of all your freinds.Goda del expereince di Ducati

[McJim]

I look forward to seeing your Supersport at South Island rally before too long then.

[Jerry74]

Yep cheers McJim

[Stone_Duck]

Hey you should jump in & do it. Years ago I mucked around should I
or shouldn't I buy a Duke after 3 years bought a 750F1 and loved it.
Had it for 5years about 40000km used it for commuting, touring & weekend blats & 3years of club racing.
They have there quirks & issues but it all adds to the character of ownership.

[Jerry74]

Thanks mate I am looking to get it early next year


Hey you should jump in & do it. Years ago I mucked around should I
or shouldn't I buy a Duke after 3 years bought a 750F1 and loved it.
Had it for 5years about 40000km used it for commuting, touring & weekend blats & 3years of club racing.
They have there quirks & issues but it all adds to the character of ownership.

[DEATH_INC.]

I to rode a 90 900SS which confirmed my decision to buy a TL.The later model ones are much better.
I owned a '90 900SS, one of the most fun bikes to ride I've ever owned, though I did bust the engine cases from too many rough wheelie landings :innocent: but I liked it enough that I almost bought another later on......

[Jerry74]

Have look at a few comparable twins lately such as:

VTR 1000
TLS 1000
RSV 1000
RST Futura
Buell

Sorry to all the Jap, Aprilia and Buell owners out there but the Ducati wins my vote and best looking, sounding of all !!!!!

[McJim]

Have look at a few comparable twins lately such as:

VTR 1000
TLS 1000
RSV 1000
RST Futura
Buell

Sorry to all the Jap, Aprilia and Buell owners out there but the Ducati wins my vote and best looking, sounding of all !!!!!

This post is truth incarnate.

[Jerry74]

This post is truth incarnate.

A man with very good insight there...

:headbang::headbang:

[idleidolidyll]

Hi, I am looking to buy an injected Ducati 900 SS about 2000 model.

Whats your verdict on:

Reliability?
Comfort?
Economy?

I have always wanted one but would like to know others opinions before buying.

Cheers :headbang:

nice cheap bike nowdays but watch out for cracked swingarms

[Jerry74]

nice cheap bike nowdays but watch out for cracked swingarms

Cheers mate