Author Topic: Ducati 900 search  (Read 2025 times)

Offline nc43bsa

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1353
  • Location: Mooresville NC
Ducati 900 search
« on: April 30, 2021, 07:50:42 PM »
I'm beginning a search for one of my dream bikes:  a Ducati 900SS.  Red, air-cooled, belt-driven cams, 2-valve variety.

What are the major differences between the model years?   For example, do they all have inverted forks?  Are they all carbureted?
1990 MilleGT

Offline Tusayan

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1788
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2021, 08:09:36 PM »
91-97 are carb bikes, 98 was a transition year with the Final Edition (900SS FE) being an up-spec’d carb model, 98-on are injected and restyled, substantially different. All have upside down forks.

Sounds like some study would be required to figure out what you want.  Ian Falloon’s books are OK, for example this one would serve your needs:

https://www.biblio.com/book/ducati-desmodue-twins-pantah-f1-750/d/1194571990?aid=frg&currency_id=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhY---6Sn8AIV_h-tBh253AsEEAQYAiABEgKoy_D_BwE
« Last Edit: April 30, 2021, 08:12:49 PM by Tusayan »

Offline jpv7

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 408
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2021, 08:52:08 PM »
I'm beginning a search for one of my dream bikes:  a Ducati 900SS.  Red, air-cooled, belt-driven cams, 2-valve variety.

What are the major differences between the model years?   For example, do they all have inverted forks?  Are they all carbureted?
I had a '97 900ss/sp carb'd version.  It had the adjustable showa suspension f/r and carbon bits.  Wish I still had it.  All day comfortable with a Sargent seat (very important!). 

The newer styled '99 and up had FI but more of an aggressive riding position.  Wasn't too fond of them when they debuted, but they seem to be growing on me .

My '97...


free image upload
 


Online cliffrod

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2171
  • AC Button II
    • Carolina Sculpture Studio
  • Location: Spartanburg, SC USA
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2021, 08:57:32 PM »
Know that the circa 1994-95 bikes are prone to cracking in frame at headstock.    Seems to be not as common on 1996 models.  Frames were often repaired or replaced so numbers don't match, so that's a consideration towards value/price. 

I probably shouldn't have sold my 95 900SS/CR, even though it had the wrong full SS fairing.  It's hard to buy them ready to ride for $235.00 anymore...
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifz

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2021, 08:57:32 PM »

Offline Scout63

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2682
  • Location: Orleans, MA USA
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2021, 09:18:11 PM »
I’ve been thinking I need a Ducati also.   A clean 900 would be just the thing. It could speak with the Guzzis, annoy the /5 and ignore the Commando.  I bought a gorgeous fully faired charcoal with white frame model for $4,000 about ten years ago and then sold it right away.  What was I thinking.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Online Turin

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 5146
    • crap and stuff
  • Location: Chandler, Arizona
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2021, 02:22:48 AM »
1994 introduced the CR model with non adjustable forks, steel swing arm, and narrower rear wheel.

The half fairing which was an option on the earlier white frame bikes ( 91-92 ) which were all full spec. ( the 750SS had non adjustable forks, steel swing arm, and narrower rear wheel. )

You really can't go wrong.


1997 Daytona RS
1991 Rennsport California III
1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
1969 A-series Ambassador
1996 Triumph Daytona 1200
1996 Triumph Daytona 900
1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE 3.0

Online Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2021, 07:18:19 AM »
Here's pretty good chart showing the differences.

I've owned both the SS/SP and SS/CR and like things on each bike. The 1/s fairing of the CR and the adjustable suspension of the SP are wonderful together. I like the 160 rear tire on the CR better than the 180 of the SP. I also prefer the steel swingarm off the CR as it does not crack like the aluminum one on the SP but i like the rear underslung brake caliper of the SP.

Either bike is great and eve then adjustable suspension of the SP is not that much greater than the non-adjustable of the CR.

Steering head frames cracks do happen and its not a hard job to repair. Out of the 3 SS's I've owned none had cracked frames or repaired cracked frames. You can also buy or make a gusset that is supposed to help this from happening. It is though that the frames flex/bow at the headstock under heavy braking. This is one of the potential causes of cracking. Honestly If I found a bike with a cracked frame I'd use it a price ;leverage and within a few minutes the fellows at work could have it all TIG welded up better then new.

The 900 motor responds extremely to a pair of FCR 39 carbs. Hopefully you can find a bike with these already installed or they are another $1,000 if you want to add later. The stock BST vacuum carbs are marginal at best and even fiddling with them you can make them better but a great vacuum carb will never be as a shitty pumper carb 

There is/was a fellow in ADV Rider selling two (2) SS's. He is in Florida.       

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiaxcvjuKjwAhWNB50JHT2CCrYQFjAAegQIAxAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ducatitech.com%2F2v%2Fsp_cr_faq.html&usg=AOvVaw3uKw_bMiEYJf3OXHdKRBvR
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

Online tommy2cyl

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • *
  • Posts: 483
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2021, 07:40:08 AM »
I bought the first year 1991 white frame/white wheels edition.  Put a Jimmy Adamo canister on it.  In my opinion still one of the most attractive offerings Ducati has produced.  The sound was intoxicating and seating position was spot on between sport bike and sport touring.  Many memories riding the twisties in southern Ohio.
Still the only picture of a motorcycle that sits on my desk.  I saved a side of the wood shipping container that had Ducati graphics and it is still hanging as a piece of  art on the wall in my barn.  Wonderful memories.  Magical bike.
 


Offline jpv7

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 408
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2021, 07:47:35 AM »
Here's pretty good chart showing the differences.

I've owned both the SS/SP and SS/CR and like things on each bike. The 1/s fairing of the CR and the adjustable suspension of the SP are wonderful together. I like the 160 rear tire on the CR better than the 180 of the SP. I also prefer the steel swingarm off the CR as it does not crack like the aluminum one on the SP but i like the rear underslung brake caliper of the SP.

Either bike is great and eve then adjustable suspension of the SP is not that much greater than the non-adjustable of the CR.

Steering head frames cracks do happen and its not a hard job to repair. Out of the 3 SS's I've owned none had cracked frames or repaired cracked frames. You can also buy or make a gusset that is supposed to help this from happening. It is though that the frames flex/bow at the headstock under heavy braking. This is one of the potential causes of cracking. Honestly If I found a bike with a cracked frame I'd use it a price ;leverage and within a few minutes the fellows at work could have it all TIG welded up better then new.

The 900 motor responds extremely to a pair of FCR 39 carbs. Hopefully you can find a bike with these already installed or they are another $1,000 if you want to add later. The stock BST vacuum carbs are marginal at best and even fiddling with them you can make them better but a great vacuum carb will never be as a shitty pumper carb 

There is/was a fellow in ADV Rider selling two (2) SS's. He is in Florida.       

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiaxcvjuKjwAhWNB50JHT2CCrYQFjAAegQIAxAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ducatitech.com%2F2v%2Fsp_cr_faq.html&usg=AOvVaw3uKw_bMiEYJf3OXHdKRBvR
Thanks.  Great table.  Mine came stock with a 170 rear.  I did do the FCR39 carbs and they were great.  Although it turned out that the issue with poor running of the stock carbs were the soft emulsion tubes.  From what I remember, the issues were caused after installing a jet kit with the tapered needles.  Problem solved by replacing the stock emulsion tubes.

I did the Race Tech mods front and rear, and boy did it handle great.  Light, great brakes (cast iron full floaters on the SP), with lots of torque.

I'd seriously consider a clean, later gen, SS800 or SS1000 with updated suspension.  Prices are low for these.

Rough Edge racing

  • Guest
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2021, 11:51:56 AM »
Here's pretty good chart showing the differences.

I've owned both the SS/SP and SS/CR and like things on each bike. The 1/s fairing of the CR and the adjustable suspension of the SP are wonderful together. I like the 160 rear tire on the CR better than the 180 of the SP. I also prefer the steel swingarm off the CR as it does not crack like the aluminum one on the SP but i like the rear underslung brake caliper of the SP.

Either bike is great and eve then adjustable suspension of the SP is not that much greater than the non-adjustable of the CR.

Steering head frames cracks do happen and its not a hard job to repair. Out of the 3 SS's I've owned none had cracked frames or repaired cracked frames. You can also buy or make a gusset that is supposed to help this from happening. It is though that the frames flex/bow at the headstock under heavy braking. This is one of the potential causes of cracking. Honestly If I found a bike with a cracked frame I'd use it a price ;leverage and within a few minutes the fellows at work could have it all TIG welded up better then new.

The 900 motor responds extremely to a pair of FCR 39 carbs. Hopefully you can find a bike with these already installed or they are another $1,000 if you want to add later. The stock BST vacuum carbs are marginal at best and even fiddling with them you can make them better but a great vacuum carb will never be as a shitty pumper carb 

There is/was a fellow in ADV Rider selling two (2) SS's. He is in Florida.       

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiaxcvjuKjwAhWNB50JHT2CCrYQFjAAegQIAxAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ducatitech.com%2F2v%2Fsp_cr_faq.html&usg=AOvVaw3uKw_bMiEYJf3OXHdKRBvR
  The problem with the Mikuni CV carbs is people don't know how to tune them...My 96 900 Monster has the the Mikuni 's and nyone who wants to come here and test it is welcome. If you intend to race the bike on a track then the FC's are a better choice

Offline SmithSwede

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
  • I don't want a pickle
  • Location: Dallas, Texas
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2021, 04:55:50 PM »
Here’s my 96 SS/CR.  Carbed.  One of my all time favorite bikes.   Visceral.  Surprisingly comfortable.  Easy to work on (don’t let people scare you about the valves or cam belts).

I think the half faired CR version is one of the prettiest bikes ever made.  The full fairing version does nothing for me. 

Beware the overly long and sharp side stand. 



Accentuate the positive;
Eliminate the negative;
Latch on to the affirmative;
Don't mess with Mister In-Between.

Offline nc43bsa

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1353
  • Location: Mooresville NC
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #11 on: May 01, 2021, 06:39:01 PM »
91-97 are carb bikes, 98 was a transition year with the Final Edition (900SS FE) being an up-spec’d carb model, 98-on are injected and restyled, substantially different. All have upside down forks.

Sounds like some study would be required to figure out what you want.  Ian Falloon’s books are OK, for example this one would serve your needs:

https://www.biblio.com/book/ducati-desmodue-twins-pantah-f1-750/d/1194571990?aid=frg&currency_id=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhY---6Sn8AIV_h-tBh253AsEEAQYAiABEgKoy_D_BwE

No one had that book locally, so I guess I'll be ordering it.

Thanks for the link.
1990 MilleGT

Offline SmithSwede

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
  • I don't want a pickle
  • Location: Dallas, Texas
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #12 on: May 01, 2021, 08:48:03 PM »
It is indeed.  Rest assured it has a good home.  But it works for a living. 
Accentuate the positive;
Eliminate the negative;
Latch on to the affirmative;
Don't mess with Mister In-Between.

Offline lucky phil

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 2047
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #13 on: May 01, 2021, 09:12:48 PM »
The best version. My 2003 Dual Plug 1000 Supersport. The frame breakages on the earlier bikes was caused by the fact that Ducati welded a tank support/gusset at the wrong location on the steering head tubes. It's a basic frame building no, no to weld any perpendicular to the tube support/brace/gusset on the centre line of the frame tube as it causes cracking in just about any tubular frame under stress. Ducati forgot the golden rule and suffered the consequences.





Ciao
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up to much room.

Online Turin

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 5146
    • crap and stuff
  • Location: Chandler, Arizona
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #14 on: May 01, 2021, 11:34:22 PM »
It doesn't get better that this IMO.





1997 Daytona RS
1991 Rennsport California III
1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
1969 A-series Ambassador
1996 Triumph Daytona 1200
1996 Triumph Daytona 900
1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE 3.0

Rough Edge racing

  • Guest
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #15 on: May 02, 2021, 06:49:47 AM »
Tuning them is not hard. The problem is the vacuum carbs have a vacuum operated slide and no matter what you do will never be as responsive as a pumper.

DR650's also use BST carbs and you can make them better by doing several hacks but the will never be as good as a low end pumper carb. Add in a high end pumper like a FCR and it only gets better.

Damn that is a sharp bike!
Then you need to ride my bike..In my opinion, the merits of 1000 bucks worth of carbs on a street bike with 85 hp is overated..

Offline hauto

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 254
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #16 on: May 02, 2021, 07:22:58 AM »
Good friend in northen Va has a very clean and sorted half faring(red) 900ss he might consider selling.Message me if you want me to look into it for you

Online Ncdan

  • Global Moderator
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 5878
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #17 on: May 02, 2021, 07:35:47 AM »
I know 0 about the brand but I remembered this post and saw this one on Facebook mark place near where I live in central NC. I may can get a number.


cnos dakota dunes

Tap on picture for full viewing
« Last Edit: May 02, 2021, 07:36:57 AM by Ncdan »

Online Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #18 on: May 02, 2021, 09:59:21 AM »
Then you need to ride my bike..In my opinion, the merits of 1000 bucks worth of carbs on a street bike with 85 hp is overated..

And you should ride one being fed with FCR's.

Having owned mutiple 900'ss and DR650's with BST carbs you can rework the BST for better performance but in the end its like shining a turd.  No matter how much shine you get on it its still a turd.
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

Online JJ

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 19635
  • Life is meant to ENJOY...not "endure."
  • Location: Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #19 on: May 02, 2021, 12:08:52 PM »
Ducati 900's - - There are many choices and models available - - some are very reasonable - - and some are very expensive!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :shocked: :shocked: :huh: :huh:



Life Member: MGNOC L-772, AMA, HOG
'98 V10 Centauro GT
Village of Oak Creek, AZ

Offline LowRyter

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 16685
  • Location: Edmond OK
John L 
When life gets you down remember it's one down and the rest are up.  (1-N-23456)

Offline Tiki Joe

  • New Egg
  • *
  • Posts: 93
  • Location: Lake St. Louis, MO
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #21 on: May 03, 2021, 10:46:23 AM »
I think this FE is a great deal!....If I didn't already have a Superlight MK1 I'd be all over this.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/d/bellevue-1998-ducati-900-fe/7314379805.html
1997 Moto Guzzi Sport 1100
1993 Ducati Superlight
2015 Harley Road Glide Special
2015 Harley Road King

Online sdcr

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1982
  • Location: Pennsylvania
John
2000 BMW R1100 RS
1983 BMW R100
2009 Jaguar XK

Offline LowRyter

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 16685
  • Location: Edmond OK
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #23 on: May 03, 2021, 12:02:48 PM »
prolly.....
John L 
When life gets you down remember it's one down and the rest are up.  (1-N-23456)

Offline JohninVT

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 783
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #24 on: May 03, 2021, 01:41:28 PM »
My 93'.  They're absolutely beautiful.  Mine had a 944cc kit and flatslides.  It ran/metered fuel perfectly....better than any FI bike I've owned.  They give a brutal ride on rough roads and the clip-ons are pretty low.  They're also heavier than you might think.  They weigh 460-470lbs.  On a smooth road with 60-80mph sweepers they're sublime.  On anything else they can be a little lacking.  Really limited steering lock makes moving around in your garage or in the city difficult too.

IMHO, they're a bike that if you can buy one, you should definitely do so for a while.  They're lovely to look at.  They go and stop fairly well and they're fun to take out for an hour at a time.  Don't be afraid of bikes with higher mileage as long as they haven't been used for track days.  The valves will settle in after a couple adjustments and stay in spec for a long time.  Especially if they've had MPB collets installed.  There are quite a few 900's with 80-100,000 relatively trouble free miles.

Mine ended up being a catch and release.  The ride on rough roads was too punishing and I would have cracked the frame.  I'm glad I owned it though.  It was a nice experience.







                 
« Last Edit: May 03, 2021, 01:43:53 PM by JohninVT »

Online sdcr

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1982
  • Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #25 on: May 03, 2021, 04:07:13 PM »
Now that is how you take care of a motorcycle   :grin:



John
2000 BMW R1100 RS
1983 BMW R100
2009 Jaguar XK

Offline SmithSwede

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 2113
  • I don't want a pickle
  • Location: Dallas, Texas
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #26 on: May 03, 2021, 07:21:05 PM »
There is a sometime poster here named PhilB who used to ride a Ducati M900.  Same engine as the 900SS.  He got over 250,000
miles from his before some dingbat pulled out in front of him totaling the bike.

By all accounts these air-cooled, 2 valve engine are bullet proof.
Accentuate the positive;
Eliminate the negative;
Latch on to the affirmative;
Don't mess with Mister In-Between.

Rough Edge racing

  • Guest
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #27 on: May 04, 2021, 06:32:34 AM »
And you should ride one being fed with FCR's.

Having owned mutiple 900'ss and DR650's with BST carbs you can rework the BST for better performance but in the end its like shining a turd.  No matter how much shine you get on it its still a turd.
I did look into FC's....Considering the tight backroads I ride on and my riding skills,the last thing needed was sharper throttle response. Si instead of doing what others claim you must do, the polished the turds and if by magic the became quite nice and saved 1000 bucks

Offline lucky phil

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 2047
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #28 on: May 04, 2021, 06:42:23 AM »
There is a sometime poster here named PhilB who used to ride a Ducati M900.  Same engine as the 900SS.  He got over 250,000
miles from his before some dingbat pulled out in front of him totaling the bike.

By all accounts these air-cooled, 2 valve engine are bullet proof.

Well not quite.

Ciao
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up to much room.

Offline amamet

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
Re: Ducati 900 search
« Reply #29 on: May 04, 2021, 07:09:36 AM »
Hey Turin, that quarter fairing, '92 has always been my favorite too

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
http://www.wildguzzi.com/Products/products.htm
Advertise Here
 

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
http://www.wildguzzi.com/Products/products.htm
Advertise Here