Return of the Ducati SS (2017)

[jpv7]

I've owned 4 Ducatis, including a 1997 900 Supersport, and the legendary 916 (my track bike), Monster S2R1000, and ST4S.  If you can turn a wrench, don't let the valve clearance adjustments and maintenance scare you - much easier than a jap 4. 

Belts (approx $200 for the set) are easy (not sure if new 900 is chain or belts), and as far as the valve clearance adjustments go, you will find that they don't change after about 10,000 miles.  I checked mine way too often.  Also, belts will go a long time when you understand how to set them.  I never used a "special" tool for that.  It's a bit different between the 2 (air cooled) and 4 valve motors.

I'd be more concerned about maintenance if I were looking at a VFR, for example.

In fact, I never brought my bikes back to the dealer after the initial purchase...


John

[LowRyter]

Will it make me look younger, 10lb,s lighter and attractive to woman half my age?

yes, for all of the above 


 

[LowRyter]

I've owned 4 Ducatis, including a 1997 900 Supersport, and the legendary 916 (my track bike), Monster S2R1000, and ST4S.  If you can turn a wrench, don't let the valve clearance adjustments and maintenance scare you - much easier than a jap 4. 

Belts (approx $200 for the set) are easy (not sure if new 900 is chain or belts), and as far as the valve clearance adjustments go, you will find that they don't change after about 10,000 miles.  I checked mine way too often.  Also, belts will go a long time when you understand how to set them.  I never used a "special" tool for that.  It's a bit different between the 2 (air cooled) and 4 valve motors.

I'd be more concerned about maintenance if I were looking at a VFR, for example.

In fact, I never brought my bikes back to the dealer after the initial purchase...


John

One of the guys I know (and go to for help) is a Ducati specialist.  He tells me the new Ducs are no harder to adjust valves and do routine maintenance than the Japanese sportsbikes and the maintenance intervals are about the same. 

Now he'll also note that older Ducs -like that 916- are maintenance intensive where $2500 tune ups aren't unusual.  Dave actually finds it's easier to remove the engine when working on a 916 for scheduled maintenance and valve adjustment.  He also notes that deferred maintenance is a major cost driver when buying a used one.

[lucydad2]

Heck, the "Ducati parking only" alone is worth the price of admission at the Austin Moto GP track.

Guess I will go down the freeway and sign up for one of these SS.  Do they make it in Tenni Green?

All I remember is riding my friend Ed's Duc, think it was a 1099?  ALL on or ALL off bike....he traded it for a Diavel.

Cool bike indeed.

[Perazzimx14]

Is Terdblanche back at Ducati? Fugly....

Agreed! Terblanche ruined the Super Sports round about 1999 and this one ain't much better. I'll keep my old 1996 2 valve air cooled 900ss.

[Sheepdog]

I've always been partial to Supersports with half-fairings. That 2-valve engine from the early nineties should be on display for all to see...

[jpv7]

The 1995 916 did have a few issues to sort like flaking rockers.  They were about $200 bucks each, and not too bad to install.  No, much easier to leave the engine in the bike (my opinion).

The '90s era Ducs kind of remind me of the current MG.  Almost completely sorted, but not quite there.  Hell, I never had an oil leak on one of them (unlike my V7ii).  This was my '97 Supersport.  Still miss the damn thing...

[dxhall]

Of the many bikes I've had over the years, the '98 Ducati 900ss with the half fairing is probably my favorite.  It's not the ride for a long trip, but it's got to be one of the best canyon bikes ever.  I think that a 900ss was the bike in a Hunter Thompson story.

[LowRyter]

yes ....Song of the Sausage Creature. 

http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html

[Nic in Western NYS]

The 1995 916 did have a few issues to sort like flaking rockers.  They were about $200 bucks each, and not too bad to install.  No, much easier to leave the engine in the bike (my opinion).

The '90s era Ducs kind of remind me of the current MG.  Almost completely sorted, but not quite there.  Hell, I never had an oil leak on one of them (unlike my V7ii).  This was my '97 Supersport.  Still miss the damn thing...

The half faired SS from 97 were sweet looking. Funny how performance 'specs' may sell magazines but don't relate to much long term.  In the long run, most bikes that are performance leaders in their era will be outperformed by bikes soon after and forgotten.   

[jas67]

Brother, that's the truth!  With Guzzi abandoning SPORT-touring with nothing in the pipeline, this may be a fallback for me.

I like Ducatis, have ridden  and owned them, and would love to see the Supersport S with some C-Bow Hepco Beckers!

 

I like 'em on my Monster.

[jpv7]

While my '07 Monster S2R1000 was way faster in the canyons, it didn't bring a smile to my face like the 900ss.  It's like I had to go way faster on the Monster to get the same satisfaction out of it...The 900ss was a rider's bike, and with a good seat, you could tour on it as long as you weren't too tall.