Ducati Monster Forum

I've always liked the old 900SS models. It seems that $5k will buy a really nice '96 or '97 SP and I don't see them ever going much lower than that. I'm only interested in a '96 or '97 SP or FE.
I can't think of any negatives, can you?
Anything to be wary of?
I've got my eye on a pristine, unmolested '96 but it's "spoken for" until Tuesday. No money has changed hands yet. I've got my fingers crossed.
Wish me luck!  [thumbsup]

Are those model years post frame cracks?

http://www.ducatitech.com/info/buyers_faq.html (http://www.ducatitech.com/info/buyers_faq.html)

Thanks. Kind of a mediocre review but that's OK. There will always be better bikes out there. I'm considering my smile factor more than total performance.

If there's a possibility of a frame crack where should I look?

hmmm.................just did some research on this frame cracking thing.
not very encouraging, either.
i know two people with 900s and this is the first i've heard of it.
might just have to rethink this.
.
.
.
.
.
OK, i'm done rethinking................i still want one  [Dolph]

Ducati warrantied the frames for 10 years after the discontinuation of the model. Most have been replaced. It's near the steering head on the top tube.

if you buy it I have a nice set of DP carbon fibre pipes for sale on the parts for sale forum.


just sayin  ;D

how did they handle the VIN numbers?

I believe the '96 and newer are fairly immune to the cracking frames, broken cylinder studs, cracked aluminum sweingarms, and a few other items. I've played around with the thought of getting one for a few years, but for a little more money, I could get an 851, instead.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/3035369932.html (http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/3035369932.html)

Thanks. That's what I'm hearing, too - that all most of the problems went away in '96.

An 851 is a little too exotic for me. There's always something a little cooler for a little more money. Like THIS.......... http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3065203191.html (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3065203191.html)
 [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [Dolph]

personally I'd rather have an SL than SP

I had a 92 SL.  It was beautiful.

Not sure

I think the new frame came with the VIN already stamped.

I'm too old to wait for a Superlight to come up for sale. Besides, they're from the aforementioned "problem era".
I might just pull the trigger on that gorgeous Euro.  
I just sent him an e-mail.

I like those round headlights much better.Here's one in DP's neck of the woods for less money.
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/3048718912.html (http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/3048718912.html)

thanks, but it appears it's priced low for a reason.
seems to be a lot of them on the east coast. especially Florida.  ??? aren't all the roads flat & straight there?
they're all are little too far for a one week "fly, buy & ride".

If I had $2800.00 I'd snap that up in an INSTANT!!!

I've always loved 900ss's, and the half fairings jobbies are my FAVE!

I just love being able to see the trellis and the engine!

Crap...  I really miss riding.  :(   

I wish I didn't have to leave my 999 in Cali.  :'(

Oh well...  C'est la vie...    :-\




  [bacon]

you could always get this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-900ss-1995-/150833115268?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item231e5ab084 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-900ss-1995-/150833115268?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item231e5ab084)

and then turn it into something like this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-F1-Endurance-Racer-Tribute-900SS-Ducati-Cafe-Racer-Ducati-TT1-Ducati-TT2-/320922317142?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4ab875f156 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-F1-Endurance-Racer-Tribute-900SS-Ducati-Cafe-Racer-Ducati-TT1-Ducati-TT2-/320922317142?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4ab875f156)

:P That tail section looks like it has a flat screen TV glued to it.

it's the top of the battery

I wish I didn't have to leave my 999 in Cali.  :'(
  [bacon]

Come south.  I've got my M750 and my wife's Hawk 650.  We can enjoy some great roads on two great bikes!

JM

Awesome!   [thumbsup]

I miss my '99 M750 too..!   [Dolph]


Maybe when I'm done with this Hellish course I'm taking...   [beer]





[bacon]

This looks pretty good, except for the local pick-up.  Maybe you could work something out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Supersport-1996-Ducati-900-SS-SP-/190689386889?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2c65f92189#v4-41 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Supersport-1996-Ducati-900-SS-SP-/190689386889?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2c65f92189#v4-41)

I had a 96 SP. Gorgeous bike, lots of compliments on its look, and had the suspension tuned by Lindemann Engineering so it worked pretty good. Two biggest problems I had, also mentioned elsewhere in the thread, was frame cracking on the upper frame near the steering head (had it fixed by the good welder for 50 bucks), and, more concerning, throat erosion on the Mikuni carbs. The later FI models would not have this issue, as I think 96 was the last carburetor model, but that was a real pain. I eventually sold it, and definitely warned the buyer about the carbs as I never got around to fixing the issue - never did find out what he did with it.

900 SS models became FI in '99.

if you could pick one up cheap enough, could you throw a bunch of radical ducati parts at it?  I have trouble navigating their site to figure out if their stuff works on the supersport.

Superlight for sale on MidAlanticDucatiClub classifieds

you talking about this one? -> http://www.mad-ducati.com/GalleryShowTNNew.php?GalleryId=819 (http://www.mad-ducati.com/GalleryShowTNNew.php?GalleryId=819)

 [drool]

Have you ridden one yet?

I borrowed a friends 600SS for about 6 months while I was between bikes. I am just short of 6 foot tall and had trouble tucking my knees into the tank cutouts. Maybe some rearsets would have helped but as it wasn't my bike, it was not an option.

600 needed more grunt but I think the 900 should be fine.

Said 600SS...

(http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx193/techno_photo/IMG_0309.jpg)

The 600 has the same frame as the 900 models, but it's a lot lighter due to the smaller swingarm, rear tire, and single front rotor, oh and the lighter engine.

If you're anywhere over 5'10 you'll probably need rearsets.  Changed my enjoyment entirely.  I'm 6'1.

I love the 92-98 SS.  I have three of them (One of them is a 600).  If I had to sell all my bikes, I'd probably keep one of them.

Well OK then - sell me one  ;D

I've been e-mailing back and forth with the guy with the twin headlight bike. He's a little flexable - but not much. Looks real sweet and is probably worth more but being 1200 miles away plus the price doesn't work too well for me. I'm waiting to see if the sale on a nice '96 SP in Sacramento finalizes tomorrow. I'll probably pick it up if it doesn't sell. No money has changed hands yet. $5k.

I think the 600 also has only single exhaust can.

yup, totally forgot about that.  the 600 also came with a 2:1 header and can.  That drops another 4-5 lbs off the bike in stock form vs the 750ss of the same year. 

The header is actually VERY heavy compared to an aftermarket setup though.  Crazy thick walled mild steel tubing.

Yep, that's the superlight I meant. Those are great looking.

a real one?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/3080380266.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/3080380266.html)

oh god... be still my heart...

i have two aluminum swingarms ready for bikes... a dp rear floater kit... 

Done deal.

(http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg623/sofadriver/DSC07232.jpg)

Picking her up in Sacramento in two weeks. Got the week off so I'm going to cruise down on Amtrack (just bought my ticket) then take the Pacific Coast Hwy back to Tacoma.

Yeah, BABY!  [Dolph]

Nice, congrats.

yes...a real one...

I have been intentionally avoiding this thread because I really want one of these too! I couldn,t stand it anymore and I had to look in.

Congratulations and enjoy your ride up the PCH. Please post up your thoughts of the bike after your ride.

Mark

the two piece Marvic wheels are problematic.   I've only seen a couple of SLs with the original wheels.

Congrats - looks like a nice example [thumbsup]


I have no problems with my two piece Marvics on my 93 SL - maybe 'cause the bike hasn't moved in a year or two [roll]

how many miles?

check the screws holding the middle member on to the rim

About 7,000, I am officially the second owner - the real second owner never transferred title.

Needs head studs replaced - two broken one on each cylinder - otherwise it is near perfect

Thanks for the heads-up on the screws

Here's a pic: For some reason I get two images posting the pic from Flicker -

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2038/2510087490_6878fdd7b4.jpg)][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/26792974@N08/2510087490/](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2038/2510087490_6878fdd7b4.jpg) (http://[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/26792974@N08/2510087490/)

use the IMG tag not URL

That is effing HOT

the issue with the wheels is the material in the rim is softer than the screws.  the screws can work loose just enough that the carrier is pushing against the hole and then the rim-side hole gets oval.

solution is to remove the screws one by one, add blue loctite and retorque.

The corbin seat upgrade is nice.  I have a DP seat pad which is literally thick foam and nothing else, but it weighs about 0.001 oz.

Those Marvics are just awesome

hands down my fav Ducati SS

I had a red '92 model, but the wheels needed replacement which was a shame.
It was a beautiful bike, unfortunately I had to sell it. Fortunately I sold it to one of my mates and not a stranger, so I can still ride and work on it.

I'm planning to replace the heavy wheels on my new ride with these.
Should I go with gold or dish out the extra bucks for polished?

http://www.tobefast.com/carrozv6-wheelset-ducati-900ss-c-63564-p-1-pr-1735-f-64263.html (http://www.tobefast.com/carrozv6-wheelset-ducati-900ss-c-63564-p-1-pr-1735-f-64263.html)

black or gold...not the polished...then you'll look like a homey G that chromed his shizzle fo sho yo!

The replacement frame has the same VIN as the original cracked frame.  The new VIN is stamped at the factory.
I have two frames, one white (cracked) and one gold (new), with the same VIN # as proof.  The new frame was then traded for the cracked frame at your local dealer. In my case, the dealer that ordered the new frame went bang before the frames were switched.

The bike was built as a tribute to this 24 hour Bol d'Or F1 racer. Note the number plate on seat:

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae249/Veloce-sa/F1/5bcecaf4.jpg)

This is the tribute bike (96 900SS)


(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae249/Veloce-sa/F1/614ba047.jpg)

A list of alternative Ducati parts,many of them for a 900SS.
http://www.docsa.com.au/Technical%20stuff/Technical%20Stuff%20Alternative%20Parts.htm (http://www.docsa.com.au/Technical%20stuff/Technical%20Stuff%20Alternative%20Parts.htm)