Description
This motorcycle is Lot 316 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 316
The David Collier Collection
1980 Ducati 864cc 900SS
Registration no. JOY 213V
Frame no. DM860SS * 088607*
Engine no. 08815 DM860
Iconic Ducati
Low mileage
38 year enthusiast ownership
Terrific condition
It is not hard to see the appeal of Ducati's Super Sport models following their arrival in the mid-1970s. From their booming V twin engines to their fabulously sleek styling, they were a tempting alternative to the mainstream four-cylinder Japanese superbikes of the time. David Collier became the fourth owner of this lovely 900SS in April 1986. First registered on 2. 2. 1980, it had spent the first six years of its life in Hillingdon, West London in the hands of 3 different owners, two of whom were probably brothers. David has never registered it in his own name because he has always ridden it on trade plates. It is accompanied by a V5 registration document, a Ducati 750SS & 900SS Desmo owner's manual, warranty book showing the first owner's details but no service entries, the handwritten receipt from 1986, and some old MOT certificates. The displayed mileage is only 10, 784 which David believes to be genuine, though not warranted.
In February 1987 after he had ridden it for about 700 miles, he embarked on a restoration which is covered in his service log and across multiple pages of handwritten notes and drawings (supplied). Despite being a trained mechanical engineer, his fastidious commitment to doing things correctly is illustrated by the fact that he enrolled in one of Ducati guru Tony Brancato's training courses prior to the rebuild. David's handwritten course notes are included in the sale. The 900SS still presents very well today and is showing some nice age related patina. The fork sliders have been left in bare alloy because that's how he prefers them. It is fitted with those beautiful Conti silencers, and a detached dual seat is supplied. The generator warning light glows when the engine is running, but David tells us that checks have indicated that the charging rate is correct. Following the rebuild the bike was used until the early 1990s after which it was laid up until 2012, and then used only for a year or so by which time the mileage had reached its present level. It has been recommissioned in the last few months; however, it is recommended that the tyres are replaced before further use. Throughout his ownership it has been stored in ideal heated conditions.
We urge interested bidders to view the running video on our website. Such is his confidence in the machine that, subject to his health allowing it, David is happy to provide technical support and advice over the telephone to the new owner. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional low mileage example of Ducati's iconic bevel drive 900SS. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
