Description
This motorcycle is Lot 324 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 324
1976/ 1977 Ducati 864cc 900SS
Registration no. XPF 39S
Frame no. DM860SS* 086729*
Engine no. 086846 DM860
Ducati's second-generation v-twin engine - the 864cc 'square case' - was used to power the new 900SS superbike. Introduced in 1975, the latter was styled like the original 750SS that had been developed from Paul Smart's 1972 Imola winner. Breathing through 40mm Dell'Orto carburettors, the 900SS engine produced 70bhp, an output good enough for a top speed of 135mph.
Our vendor purchased this 900SS privately in 1989 (original receipt on file). Listed on 'Bevel Heaven' as number '374', the Ducati had been imported from Italy by a dealer who sold it to the previous owner. Since acquisition the Ducati has been stripped and repainted; a new (copy) aluminium 'Imola' fuel tank fitted; the engine rebuilt with new bearings, pistons and Carrillo con-rods; and all the brake pipes replaced. The brakes are later 900SS Brembos, the originals having been lost, while the gear change has been converted from left-side crossover to 1976-specification right-side change. This setup provides a more positive gear change experience over the original left-side crossover system. A 1976 master cylinder (which can be mounted behind the side cover) is included in the sale, which if fitted, will further improve the setup. All recommissioning work has been carried out by 'Fen-Tiger Classics Ltd' (Lance Johnson). The machine was in storage with Lance and will have been recommissioned by him prior to the auction. The machine is offered with old/ current V5/ V5C documents; 2013 Carol Nash valuation; various bills/ invoices and the aforementioned purchase receipt. The original glassfibre 'Imola' tank is included in the sale.
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.
