Description
Purchased in 2002 this bike was masquerading as an earlier model 900 Super Sport however, through research and restoration it was rebuilt and repainted to become the genuine 1982 model. Restoration completed in 2004, still with the same owner and traveled less than 10, 000kms.
The restoration included sandblasting and repainting the frame. Repainting tank and fairing, side panels, mudguards and seat cowl.
Engine received reconditioned crankshaft (vee two australia), new pistons, recond. cylinder heads, recond. carburetors, with all new brass components.
New Conti exhausts fitted, although only the front exhaust header was salvageable for re-chroming, the rear header and balance pipe are aftermarket.
Front forks and rear shocks were reconditioned.
The upper fairing stay was missing and I have never replaced it.
Obviously the bike has been ridden (not far), paintwork is now 23years old, very good but not perfect. Wheels are original and showing signs of wear
Dual seat was recovered (with Ducati embossed on the back) in 2023.
The bike was Australian delivered and has Australian compliance, has been registered to ride in Western Australia since the restoration."1982 Ducati 900 Super Sport"
The Last 900 SS with Bevel Drive Engine
Claimed power: 60hp @ 6, 500rpm (rear wheel w/ 40mm carbs)
Top speed: 125mph (period test)
Engine: 864cc air-cooled OHC 90-degree desmodromic L-twin, 86mm x 74. 4mm
Weight (wet): 477lb (217kg)
MPG: 4. 7gal (17. 8ltr)/ 35-50mpg
(The Last Ducati 900SS Was the Best, Robert Smith, Motorcycle Classics 2012)
In 1981, the status of the 900 Super Sport was downgraded, with the Mike Hailwood replica now the range leader, the essentially identical Super Sport played a supporting role. While it was fundamentally unchanged from earlier examples the Super Sport received a moderate facelift that would see it through until its demise a year later. The biggest changes were to the styling of the dual seat, along with a new colour scheme of silver with three shades of blue stripes. The fairing too was now silver, rather than blue, and also featured the same stripes. For its final production year, there were only minor alterations to the specifications of the Super Sport. Production quality was variable and fewer were manufactured, only 335.
( Ducati Twins, Ian Falloon, 1998)
