Dream or nightmare?

A quirky, genuine Ducati sportsbike experience. Here’s what you need to know

Ducati’s iconic sportsbike, the 900/1000SS

You need model knowledge

The updated 900SS arrived in ’98 with styling loosely based on the Supermono racer, an updated 904cc desmodromic V-twin and a focused riding position. In ’99 the ’bars were raised 12mm and Showa suspension improved longevity. But if you want a 900, find a final-year 2002 model for its Öhlins shock. Better still is the 992cc dual-spark 1000SS (2002-06) with more midrange, better economy and the best reliability.

Don’t be terrified of a cambelt change

Cambelts need changing every two years. Replacement isn’t the superskilled feat of engineering many imagine though and is not beyond most home mechanics. Valve clearances have to be checked every 6000 miles, but is routine for a decent Ducati workshop.

The TPS can be a bugbear

You need to keep the throttle position sensor clean as they acquire gunk that causes misfires. Fuel filters get blocked as well but they’re easy to replace. And the nut that connects the positive feed to the starter rusts, causing resistance that prevents the bike starting. And if you break the plastic insulator while undoing the nut, it’s a new starter.

Walk if there’s no red key

The built-in immobiliser on the 1000 has a red ‘master’ key. Make sure you get this when you buy the bike, otherwise you can’t re-programme blanks should you lose or damage the ignition key. The big twin sounds ace on open pipes but make sure you get the originals too (for MOT ease) and check the fuelling’s been sorted — some cans make the motor worryingly weak at high revs.

Engine finish is terrible

Engine finish flakes off all bikes; clutch slave cylinders weep and bubble the paint; and rain and salt make the chassis furry. Don’t let it worry you. The previous slabby 900SS (1991-97) is the one modern-classic investors prefer, so ride and enjoy your SS and don’t worry about wear and tear.

You need to keep on top of it and your wrists will hurt. But few bikes offer the feel, experience and connection of Ducati’s thumping aircooled sportsbike. A sensory delight.

WHY YOU WANT ONE With its air-cooled V-twin, trellis frame and head-down stance, this is the pure Ducati experience. The two-valve motor is a living, breathing delight and the stiffly-sprung chassis and stretched-out riding position deliver old-school sweeping lines. They’re also uncomfy and fickle but that’s part of the appeal, right?

Even stationary, the 900SS looks quick