1996 DUCATI 900SS
904cc | 80bhp | 815mm seat height
Dealer price: £2500-£5000
Private price: £1750-£4000
This one: 1996, 6400 miles
They don’t make them like this any more: two cylinders, four valves, cooling by Aeolus, and very basic spec. But it feels alive in a way few modern bikes do.
In production from 1990 to 2002, early models were troublesome even when new: late FI ones have horrible ‘melted’ styling and are excruciatingly uncomfortable. They’re 10mph or so up on the carbed ones, though.
Our choice would be a carbed model between 1997 and 1999, when Texas Pacific, having bought Ducati, vastly improved quality control and reliability. The Superlight got a single seat, Marvic wheels, more power, carbon-fibre, red/ white/green paintjob, and is worth more.
Buyer beware
Service history is essential: you want to know when the cambelts were last changed. Later models are prone to misfires when injectors clog up, whereas earlier carbed models are known to have fuel filters that clog up. Wheel bearings are short-lived, electrical gremlins common, the reg/ rec fails, clutch slips, and starter sprag clutches are easily worn out. But it’s still great to ride.