.

Ducati 750SS

.  

Make Model

Ducati 750 Super Sport

Year

1991

Engine

Four stroke, 90°“L”twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven 

Capacity

748 cc / 45.6 cu-in

Bore x Stroke

88 x 61.5 mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression Ratio 9.0:1

Induction

Fuel injection

Spark Plug

Champion RA6HC

Ignition 

Kokusan electronic 
Battery Yuasa 12V 14Ah
Starting Electric
Max Power 48.5 kW / 66 hp @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque

72 Nm / 7.3 kgf-m / 53.1 ft-lb @ 6500 rpm
Clutch Dry, multiplate

Transmission 

5 Speed 
Primary Drive Ratio 1.972:1 (36/71)
Gear Ratios 1st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.074 / 5th 0.966:1
Final Drive Ratio 2.466:1 (15/37)
Final Drive Chain

Front Suspension

41 mm Showa GD 031 inverted telescopic fork

Rear Suspension

Showa GD 022-007-OX monoshock, cantilever swingarm

Front Brakes

Single 320mm discs, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 245 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Front Tyre

120/60-17

Rear Tyre

170/60-17

Dimensions

Length: 2020 mm / 79.5 in
Width:     710 mm / 28.0 in
Height:  1110 mm / 43.7 in

Wheelbase

1410 mm / 55.5 in

Seat Height

780 mm / 30.7 in

Dry Weight

173 kg / 381 lbs
Wet Weight 193 kg / 425 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

17.5 L / 4.6 US gal / 3.8 Imp gal

Consumption Average

5.7 L/100 km / 17.3 km/l / 41 US mpg / 49 Imp mpg

Standing ¼ Mile  

12.1 sec / 174 km/h / 108 mph

Top Speed

210 km/h / 130 mph
Colours White frame, red or black
.  

This is the latest in a long, long line of Ducati 750SS models which date back to the early 1970s (think Paul Smart). This version isn't a bad all-round motorcycle and the fuel injection’s a marked improvement, but it’s hard work to ride and a lot of money for not, perhaps, quite enough reward. One for the Ducatisti's only.

The motorcycle’s sports credentials come into their own during hard riding: forward seating position, angled bars, stable cornering and all that revving. The Ducati 750SS' brakes are reasonable too. However, everyday riding shows the Ducati 750SS' weaknesses: vibey at low revs, rock hard (non-adjustable) front suspension, a painful seat and a whole load of false neutrals. Patchy.

Despite the Ducati 750SS' 748cc, it has none of the gusto you’d imagine, given its pedigree. It tops out at 9000rpm but not a lot happens after eight. Plenty of torque in the midrange is useful but, overall, the motorcycle lacks “go”. Revving the Ducati 750SS like a nutter puts a smile on your face but the bottom line is, for many this motorcycle just isn’t enough.

There’s a theory that Ducati 750SS fall ill far less when actually used so high mileages aren’t, necessarily, bad news. However, they can be difficult and maintenance costs, high. This model is reasonably well built though, and the components are good quality. Keep an eye on the electrics.

The Ducati 750SS' big, clear dash is useful, if not top notch: everything’s analogue and there’s no fuel gauge. Handily, both brake and clutch levers are adjustable (but that clutch is heavy). It’s not a pillion-friendly motorcycle and riders need to be tallish for feet to touch down.