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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.