Ducati 900SS

Racing success

Ducati built only about 200 bikes, but all were snapped up and some were raced with good results in 1974. The Bologna factory was encouraged, and the following year created the more widely available 900SS, by replacing the smaller engine with a V-twin unit based on that of the existing 860GT. This combined a bigger. 86mm bore with the original 74.4mm stroke, giving a capacity of 864cc. Like the smaller model, it featured Desmo valve gear. polished conrods. unfiltered 40mm Dellorto and barely silenced Colitis  Those mods lifted peak power to an impressive 79bhp at 7000rpm at the crankshaft, or 68bhp at the rear wheel, and the 900SS had the chassis to match. Like its 750SS predecessor it was starkly functional, with its half-fairing, clip-on handlebars, rear seat footrests. twin drilled Brembo front discs, and racy single seat. There was no electric starter, nor anything else not required for the bike's sole purpose of providing high performance. 

The 900SS roared to a top speed of 135mph (217km/h). and cruised at 100 mph (161km/h) with a smooth, long-legged feel. That was seriously fast in 1975. and the Ducati's handling was even better. It was not the most agile of bikes, but no rival could match the cornering poise and high-speed stability provided by the lean V-twin's blend of rigid frame, long wheelbase and taut Marzocchi suspension. Roadholding. braking and Ground Clearance were all exemplary too. 

The uncompromising 900SS demanded commitment from it rider, and was too extreme for some. But it made a superb production racer. And for road riders who were captivated by its beauty, speed and pure-bred character, there was no bike to touch it. To paraphrase a road test of the time, the 900SS was a distillation of all the thrills and sensations that made high-performance motorcycling worthwhile.