Ducati 400SSJunior (1989 – 90)

Ducati 400SSJunior (1989 - 90)

Ducati’s 400SS Junior is an enigmatic package that defies expectations. Despite its diminutive size, it shares a chassis with the 750SS, making it virtually identical in weight and handling. However, beneath its sleek lines and SS-inspired ergonomics lies a powerplant that’s essentially a sleeved-down version of the 750SS.

The 398cc Desmo V-twin engine may have been designed to meet insurance-friendly regulations, but it feels like an afterthought, struggling to muster the same level of urgency as its larger counterparts. With a subpar power-to-weight ratio and a conservative gearing strategy, the Junior can feel sluggish in certain situations.

Despite these limitations, the 400SS Junior remains a tantalizing prospect for those who value style over substance. Its beautifully balanced ergonomics make it an absolute joy to ride, with adjustable pegs and handlebars that cater to riders of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re leaning forward in a compact position or stretched out in a more relaxed pose, the Junior’s riding experience is genuinely unique.

The Ducati 400SS Junior is a bike that will leave you questioning its very existence – brilliant yet underwhelming at the same time.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder.
Engine Capacity398 cc / 24.3 cu in
Max Power30.9 kw / 42 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity17 L / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Seat Height29.5 inches / 750 mm
Ducati 400SSJunior (1989 - 90)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati 400SSJunior
Year1989 – 90

Engine

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder.
Displacement398 cc / 24.3 cu in
Bore x Stroke70.5 x 51 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Max Horsepower30.9 kw / 42 hp
Engine Management SystemMikuni CVK-V36 carburetor
Cooling SystemAir cooled

Performance

Top Speedn/a

Transmission

Gearbox6 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.264:1 (34/77)
Gear Ratios1 st 3.071 / 2nd 2.111 ./ 3rd 1.590 / 4th 1.280 / 5th 1.074 / 6th 0.931:1
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

Battery12V 16Ah
StarterElectric

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension41mmMarzocchiinverted telescopic fork, M1BB
Rear SuspensionCantilever swingarm, Marzocchi PBS1R monoshock, preload and rebound damping

Wheels & Brakes

Front Tire Size130/60 VR16
Rear Tire Size160/60 VR16
Front Brakes2 x 280 mm Discs
Rear BrakesSingle 260 mm disc

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2000 mm / 78.7 in
Overall Width670 mm / 26.4 in
Overall Height1160 mm / 45.7 in
Seat Height29.5 inches / 750 mm
Wheelbase57.1 inches / 1450 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity17 L / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Dry Weight174 kg / 384 lbs

Features

  • Ergonomics: peg-to-pedal and bar-to-lever angles and distances are spot-on
  • Rearset pegs tip rider forward onto huggable tank
  • Clip-ons rise from below yoke to sit flat
  • Bent-arm design from seat for flexible riding position
  • Suitable for compact or stretched-out riders
  • Trellis frame weaves a web of triangles around engine and swingarm
  • Engine is tied in tight and stressed for rigid chassis
  • 25 degree head angle and 90mm of trail plant bike firmly in super-sports territory
  • 1410mm wheel-base is on the lazy side for class
  • Wide 17-inch wheels wear ultra-low profile Michelin A/M59X radials
  • Goldlinc Brembo brakes top kit all round
  • Non-adjustable upside-down Showa front forks unchanged from 750
  • Overdamped Marzocchi rear shock used in place of Showa shock
  • Displacement: 398ccs
  • Engine type: fabled Desmo V-twin
  • Crankshaft and bumped-up compression ratio similar to 750SS
  • Extra gear compared to 750SS
Ducati 400SSJunior (1989 - 90)
Ducati 400SSJunior (1989 - 90)
Ducati 400SSJunior (1989 - 90)

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