Ducati 900 SS (1981)

Ducati900 SS (1981)

The Ducati 900 SS is a testament to the Italian marque’s ability to strike a perfect balance between performance and practicality. Riding this bike is akin to experiencing the raw power of a V-twin engine, with its distinctive bevel gear drive delivering a unique soundtrack that’s as much a part of the riding experience as the wind in your hair.

With 90 horsepower on tap from its air-cooled twin cylinder engine, the SS is more than capable of carving up twisties and cruising down highways alike. And while it may not have the same level of refinement as some of its Japanese rivals, its characterful nature makes for a truly engaging ride that’s impossible to put into words.

The 900 SS’s mid-range torque delivery and strong bottom end make it an absolute blast to ride, with Ducati’s signature ‘desmo’ valvetrain providing a level of performance that belies the bike’s relatively accessible price point. It’s no wonder, then, that the Ducati 900 SS remains one of the most coveted machines of its era – and one that continues to thrill riders to this day with its irresistible blend of style, substance, and sheer, unadulterated fun.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, bevel gear driven
Engine Capacity864 cc / 52.7 cu in
Max Power47.8 kw / 65 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity15 L / 4.0 US gal / 3.3 Imp gal
Weight (Wet/Kerb)494 lbs / 224 kg
Seat Height29.1 inches / 740 mm
Ducati900 SS (1981)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati900 SS
Year1981

Engine

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, bevel gear driven
Displacement864 cc / 52.7 cu in
Bore x Stroke86 x 74.4 mm
Compression Ratio9.4:1
Max Horsepower47.8 kw / 65 hp
Engine Management System2 x Dell’Orto PHF 32C carburetors
Cooling SystemAir cooled

Performance

Top Speed205 km/h / 127mph

Transmission

ClutchWet, multiplate
Gearbox5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.187:1 (32/70)
Gear Ratios1st 2.237 / 2nd 1.562 / 3rd 1.203 / 4th 1.000 / 5th 0.887
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

BatteryYuasa B68 36Ah
StarterElectric

Chassis & Suspension

Front SuspensionMarzocchi telescopic fork
Rear SuspensionMarzocchi 330 mm dual shocks, 3-way adjustable

Wheels & Brakes

Front Wheel/Rim Size3.50 – 18
Rear Wheel/Rim Size4.25 – 18
Front Brakes2 x 280 mm Disc, 1 piston caliper
Rear BrakesSingle 280 mm disc

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2260 mm / 88.9 in
Overall Width700 mm / 27.6 in
Overall Height1280 mm / 50.4 in
Seat Height29.1 inches / 740 mm
Wheelbase61.0 inches / 1550 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity15 L / 4.0 US gal / 3.3 Imp gal
Wet (kerb/curb) Weight494 lbs / 224 kg
Dry Weight216 kg / 476 lbs

Features

  • Four stroke engine
  • 90L twin cylinder engine
  • SOHC configuration
  • 2 valves per cylinder
  • Bevel gear driven
  • Mid-size bike design
  • Electric start
  • Two-up seat
  • Bosch electronic ignition
  • Nippon Denso gauges
  • Warning lights
  • Bosch headlight and indicators
  • Competitive price with Japanese bikes
Ducati900 SS (1981)

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