Hi there. Well, I’ve decided to sell my old 1989 Ducati 900ss that I’ve owned for the last 10 years. Sadly the bike has spent much of its life in storage (due to work commitments and other motorcycles) and I’m 100% sure the bike would be happier if it had a new owner that could give it the TLC it needs and deserves. The bike was first registered in the UK on 2nd October 1989 and according to a Bike Magazine review (dated Sept.1989) it would have cost £6,995 (a lot of money in the day)! Number of former keepers: 7 HPi check: clear, recently carried out through Autotrader (document supplied). Condition: It’s unrestored, it’s complete, it’s straight and can be heard running (it’s got a lovely big soundtrack). But please be aware the bike has been in storage for many years so it’ll need pretty much everything going through on it. Body & Paintwork: I believe the bike is still wearing the original paint it left the factory in! There are areas where a previous owner touched up a few stone chips and did a poor job in the process, but most of the paint work is in good condition (see photos). The black paint on the engine suffers from a flaking situation (not uncommon on these bikes). I’ve tried to show this in the photos. Note: the oil on the engine is ACF50 spray from its time in storage, it is not an oil leak! Bodywork is generally very good for its age. Small dent in the front right side of the tank (I’ve tried to show this in the photo), but otherwise fine. Engine: The bike has covered 22,963 miles. Its last full service was done in 2014 and after that it was put into storage. The webber carb needs a through clean, that said the bike can be heard running (it might need a little spray start at first just to get it going). New carb kit will provided. Other works required: The bike needs a full service, new belts and everything needs going through. Front brake is binding but it’ll roll around fine for loading. Clutch needs bleeding. New speedo cable required. Price: £3300 (no offers below, sorry) Location: Keele, Staffordshire Thank you
A beautiful bike, for sure! Just so you are aware, should you list it on other websites, the mirrors and turn indicators are not original on your bike. It may have some importance as these have become a little challenging to find and most buyers these days are looking at returning them to OEM. Should you need sources, don’t hesitate to pm me. As a reference, I sold one (in France) last September, 22.000 miles, 98% OEM, fully serviced (inc. Desmo, belts, carb) for just over £5000. Nb: my 0.02 - if the belts haven’t been changed since 2014, I would definitely avoid starting the engine, even to share the amazing soundtrack these bikes provide. Good sale to you!
Oops... sorry! I didn't know about the mirrors or signals not being original. I also fully appreciate issues around starting the bike with old belts. It's risky, but a potential buyer may want to ensure they would be buying a running machine as opposed to a non-runner. Thank you very much for the information!
I would imagine as long as you can show the engine turning by using a crank turning tool or rear wheel that that would be enough. If it’s been sat for that long I would imagine the carbs need cleaning out. GLWS.
I see last MOT was only 2019 - if you have any concerns over the belts/idlers/tensioner then it's easy to inspect them, but as it's a 2 valve engine I would have no worries about running that engine. I still have a similar bike, i'm sure you are at home with starting equipped with the Weber, I "didn't get on with mine" and had planned to fit singles later on. Good Luck with the sale.
Ya, the Weber carb is an unusual thing. I'm not sure if changing it to another make would devalue the bike? I don't know! Many thanks! Ya, I'm not sure why Ducati decided on the Weber carb for this model (is it an Italian thing? Did Ferrari run similar Weber at that time?). Anyways some owners get on with the Weber just fine and I've seen others swap for Mikuni or Keilhin. It's one of those decisions, modify or keep original?
I owned a 750 Paso with the Weber setup not ever had a problem. If you’re selling I wouldn’t be spending any extra money on putting different carbs on. Let the new owner have that joy.
wasn't suggesting you change it for a minute, you are totally right, it would almost certainly devalue it.
Ferrari Dino 246 had three. http://dino246blog.blogspot.com/2014/08/carb-tuning-1-weber-dcnf-carbs-and.html?m=1 Some Fiats and early VW Golfs too.
it was ok but they never got the jetting right all the way through the range on the 900. I think it was an ok compromise and more to do with the limited space for a decent manifold as much as anything.
