new here so please be gentle. i have been offered a 900ss 1990 20000 miles, not been used for 6 years what should i do
If you have time and patience, plus a few pence handy......fine........ ...........if not run like hell......because it is going to need some checking over after six years standing..... ...however if you do get it and it runs OK, you will find out why people like them.... AL
We've all been there. The first is always the scariest. So, check the service history as a must. After that oil, fuel and oil filter will need changing along with the belts and probably the tires. More than likely the carbs will need de-gumming, and check the inside the fuel tank for rust, after this flush out the brake and clutch fluid lines. Most of this is well within the range of the DIY mechanic. Obviously the battery is going to be up for replacement, but if I've not sent you running screaming from the room then go for it. Post a picture if you can as the old adage goes a picture is worth a thousand words
That's where I do miss the 'isti site as we'd built up a nucleus of owners running to around 7 or 8 - me included. I can only speak for myself here - the '89/'90 SS you mentioned seemed to be treated as a bit of an 'ugly duckling' in standard form yet it had some special design features all of it's own (don't they all?). I know a few have ended up as specials or TT replicas as most of the ingredients are there, the forks being the first up for replacement. As ever, it's down to condition and price isn't it Billy? Mine cost around £900 around two years ago and sounds a lot like 'yours' - I would think it's worth about the same now judging by the few that have come up for sale in the last year or so. There are a few owners on here :- ducatipaso.org • Index page as both 750 and 900 models shared many parts and there is a wealth of knowledge on the Weber DCNF and the Magneti Marelli ignition that's peculiar to both these and the Paso. Some more info here :- Motorcycle Specs not mine - wish it was.
The '90 SS is imo is a great looking bike, they have a bit of a classic look and you don't see many about. They did have a few problems with the webber carb in that the fueling was a bit iffy but there were various fixes ranging from modding the original set up to replacing it with Dellorto's. The bike carb on your bike has probably been fettled or changed so should be ok, worst way a set of mikuni's and manifolds from a later SS will bolt straight on with a pair of pod filters.
http://ducatiforum.co.uk/f4/carby-ss-parts-needed-187/ Get it. The 90/91 900's were arguably the more quirky of the 90's SS but its nothing that can't be sorted. Even as standard consider them as needing a LOT of work, then they will be a very good, reliable motorcycle! DON'T even think about starting it, even turning it over without replacing the belt's. Would help immeasurably to take someone who own's/has owned a Duke of this Vintage with you when you veiw the bike? They are not normal motorcycles & there is a list of potential's to check over... Would second chopping the Weber carb in for twin CV38's off a later SS tho, top tip!
I agree, this one does look good. You can see how much he's raised the back and possibly lowered the front suspension. The standard set-up with the front 'rearing up' just wasn't easy on the eye.
This was the first Ducati I 'noticed' back at the '89 TT. That and a smart MHR parked up at the back of the paddock. Been interested in the marque ever since.
As said above, check the swingarm for cracks on vertical bit that the shock absorber is bolted onto. Its cracked at the top where the bracing meets it on my missus's bike, which I only noticed as I have bought another Verlicchi swingarm for a project which has gussets welded here... and have noticed cracks on the bottom (of the one I have just bought) where this vertical bit is welded to the swingarm cross bracing!
cheers for all the help guys, im going to see the dude this saturday and have a blether, looking for it to be a long-term affair but will see what happens, was thinking about cafe-racer style. will keep you pasted thanks again
just out of interest :- Classic Ducati 900 Supersport in Dungannon, County Tyrone | Motorbikes & Scooters for Sale | Gumtree.com 1988 750 Ducati Paso Sport in Antrim, County Antrim | Motorbikes & Scooters for Sale | Gumtree.com http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ducati-900ss-/180912141722?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2a1f34359a
