Hi, had my 900ss for nearly a rear, but I haven't had the time this year to get it sorted. Does anybody know who can do a complete restore on a 94 900ss, engine, all paint work, wheels, bearings, electrics , etc. The bikes all there and I've bought quite a few bits. Didn't know whether to restore to standard (gold frame), or white frame (my favourite of the standard ones) or go for non standard such as candy red with metalic white frame and wheels (travesty?). I know if I don't sort it I'll end up buying something stupid like a panigale. Can Ducati John do this sort of thing? Jon
Im not sure about restorers, however, bear in mind that value drops if you go for non standard colours. Mines a black frame now, but its far from standard and a keeper so I dont mind. You could buy a much more expensive bike woth the money by the time you have sorted your SS, especially paying someone else, just to let you know from experience, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
It's not really about the money, if I get the bike sorted I think it'll become an heirloom. I want something I can enjoy when I don't take the ElectraGlide or the T160 out. In fact, I've lost interest in the T160 I've had for 15 years. Used to love the 91 750ss I had, back in 91, but wanted a bit more grunt.
I know someone who could certainly do some of this for you, maybe not all but whereabouts are you in the north Jon ? Ian.
I had a T160 back in the day. Best thing about it was the looks. It would go fast if you were concentrating but lose that concentration and you'd slow right down. By contrast, the BMW R75/5s I had around the same time were deceptively quick and would surprise me at how fast I was going if my mind wondered at all. I had an SS but the 999 I have now is so much better. I suggest you try one of the four valve superbikes, you'll love 'em. Maybe sell the T160 to someone who wants to look at it and use the money to buy a Ducati Superbike you'll want to ride.
Had an 851 SP3 in the past, great bike if a bit stiff on country roads. Think the T160 has probably the best looking tank ever. Like the idea of air cooled, however, I know if I don't sort the 900 out I'll buy something silly. Jon
Agree about the tank and I reckon it's one of the prettiest bikes ever made. My 999 is surprisingly supple - way more supple than an SS
My T160 was rebuilt by Derek Rowles, now reliable but it requires very regular attention to keep everything in order. Great sound though. The SP3 was just so stiff, had fun keeping up with my brothers VF750 on bumpy roads, but still is the fastest I've been at c165 on a fenland road. I had a Hayabusa for about a year once, was doing 140 everywhere, got rid of it. That's hat bothers me about the new 4 valvers, they rev like a 4 cylinder. Anyway, any Ducati restorers up my neck of the woods?
I have sorted the suspension on my SS, Im expecting big things when its back on the road. The power is plenty and with the Keihins and hi comps going on in itll be awesome for me. Its a cracking bike and if you arent looking for unrealistic top speeds plenty for the road, its all useable power, unlike other faster bikes.
I can't help with your original request Jon, but unless you're sentimental about the bike or money is no object I would think a far better solution would just be to buy a sound/up and running one as it will be easier and cheaper than subbing out on a full restoration.
It is pretty sound, I just want it good in my eyes. It runs, but has done less than 1000 miles in 10 years. Needs belts changing and carbs sorting, engine paint is scabby.
Thats a good looking machine, who makes the cans? I can see the rust on the frame and tatty engine paint, makes sense to get it done up nice. I would go for standard bronze on the frame and wheels if you can find someone local to do it. I couldnt hence the black.
Yeh, just want it to look as good as it can be, just I've always hankered Afte r the white frame ones and I'd like the bodywork to really shine. But if bronze is the way to go, it'd have to be the right bronze. Jon
