I've been hanging out here for a while, while I was waiting to sort out a Duke before I introduced myself. I've been riding 22 years, and owned a Honda Bros for 16. Sold my Guzzi a couple of months back. Never owned a Ducati. Today was a terrific day, sunny, not too hot. Travelled up to the E. Midlands to pick up a 900SS (thanks Dave), and rode it back to London. As the trip was 150 miles, got to know the bike quite well. Initial impressions: I've wanted one of these bikes for 20 years, and the wait was worth it. The engine feels fantastic, and the bike, while feeling a bit stiff, handles the bumps perfectly. She doesn't like town work much (first gear feels tall and will take it happily to 40mph), and after 20 mins or so riding through London, the temperature gauge was hitting 120-130°! Mirrors are useless at speed.. Here she is: Plus points: -Low miles (believed genuine 11,800 miles) -Engine feels well cared for. Starts and ticks over cleanly. Plenty of power for overtaking, and cruises nicely at 80. -New belts oil and filter -Good battery (charges fine) -Sidestand has been modded to stay down Minus points: -Rear tyre is oversize and could do with changing in a month or two as it has 2mm tread -It's been down on the right side, and tidied up rather than repaired properly. I've got lots of questions, hope you people will help me out? Lots more photos if you don't mind me posting them? Cheers, Humbug
How did you get John Hurt to pose on yer bike? :wink: Seriously, nice looking bike, I'm sure you'll have many great miles together, enjoy
Nice clean bike, personally do not like the square head light but hay. That monster in the back is it yours as it looks familiar especially when I noticed Rosso Cores sticker.
Not had John Hurt before! Ben Elton when I was younger :wink: It's in an ex-council car park in London. Several bikes here appear neglected, that S2R monster included. It has a thin layer of dust and a tax disc that expired a year ago. I feel sorry for the bike. Going to post some questions in the technical section.
I did consider the later ('99 on) bike but the square headlight bike was always my favourite.Couple more photos: I have the tailpiece and the tank looks good under the bagster cover. Must go buy a tank bag!
Hi Nice bike, hope to see you at the DOCGB London branch meeting, on the 2nd Wed of each month at the Ship Wandsworth.
Howdo!! Welcome to 900SS ownership. You are now the proud father of the best looking Supersport, she will drive you mad at times but she is La Famiglia. Oh and easy on the slug balancing Pablo
Takes a pillion too! Went out for an hour this morning: Taking a trip for a few days, see you all shortly.
"She doesn't like town work much" Treat he to a 14 tooth drive sprocket to replace the standard 15 tooth. It transforms the round town manners.
No way? There's a meet there? I work in Wandsowrth, you may have seen my battered 750ss going around the roundabout :smile:
My wife Kate might take offence if you refer to her as an cephalopod! She confirms the suspension is hard and her hands hurt after bracing on the tank (she prefers that to holding on to the handle) but loves being able to see over the top for a change. On the Guzzi she got bored easily. Re dropping the size of the front sprocket - what does this do to wear? On my other bike I find the front sprocket hooks around the time the chain gets to the wear limit, and that´s on standard sprockets and a lower powered bike (though still a V-twin).
You had a small black octopus on your pillion in your above pics? :tongue: Smaller front sprocket WILL cause premature chain wear due to the smaller front sprocket, best way is to go up to a 39t on the back? This will mean a new C&S set tho due to the longer chain needed...
yes it's quite hard on hands and shoulder as a pillion on the SS. I never felt 'safe' just holding on and also kept slipping into rider When I got tired I tucked my hands between tummy and tank Just remember holding on as a pillion is hard work when braking hard and suddenly. Enjoy they are lovely bikes being a pillion on the 900 inspired me to take my test and buy my own 600
