Okay, so, let’s talk about this Ducati 900SS I messed around with. It all started because I stumbled upon this old ’95 model, and you know how it is, you see something shiny and you just gotta have a closer look.

First Impressions
This thing was a blast from the past – a real 90s classic. I’d always heard about these bikes, seen them in magazines and stuff, but never got up close and personal. I remember checking them out at a dealer in Eltham back in the day, like ten times or so, just drooling over them. Finally getting my hands on one, even just to tinker, was pretty cool.
Getting Down to Business
The bike was in decent shape, but you know, it’s an older machine, so there’s always something to do. I started with the basics, just poking around, seeing what made it tick. I’ve tinkered with a few bikes in my time, so I wasn’t totally clueless, but this Ducati was a different beast. It’s not like those Japanese bikes, that’s for sure. This thing has character, let me tell you. Heavy clutch, and that engine… real torquey. Had to really work the clutch at low speeds to keep it smooth.
- First thing I did: I changed the oil. Just a good habit to get into with any used bike.
- Then: I noticed the airbox, I removed the lid.
- Next up: I swapped out the front sprocket for a 14-tooth one, which meant losing a bit of top speed, but whatever, it was more about how it felt getting there.
- Oh, and: I fitted a stage two jet kit.
The Ride
Man, this bike is something else. It’s not just transportation, it’s an experience. You feel everything on this thing. It’s raw and, yeah, kinda unforgiving if you’re not paying attention. But that’s part of the charm, right? It keeps you on your toes. It’s definitely not a beginner’s bike, though. It felt pretty different from my old R100, which was a total dinosaur in comparison. I can see why people get hooked on these Ducatis.
Final Thoughts
This whole experience got me thinking. I might have to snag one of these 900SS’s for myself. Maybe not as a daily driver, but definitely something to take out on the weekends, just to feel that raw power and hear that engine roar. It wouldn’t be for any practical reasons, just for the sheer fun of it. I heard they need a bit of love and attention, regular oil changes, belt checks, and proper storage. But from what I’ve seen, with the right care, they can go for a good 50k to 100k miles. And yeah, these Ducatis are known for their quality and that sweet Italian design. It’s a head-turner, that’s for sure.
So, yeah, that’s my story with the Ducati 900SS. A bit of a trip down memory lane, and a whole lot of fun. Maybe I’ll see you out there on the road, with me on a 900SS of my own. You’ll hear me coming, that’s for sure!
