Living with a '91 - '97 Ducati 900SS

[@theloveman9]

Having owned a `95 900 SS SP for 19 years, I can relate to everything you describe about it. I have ridden motorcycles for 59 years (though no longer ride) and have owned over 35 different machines, this was by far my favorite motorcycle. So beautiful to look at, so sweet sounding, so characterful, and fit me like a glove. I'll comment on a couple of the issues you mentioned. I cured the stumbling under 3K rpm by installing a stage II dynojet kit in the carbs and opening up the air box (removing the entire top half) and installing a K&N filter, installing a pair of D&D carbon fiber cans, and then having it tuned on the dyno. The D&Ds were symphonic in sound quality, but wouldn't work out too well where the local gendarmes frowned on excessive noise. I don't know if such a carb kit is still available today, but it did smooth out the performance across the band. You are spot on about traction when there is a bit of sand or equivalent on the road surface. A lot of these would push (break traction) in the front end, and while mine didn't do that, other owners told me they had to raise up the back a bit to shift more weight to the front. The other thing was to run lower air pressure in the tires than the factory recommended. For me and my weight, I would never exceed 32 psi in the front and never more than 36 in the rear. Every time I watch one of your videos on the Ducati it brings back such fond memories, but also bittersweet because I no longer have it to enjoy. Hope you will be able to enjoy yours for many, many more years to come. There will never be another motorcycle like it!

[@ANDY5]

Thank you Dean

[@DistinctOgre]

Damn, that's a great comment! Wish I could hit like twice. Cheers.

[@nicksmith7552]

It will be a sad day when my Ducati’s have to go.....wonder if they would let me keep one in my room at the old folks home ! I’m 57 already and the trips to the docs office are getting more frequent !,

[@stevenhoman2253]

You Ducati was my dream bike. ( still is if I think about it ) I was a pimply youth on my RD350, when I spotted her parked rear to the curb in Elizabeth st Melbourne. Long, with the sexiest tank and engine layout. Her conti pipes pumping exhaust by the gallon; the ringing of bells mate. Her 40mm delortos with metal mesh shields just a little louder than the exhaust, as she delicately chewed down the air. As I watched the rider slip traffic, I realised her wheel base and low set bars made her a formidable opponent in the city. Unhappy to she was on the Calder hwy. I'm yet to find another bike that excites my eyes and ears quite the same, perhaps even close to that meeting. A photo can never do the 900 SS justice.

[@llewvirtue861]

I'm 62 .hopfully have another ten years of riding in me, like Andy I like to not just ride but build and rebuild them. I don't find any individualism in modern riders, they buy it and ride it, no custom paint, no chrome bits. I am so glad I grew up in our era and not theirs

[@richardevens6575]

Had my 1990 900ss since ‘96, when I lived on Isle of Man for a few years. A great bike for the island and if you think is not how fast you go but how you go fast that is important it is a good choice.

[@loopie007]

I was lucky enough to get one of these and it was by far my favorite motorcycle I have ever owned. It wasn't the fastest, but it was the most fun. Simple, comfortable to ride, and lightweight. It was so fun to thump on down the road!

[@maxh9172]

By far one of the best honest owner review for this type of Ducati

[@minkyandbear]

Cracking looking bike Andy and spot on review. I've owned a 95 and a 93 900SS plus a Superlight in the past. Riding in town + heavy traffic + Duc = Hell on Earth. But open roads and that Duc makes pure sense. One of the most soulful and rewarding bikes ever made. For anyone who loves classic British cafe racers the Ducati 900SS is the best Triton ever built !

[@revoconner]

minkyandbear even the modern SS, 2017 model is choppy in the low rpm

[@petemacfarlane6478]

Yep they're not for doing the mail run that's for sure. I'm in southern tas too Andy and own a 98 model (900ss). Great channel and keep the video coming please 🙂

[@MBACCR]

Andy - nice work in putting this together. After twenty five years, I recently purchased a 900 SS FE. Still getting to know it, but loving it so far. Keep up the great work, MJ

[@ThatProjectZcar]

It's a shame these aren't more popular. These bikes are beautiful and also sound amazing.

[@FanOWater]

I had a seriously built up 750SS and put over 48,000 miles on it before my body could no longer take the riding position. Goes without saying I loved it to death. The 2 valve Desmo sound is the best in motorcycling. Cheers

[@Baldy881]

I've got a 95 900SS. You mention a few 'issues' I've experienced, but setting those aside, these bikes are all pomp and ceremony to ride. Truly captivating experience. Love mine ❤️

[@timkitt7332]

Have the 96 SP Model Andy...never sell her...open dry clutch ringing in my ears....those effin mirrors...running gutted D&D Cans...no mechanical/electrical issues since new..now 32 miles

[@patrickarmitageWWW]

Enjoyable review. I learned many things about the 900ss that no professional magazine reviewer ever mentioned. True ownership experience.

[@Slingshotgixxer]

Just got back from tearing the carbs out of my 94 SS SP , replacing the worn emulsion tubes and needles to cure a running rich problem , chronic in these bikes. I couldn't agree more with your review, they are absolutely gorgeous bikes, and that makes up for a lot of shortcomings LOL

[@rickhindle7516]

Great bike and great video, agree with everything you said. I put 20k+ miles on one of these in my twenties and it was my only form of transport for many years. I went to work on it in the week, out to coast on weekends, rode from London to Italy on it in one day. 25 years later and many many other bikes , it's still the bike I loved the most. You are right, a real riders bike, very lumpy low down, but when you open the taps the noise it makes is glorious! If you are feeling flush, get a pair pf Keihin FCR 41 carbs, you will not regret it.

[@nealebradford6417]

andy, ive owned two, yellow 96 model, and more recently a 750 red one, on the 750 it had mirror nylon aftermarket extender spacer's about 2ins wide, they were great for seeing behind, as for side stand there's a mod you can buy over here to alter the angle, at a good price. they are called mdina italia, hope this helps, love the channel.

[@dukati900ss]

I love your review. I have 2000 Supersport 900. Even with fuel injection you are spot-on about the 3000 RPM range. When you add in limited turning radius and the low RPMs u-turns can be a little hairy. Very easy to work on and I don't think I will ever get rid of this bike.

[@46danz]

Really good honest review by most importantly an owner.Always loved the 900,gorgeous machine.

[@boof4410]

You r spot on with every comment. I had a '93 900ss. Had it for nearly 16 years, and every little point u raised I found the same. Also when the engine was hot, it would be harder to start, that is the starter motor would turn over slower, like battery was on way out. But it's actually to do with the smallish dia wiring from battery to solenoid, starter etc. I replaced all wiring with larger dia. Results in less resistance in wiring and starts easier when hot. Also if your going to go aftermarket carbs, from the standard 38mm, go 39 flat slides. I tried 41mm and around lower speeds/rpm it was splutterish and less responsive than standards. Once up around 100kph, it was like a rocket. Also, I removed the clutch basket and coated inside the clutch housing and the carbon clutch cover with a rubbery type sound deadener compound/ paint. Helped reduce rattle.

[@TalontheTemplar]

I bought a 98 900 SS/CR a couple years after owning a 2003 999. I bought it from a kid going into the Air Force and got a killer deal. The dual D&D cans were what sold me......man, awesome sound. I was a bit disappointed in the riding position (higher mounted bars) and the short feel, but as I’ve gotten older and am not always seeking out twisties, she is a doll to drive. I’d even go as far to say more people now compliment me on the SS than the 999. So like many who have commented before, never sell her. Those lower production numbers will pay off (probably for your kids) some years down the road. Be safe and keep her sunny side up! Cheers mate!

[@johnhall4445]

Owned a ‘77 900SS W/40mm DelOrto Pumpers! Wonderful bike! Your videos remind me of great times! Thanks so much!

[@michaelbysterveld4874]

I only owned a 1994 600SS from new but I loved it every bit as much aside from hankering for the 900's power. It conveyed all the sentiments you expressed but never suffered the same vibration of screws and the like, no surprise at only 35KW i suppose. Worst point was the crosswind factor which was more a struggle with less power. Miss it like most of the other owners

[@kenrichardson8558]

Got one in the garage (a 94) and I love it BUT ..... I still enjoyed your video mate. For anyone else watching it’s all true an iconic rider’s bike, totally different from anything else. Looks good, rides great and definitely becoming collectible (didn’t know there were only 1,000 worldwide!). Good job Andy👍

[@TheNigelrojo]

This review is spot-on. I have a '93 900SS that I've had since new. I dynojetted the carbs & put some laser cans on it, pus a K&N air filter. It's an absolute pig around town, but glorious on the open road. It burns a little oil & needed a new clutch slave cylinder, it also had the recall for weak cylinder head studs. I junked the crap standard mirrors for some after-market ones. Otherwise, it's been very reliable & is on the original clutch after 40,000 km. The noise, the handling, the mid-range torque - all very addictive.

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

andy , you know its windy when you get your knee down riding in a straight line

[@Cubrider]

Beautiful. I can now see were so many of the features on my 916 came from.

[@motorcyclegarage2307]

Brilliant review- so clear and concise.

[@nickstraker5028]

You're a good bloke Andy with a good perspective, thank you :) Newcastle, UK

[@THELONIOUSMONstertrucK]

Well... you express your massive criticisms, and then seem to love it and can't quite express why. Sounds like a typical Ducati experience to me!

[@dumbwaiter3644]

FYI Brancato Engineering in the UK manufacture spacers that move the mirrors out around 25mm and improves rear vision a load.

[@ANDY5]

Cheers for that, I’ll have a look.

[@jstogdill]

Great example of the series. I have a '93 900ss that I bought in about 2001 if I remember correctly. Love the bike, hate the mirrors. Also, I agree with the other commenters who have suggested two teeth off the rear sprocket and a jet kit if you can still get one. Mine already had those mods when I got it. I get tired of replacing the cam belts but I love the bike so much I just grit my teeth and do it. Every. Two. Years. p.s. I have an open clutch cover on mine and rather like the rattle. I was sitting at a stop light one evening when the door of the pub next to me be burst open and a curious gentlemen still holding his pint walked up to me and said "Hey Mister, I think your bike is running on broken glass." I replied "That's just the clutch, it's supposed to sound like that."

[@parsivalshorse]

I loved the handling on these. Felt like you were right over the front wheel. Long and stable with a true 'on rails' front end.

[@RogerBadgerDSFlyer]

Beautiful example you have there. I too have a ‘96. I have all the original bits to revert to original if I want to, but I couldn’t help myself getting a set of Keihin flat slides and doing the chop-top airbox mod. That low rpm awfulness has gone. It’s sweet throughout the rpm now. A lot of induction noise through the airbox though. Sounds like a turbo diesel truck when you’re onboard. Dry clutch. Oh yeah baby! People look and think it’s falling apart. Once I had to convince a WoF/MoT tester that nothing was actually wrong with it 😂. But to those in the know, it’s music. Great bike. Briefly contemplated selling it to fund something else, but have now firmly decided to keep forever. Even if I can no longer ride, it will be a beautiful piece of 3d functional art. I see you too have committed yourself to a life of polishing those pipes to keep them that shiny!

[@BroqHans]

Great video. Honest and to the point. On the dry clutch: I was at World Ducati Week back in 2018 waiting with a bunch of guys in line (on our bikes) to get into the event at Misano circuit and I couldn't hear the plethora of Termignonis for the rattling of dry clutches all around me! I was on a bog standard Monster at the time. Beautiful landscape by the way. Almost as pretty as the bike.

[@woooster17]

Classic Ducati.. I’ve only owned a 916 Strada and loved that.. the 900SL looks nice with the single seat and Termis

[@cfish64]

Got an 01 and its the only reason I'd ever ride on the road again....as I'm a dirt biking KTM guy..... Brought it back from the dead.... Love the Bleeping thing....

[@daleevans3841]

Brought my 900ss about 8 years ago and I'd agree with pretty much everything you said here. Very different experience to owning a Japanese bike - the Ol' Duke won't stand for abuse! It's like riding a piece of art. The Duke started gathering lots of attention so I've now retired her from use (Aprilia RSV is my current road bike). These are wonderfully mechanical - they even sound mechanical - especially with the air-box drilled out!

[@ANDYSTUNEtwo]

I’m Andy ,got a bike obsession and just added a 900 superlight mkv to my collection 😊great video Andy 👍👍

[@armyofshea7941]

Had a 94 900SS CR version in red. Sold it going through a divorce. Now I learn they only imported 200 red and 200 yellow that year and they are probably worth more now than what I paid for new. I loved that bike. Had a 750 GSXR just before it, and the difference was night and day. In a straight line the GSXR would most likely win, but cornering and braking on that Ducati built so much confidence in me. Thanks for the video.

[@theodoremarakas9899]

My cousin bought one with 2,000 miles and he kept it for about 5 years. He put about 10,000 miles. Everything went wrong with it including cracks on the frame. Beautiful to look at, ride and easy to maintain but certainly needs a lot of maintenance.

[@The_gymbiker]

I uses mine 750ss from 94 as daily almost 100000km on it and still start like its brandnew 💯💯💯

[@brianperry]

Just love the sound of Ducati V Twins. Remembering my Duke in the late seventies. Here in Spain I considered buying a Ducati 24 hora as a second bike to use on Concentrations (Rallies) These bikes commanded quite high prices even in the early 2000, with the 2008 financial crash I put this dream on hold, never to be resurrected...

[@richardbehrle1496]

I always loved the 900ss but could never afford one, I did own a 900 E (Elefant) which had the dreaded stud problem and after getting it fixed it turned into a complete nightmare! And now I own it's cousin, a 750 F-1 and it's a race bike, and I absolutely love love love this thing! I can see why you love your 900.

[@wilfredprins9718]

Completely agree on tje mirrors, i have the same on my '92 SS750. Looking at your arm and the move while riding

[@dumbwaiter3644]

I loved mine, also a 96. I owned it 16 years, but I always hated the square headlight. So I bought a 748 last year. I think the 748 is much more attractive but it is SO different. I'm still getting used to it, and of course I now miss the old 900SS. Life is change I guess.

[@ANDY5]

Personally I like the square headlight, I hate the arrow head ones on the later model SS. The 748 is beautiful.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Thanks Andy. Had a few big single trailbikes, still have a TT600R. All single carb per cylinder big bore bikes are a bit lumpy down low. Never bothered me but manufacturers fitted twin carbs.

[@nicksmith7552]

Nice bike Andy, I have a ‘96 900SS SP and a ‘98 900SS FE.....love them both !

[@ANDY5]

Wow, you're one lucky boy Nick

[@kermit30au]

Hey mate. With mirrors that won't stay in place I've been using hair spray on the joint to hold them.

[@ANDY5]

Good tip

[@bigdaddy741098]

Hey nice video but it brought a tear or two to my eyes. I had a 93 900SS, it was my dream bike and my baby. But then I had actual babies lol, had to sell it in 99. For the past 20 years now, I have had a huge chunck of my soul missing. Haven't thrown my leg over anything in 15 years. I think that is a big contributor to the depression and hopelessness I have felt for so long now. That probably sounds pathetic but maybe someone here might understand. Damn I shouldn't have watched this. But at the same time I'm glad I did.

[@ANDY5]

Go and bloody buy one, you only live once

[@bigdaddy741098]

@@ANDY5 I wish I could, I wish it was that easy. There have been a few times I could've got one, but I've never been in the financial situation to run 2 vehicles, most of the time I struggle to keep the car on the road. I have never been a good functioning person. Most of the time I struggle to get out of bed, even if I do I rarely leave my room. And this is with medication, I was a real mess before

[@wilkins2490]

Thanks Andy. I have a bunch of old and new bikes. Old tridents and commando's up to a new Tuono. Also have a 91' 900ss. Its my favourite of the lot. Yep I agree with the cross wind thing. I live on the west coast of NZ. Get plenty of those. But I never get off this thing and think that i need more power. Itgoes well. I dont ride it around below 3000rpm. I use the box. Mine smooths out above 4000 Nice Brakes great. handling great. Noise amazing. Its a classic bike. It is what it is. I love mine. Thanks for the share Andy.

[@ANDY5]

I use the gearbox too, and trail brake quite a bit to keep the engine pulling. They are a deceptively fast bike and do have plenty of power, as you say. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@axeman6560]

Great bikes, my1992 ss900 is as you described it, mirrors, clutch, ropey under 3000 rpm but I can put up with that. A joy to ride.

[@EJK1965]

Had a 98 last of the carbs yellow one. Rectifier melted and there was smoke billowing out of the wiring loom!

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

Had a 96 ss. Loved it. Been looking for another in Brisbane area now I’m no longer in Scotland but not many around. Mine fitted me like a glove, not keen on the feel and shape of the 98 onwards fi bikes. I snapped my crank inside the stator and couldn’t figure out why it would turn over but not start after it conked out racing a wrx up the M8 towards Edinburgh about 2005!😂😂 I’ll find another. No bike like it 😎

[@allisonsailsandcanvas]

Cool video! I have a love hate relationship with my 96 M900. It’s ready for valve adjustment and belts. I have a factory Ducati service video which is very confusing. Your valve video was much easier to follow.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

I love my 2008 gt 1000, 43k on it commute & ride it like I stole it, one tooth smaller on the counter shaft sprocket k& n filter on my 3rd drive chain did a wiring repair at the steering stem area & replaced a cam drive seal, was hard as a rock! But otherwise as a 62 yrs old the most fun bike ever.

[@tempest411]

I've owned one, a '95 SP model for 12 years and have barely ridden it. When I first got it I decided that I didn't like the throttle response, so I rebuilt them with a few mods that are said to improve them quite a bit. It was better, but still not acceptable, so I sprung for Keihin FCR41s. The carburetion was now fantastic! In the process of monkeying around with that I discovered the valve guides were bad, so out the engine came. I had the heads rebuilt, and the cylinders cleaned and inspected. While researching information pertaining to that I stumbled across an issue that some of these had where an aluminum galley plug in the crankshaft can work it's way loose, shedding aluminum chips in the motor until the very shallow plug comes out completely, killing the oil pressure and the engine shortly thereafter. To check for this, with the cylinders off and the crank turned to TDC for the vertical cylinder an improvised tool is worked down to this threaded galley plug and an attempt made to spin it. It should not spin, but mine did...I handed the rest of the engine over to another shop and they tore it down and fixed the issue...and a few other things. Carillo rods were added, pistons sent to Swaintech for coating...for what ever good that does. I owned the bike for two years before it could be considered roadworthy. I love the way it rides though! This is only the second bike I've owned, but it really seems to become an extension of yourself on the road, as opposed to something just carrying you where you want to go. I've also since obtained a DS1000 swingarm (to avoid worrying about the cracking issue), and upgraded the ignition with the green Dyna coils and Ignitech module, for maximum reliability. I hope to finally get to riding it, on occasion at least, after I replace the brake and clutch lines and figure out what to do for a reliable low fuel warning lamp system. A new factory sender only lasted a few weeks before indicating 'LOW FUEL' all the time.

[@ANDY5]

Yes I’ve since gone through a complete engine rebuild and covered many of the issues you touched on here. I still love it.

[@jeremybanks9007]

Own a 93 superlight it was my 40th birthday present I know every inch of that thing all her working bits I've touched and rubbed and I hope she never leaves me

[@paulcreedon5730]

My fave bike - bought one new in 1995 and still ride it now. Agree with most of what you say, but the sidestand is an auto pop up - so unless someone had modified it it should pop up as soon as you sit on the bike and stand it up.

[@ANDY5]

The “suicide” stand had been omitted by the’96 model.

[@brandonhughes882]

Probably my favorite Duc... Would love to have one once I have a nice covered garage to park it.

[@hallfamilychannel]

Great review . Not a bad thing the 900SS. Had one before Ducati's fashionable. Very envious. Regards,

[@donjohnson8627]

Good, informative video! I have owned a 1997 900 SS/SP (YELLOW, of course!!) for years---bought it with FIVE miles on it in early 1998---and I love it--Stops great, looks are unbeatable, sounds great and is a bit quirky but wonderful to ride. This video is absolutely right about the steering limitations......one other than one of my brothers has ridden it (and then only rarely) a few times and I ALWAYS remind him that the steering lock is VERY limited and that if he is going drop the thing, it'll be while making a slow speed turn in a parking lot or maybe a "U" turn something due to the machine strongly restricting the rider's ability to "catch yourself" if you start to, even mildly, let it bank a tiny bit too steeply. The dry clutch is grouchy, quick and grabby and something that one needs to get used to, the engine makes really no power at just off of idle speeds and is a jumpy, jerky PITA to ride slowly and/or in stop and go traffic. This bike was for GOING FAST and THAT is what it does SO WELL that I will own this thing until the day I die (and I'm already 70+ and LOVE my Ducati, though I also ride my Triumph 1050 Speed Triple as it is much more forgiving than the Duc around town!!) The guy in the video is right about the mirrors---all you can really see well is the inside of your elbows. (IF you can get them to stay aimed!) If you get one of these things, you'll want to immediately CHANGE THE PIVOT BOLT in the side stand to one that allows the spring to go over center before you even ride it to get rid of the "suiside" stand-------it WILL have the bike on the ground if you don't do that!! (This may be a part only on it for sales in the USA, but please DO notice if the side stand just pops up once the weight is off of it.)

[@jonathanbaker901]

Thank you for your no nonsense review!

[@mikaeltellden5413]

Thanks Andy, brilliant video. Very good walk-through of pros/cons. Greetings from the other side of the planet :-) Mikael, Sweden.

[@johnharrisonschulz]

The goldish color frame tubing is classy. I used to own a 1995 ss. The white tubular frame was cool too but not classy.

[@arthurmchugh5184]

I loved my first year 91 900ss sooooo9 much that I put 197,000 miles on it 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

Love it, Andy - gotta get myself a Ducati at some point just to experience it!

[@stevenhoman2253]

Sounds like a genuine race bike. She's very beautiful though, despite my previous comments.

[@Grasshoppa65]

What a beautiful machine.

[@DistinctOgre]

Thank you Mr. Andy. It is a very very beautiful machine, and I very much enjoyed having a better look at it. The key tag sets it off. I came really close to buying one nearly identical to it, before I bought my FZ1 instead.

[@ANDY5]

My son has a FZ1, currently for sale

[@DistinctOgre]

@@ANDY5 I saw it. It was beautiful. Why'd he decide to sell it? Nvm. That's really none of my business, sry. I hate to hear that though, unless he got something better.

[@earlebacciochi9796]

Stylish, iconic Italian machines! Sounds like you're in love 💜👍👍👍

[@michaelhayward7572]

1. Drone footage is getting a bit pro. 2. The bike's characteristics sound very similar to my diva. A 79 owned from new 830cc stroked T140 with a fixed advance magneto... 3. Also own an 89 Guzzi 4. Am actively looking for a pre 2000 900cc Monster. Too much of a Luddite to own a bike with EFI or water cooling. 5. Nice bike. Regards

[@steved5518]

Not a bike for guys with arthritic knees! Quite a tight cockpit. Recommend doing the valve shims yourself. At least you'll know you nailed them correctly. If a shim is slightly too big, as measured with a micrometer, rub it on sandpaper or polished concrete garage floor. Can then get it dead nuts perfect.

[@waynemartin8920]

Awesome vids Andy from a fellow Ducati owner who has fallen in love with these bikes due to that exact bike 900ss, and also the maintenance, I maintain my own bike and the tips are rippa mate. Stay upright and hope to see more

[@heybra8941]

I love that Duke sound, too bad they didn't go cam chain and sort out the shims

[@matmontana4566]

Nice bike and very nice job, my friend :-) Many Greetings from Germany

[@davidash1008]

Great video, I'm considering adding one to the collection and found this really helpful. Thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed review Andy. 👍

[@ANDY5]

Thanks mate, you may want to watch this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZOlmH-jZtF5d6c get a full perspective.

[@davidash1008]

@@ANDY5 uuurgh, thanks Andy. I know your pain, I recently had to have my Monster 1100 engine rebuilt..low oil pressure, needed new conrod bearings and the crank machined. Now thinking of a 90s Ducati with pasta oil rings, I must be a sucker for punishment!! 😅

[@michaelhayward7572]

Forgot. Concur - air cooled 2V Ducatis are easy to work on. Easier than an in line 16V 4.

[@ANDY5]

Agreed

[@Solar55]

Fantastic real world review - thanks a lot !

[@jamieburgess9915]

Great review Andy. Appreciate your effort here.

[@davisch51]

Had a '93. Loved it. Not the fastest, but great personality and style.

[@brianbartels3319]

Hi david looking at bying a 93 900 ss would you say they arw reliable and would you by another 1 cheers

[@davisch51]

@@brianbartels3319 Definitely. I found mine very reliable, but...replace the cylinder head studs with Nichols Perfomance Cylinder head studs. Mine were replaced under warranty after they broke. A common issue apparently.

[@brianbartels3319]

What top end speed.thanks for your replies.cheers

[@davisch51]

@@brianbartels3319 130 mph.

[@brianbartels3319]

@@davisch51 cheers david.

[@andrewmcginn914]

Having owned quite a few sports bikes , but my SS causes me some anxiety when riding it, just does not ride in a predictable way,

[@jasonhoward3307]

I'm living with a 99 model and loving it ! I really enjoyed this vid , the aerial shots were a classy addition. As an ex-focus puller im appreciating your more creative production attempts - cheers

[@erhardbaehni1832]

Had one .. loved it .. but here in the usa to many cops have you in thier radar sites . . Had to explain to the cop 80 miles per hour is just ideling And it is not an ill handling HD.

[@carolsaxton839]

Had the 600 version a few years back with just5k on the clock had it 3 years ,had to sell due to breakup,one decision I regret !missed biking. For 8 years now I’ve got me a royal enfield bullet350!.

[@MJP3055]

You need to go up 2 teeth in the rear to 39. That will make it much more rideable around town at low speeds.

[@jarrodscott6899]

Loving your work! I'll stop nagging now. Good to see your comments are exactly the same as what I say about my TL1000S. Good to see your t shirt on Craig and your insights the workshop

[@llewvirtue861]

Nice work Andy, I had to go look up that long word you used, and who was on the drone. That's what it's all about, loving them, warts and all. I rode one once, can't remember much, twenty years ago odd, but you are right, it is pretty

[@ANDY5]

I had the drone on auto tracking

[@llewvirtue861]

You done the head on the gs if not let me know Llew. [e-mail] I think I have a brand new set of valve guide seals you can have. If it's done I won't bother finding them

[@ANDY5]

I have two sets already thanks mate

[@anthonyfox2836]

Fantastic review. Laughed out loud at ‘the mirrors- give me the shits!’ Great bike. One to own if you’ve got a cash. Thanks for posting such a fun break down analysis -

[@micheldriessen5081]

Mine was present around 1500 RPM, awake at 3000 RPM. Indeed, you feel every pebble, but it is perfectly comfortable for 8 hours on end, and the perfect racing position with arms bent. Very easy to handle. I was racing it 3 times a week in the Antwerp harbour against 125 HP bikes: first in the pack after the curve, then they all zoomed away from me ... until the next curve. Great brakes, marvelous steering. Like Dean said: fits like a glove. Doesn't feel like you are a man on a bike; you are the bike, a centaur. Only remark, the pedals are a bit low. I scraped them on every curve in sports mode. The 888 had the power and the ground clearance you were looking for, but not the easy seating position. Unfortunately it is impossible now to ride a bike and stay out of jail in the nanny state of the 3rd Reich - EU.

[@foxtrotalphazulumoto-adven4895]

Lovely bike Andy, I very nearly bought a Ducati 600 SS as my first big bike after passing my test in '96 ~ always loved the look of these bikes; however I ended up buying a Suzuki RF600 instead (nearly new at a bargain price), as a new rider the smoothness of the inline four seemed easier to live with, plus the extra power (about 100bhp against 53bhp for the Duke) came in as I grew in confidence.

[@daveslowley4479]

I have a 900 sl mk4 its my fave bike out of a my five bikes this includes a 916 and a guzzi 1100 sport . Mine has 41 kehin flatties .i love this bike its so simple like me DS.

[@Koomavideo]

Nice drone footage mate! I could watch that all day!

[@LostinWales]

I once owned a 600ss it's the only bike I have owned that I never rode. The riding position was horrible, just sitting on it my hips felt like they wanted to pop out. Nice bike but it had to go

[@kymtaylor5433]

Nice Duc Andy. I opted for exposing my clutch the rattle doesn't bother me. But air cools the clutch like oil does for a wet one. Air also removes the plate dust which in time can cause clutch issues in an enclosed unit. I run Michelim Sport RS at 28psi front and 30 psi rear . The tyre adhesion is superb. Mind you on any bike if there's sand across the road ya hearts in ya mouth. If you intend on keeping the Duc see Mike at EMS Duc in the states. For the cost of several shims bought locally you can get an entire kit. I use nylon cord fed into cyls then compressed up by piston , holds valves in place for all your shim work. Your right about riding them , you have to be committed drive the bike thru the corner , close the throttle and she's a bitch, cruise thru you not getting the full bikes ability. Not everyone's cup of tea is the Ducati but to me it's a living thing talks to me bitches when you got it wrong but sweet as when your right on the money. Jap bikes are surperb, powerful , handle, smooth outstanding machines but they lack the timeless desire that a Ducati possesses. If you own one you don't get that feeling that your riding a has been, that you really should update. Timeless. Gorgeous Ducati Andy

[@ANDY5]

Thanks for the thoughtful comments mate

[@richardcovello5367]

Drop 2 teeth on the rear sprocket. That will take out the low speed choppyness. The 2 valve Dukes are very much "wash & wear" bikes. Just keep 'em in fresh oil, fresh tires, and chains. The irregular firing pulses, coupled with regular thrashings beats up even the best quality chains. Buying a heavy duty non o ring works in my country for the best mileage vs. price. Valve adjustments & belt changes are simple, if you have a shim kit. Don't ignore the recommended adjustment intervals. Great, easy to maintain bikes. Handling? The 900ss is a bit of a truck compared to an F1, which is a bit of a truck compared to a TT2, and the Bimota DB1 was the best of the lot, but you couldn't go anywhere on the TT2 or the DB1. They are, however probably the best handling street bike of their era.

[@Pillokun]

SS was seen more of a budget sportbike because of the aircooled engine, especially when Ducati offered proper sport bikes such as 851, 888 and 916. Not many wanted to settle for the aircooled range when there were better bikes from same manufactorer that could shame the Japanese bikes on track. But yeah now in modern era those bikes are more sought after compared to back in the days. One thing I really dislike is the long reach to the clippons, when d675 and old panigale entered the market I thought we were going to a more upright seat position but now even the new panigale is going back to the old streched out over the fuel tank sitting position just to reach the clippons.

[@trumps1973]

Great vid, and very accurate in your comments. I own a Mk1 Superlight, and absolutely love i. Of all my bikes it is the most comfortable to ride, and as with most all older bikes definitely has its quirks, though no more so than my Guzzi or H1 kwaka. Love king forward to checking out the rest of your videos, thanks!

[@artmchugh5644]

trumps1973 even with low bars , it is comfortable to ride , and the 195.000 miles I put on mine proves it !!😄😄😄🍺🍺🍺

[@henryhawk7038]

Andy, you said everything that I was thinking as I watched this video. I own a Moto Guzzi 01 EV, compare a valve clearance adjustment on it to the 03 Ducati ST4S I'm gonna fly from Alabama out to Oregon and ride back home in the next 2 wks. It's yellow with the Ducati Design twin headlight, sidecases and top case. I love the analog gauges the green face teach. I also have a 02 Aprilia Futura. Italian bikes give give me a great pleasure when riding them. I enjoy your lengthy videos full of all the small details. Ride Safe!😎

[@ANDY5]

Thanks mate

[@graemehills1103]

Thanks for your 900ss series of vids Andy, very informative, and inducement to tackle shimming. Just brought my second one, a 2005 ie, after owning the original 1990 version, with a Guzzi 1000s indulgence inbetween. Raced 944/992 air cooled for years in BEARS too, strong units. The new Terblanche SS taunter and more responsive than the old one with what remains the best road engine in motorcycledom. Don’t like the clothes my new darling wears too much so she’ll get the cafe racer treatment next winter (Kiwi stuck in the U.K). Good on ya.

[@wayneevans8269]

Hi Andy, I love your videos, thanks for taking the time to share your obsession, I have a question regarding the difference between a Mikuni carb 900SS and a fuel injected version. I fell in love with the mid nineties Duke when I first laid eyes on them back in the day but had kids and mortgages to pay so shelved the dream. I've been riding a 1980 GS1000E for the last 30 years and am getting serious about a Duke again. I was leaning towards the fuel injected 2000's bike for ease of maintenance but prefer the lines of the mid nineties bikes. I'm a mechanic by trade so have no issues with the maintenance side of Ducati's, have you ridden both versions and which do you prefer from a ridders perspective. Thank Wayne.

[@holgerhansen5332]

Dampening is getting wet. Damping is what your forks and shock do. :-)

[@amos660]

ah man..the clutch.... that's not "noise"... that's a Puccini Symphony, dude!

[@ozcarzcccc]

Fantastic video mate! Super informative!!