November 2024
Ducati 864cc 900SS

A Timeless Italian Masterpiece

When it comes to marrying form and function with a flair for the dramatic, Italian design has long been the benchmark. The Ducati 864cc 900ss motorcycle stands as a testament to this legacy.  It is a piece of moving art, showcasing the pinnacle of motorcycle design and engineering.

Born from the success of Ducati's victory at the Imola 200 race in 1972.  The 1975 Ducati 900SS stands as a testament to the brand's racing heritage.  With its 864cc L-twin engine, the 900SS boasted a design that was both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.  Its square case engine, a departure from the round cases of the past, added to its allure, making it arguably more attractive and certainly more distinctive. 

The 900SS was equipped with twin 40mm Dell’Orto carburettors, allowing it to rev cleanly to an astonishing 9200-rpm, with bevel-driven camshafts, and desmodromic valves.  The 900SS boasted a 864 cc engine that delivered 80 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. This powerplant was paired with a five-speed transmission, propelling the bike to a top speed of 135 mph—a remarkable figure for the era. The Marzocchi forks and triple-disc brakes were top-of-the-line components that ensured the bike's performance matched its aggressive styling.

Only 246 1975 900SS machines were produced (together with 249 750SS) but they proved to be so successful that a further 6,100SS were made.  Australia was a major export market with 99 of the 1975 model and 904 later versions being imported. 

The 1975 Ducati 900SS has become a coveted piece for serious collectors. The 900SS was not just a motorcycle; it was a piece of history, a snapshot of a time when Ducati dared to dream big and delivered a machine that could capture the hearts of riders and the gaze of onlookers everywhere.