The Ducati Super Sport continues to be one of the most prized motorcycles in existence. Developed by Fabio Taglioni, the success of the SS would be helped along by a number of factors such as winning the ’72 Imola 200 as well as seeing Mike Hailwood win the ’78 TT. Before the famous model would revived by Ducati in ’88 and then again in 2017, Ducati would spend years ironining out the machine’s kinks, resulting in an increasingly competent machine. Because the 750 and the 900 SS models were strangely close in sticker price, far more 900 models were sold with 750 specs being more frequently utilized for competition.
The 1980 900SS was powered by a 864cc air-cooled OHC Desmo 90-degree twin that supposedly put down around 56.3hp at 7,000RPM and was capable of reaching around 125mph. In total the 900 weighed in at 414lbs (188kg) and reportedly had a price of $3,600 back in ’79. The classic black with gold accents livery – made from ’79-’80 – was originally put together for the U.K. market but would eventually make its way overseas. While the 900 and 750 models eventually became almost identical, the 900 model would sell far more units than its 750 counterpart due to a strangely similar price, resulting in many of the 750’s being used for competition.
The 900SS was somewhat of an instant success. The second-generation V-twin square case engine first debuted on the ’74 860 GT, but after disappointing sales numbers, Ducati had the idea to drop the engine into a machine styled after the iconic Paul Smart 750. UK’s Bike magazine once said of the 900: “While other flash Italian bikes are basically roadsters dressed up and pretending to be racers, this is the real thing.”
To keep the later SS models (’78-81′) a little more modern, Ducati opted to chuck out the Borrani alloy wheels for a set of gold cast Campagnolo rims. The revised engine benefited from a handful of upgrades including a Bosch ignition, beefed-up bottom end, and an improved alternator.
This collector-owned example has just over 17,000 original miles on it. It also underwent a complete restoration in 2015, resulting in one immaculate 900SS. While every example’s value is effected by a myriad of factors, Bonhams has previously evaluated a clean 1980 900SS at between $38-$42k.
You can find this 1980 Ducati Super Sport 900 for sale here on Craigslist in Miami, Florida with a price of $37,500.