Before the desmoquattro, there was the desmodue, or two-valve, belt-drive, air-cooled engines powering the Ducati Supersports. The 900SS series, produced from 1991-1998, used the 904cc air/oil-cooled engine derived from the Ducati Paso and available with a full-fairing or the half-faired -CR. The North American market was also blessed with a low production model designated the -SP, or “Sport Production.”
And this is what we have here; specifically #544. As with many of Ducati’s “special editions” of the time, this was a mostly cosmetic exercise with various carbon fiber bits and aluminum swingarm. These two-valve engines are a delight; torquey, smooth, masculine, and perfectly mated with the 900SS frame and running gear. Not particularly friendly at low revs or in-town speeds, but break free of traffic and feel the love. I know, I owned one.
Our feature bike has been tastefully modified to 944cc, FCR carbs, Ferraci slip-on, a tricolor paint scheme, monoposto seat and many more desirable upgrades. At 28,000 miles this will be more a rider than collector, but that would suit me just fine. The 900SS series is perhaps still the most affordable way into the semi-exotic superbike world, and so our seller’s asking price of $4500 is all the money. Find this eye-catching 900SS/SP in the Chicago, IL area here on Craigslist.