Not necessarily! The first 900ss I bought was a 1998, 1 year old cat D salvage bike, for £2300. I paid £100 for a second hand left fairing panel, and a couple of touch ups on the paint, and that was her mint!
I had her for three years then sold her for £2500.
The next one I bought for £800, which was a 750 and a non runner. This had been standing after a minor slide down the road, and had not turned a wheel for two years. It was parked under a tree and had an inch of pigeon crap all over it. I then bought another 900 which had half an engine and no fairings for £300. I swapped over the rear tyre, swing arm, and suspension which were a better quality than on the 750, resprayed the 750 with white racing numbers and half white panels. I bought second hand mint exhausts for £100 from this forum and Bob was your uncle. Miraculously, the battery still held a charge, and after a boost the old 750 started on the button!
I sold the 750 for £2000, and the rest of the 900 for £750.
So you see, given the right sort of intent and patience, it can be done!
So come on you crashers or rich blokes who neglect their steeds, and give the Levers a chance of returning to the Ducati fold!
:P