Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > Thinking of buying......

[sabundjim]

Hi every one,
New here and need some advise.
I have found a 98 reg 900ss in a local dealership for sale and i am really thinking about buying it. Its up for £2500 looks in great condition but dos nt come with a service history. What should i be looking out for? Any help would be great.
Thanks
Jim

[Iconic944ss]

Hi there and Welcome.

Just have a search / browse through the 'SS' forum - I'm sure there is something in there somewhere.

Frank

[monstermob 998]

hi i was in similar predicament a few months back i found a 600ss in a local dealers it was a bit overpriced after a bit of bartering and haggling i got him down to a more realistic price and with full guarenteed service thrown in with the deal(new belts and valve service etc) i havent owned a bike for several years so i just checked everything i could visually and heard her running a bit rattley when cold but very sweet when she was warmed up- there was a bit of what i call mileage wear minor stone chips on fairing and some discoluration to the engine casings etc but as i am using the bike as an introduction back into biking i wasnt too bothered about minor things ( what could i expect from a 6 year old bike) and as i have been dribbling over all the 748's and 999's in the ducati dealerships for a while now i thought that the 600 would be be a good introduction into ducati ownership - i wasnt wrong!! the bike handles well and runs well,apart from some minor carb icing causing a flat spot at about 4000rpm shes been fine- am getting use to it all the time and with a club like this (the DSC) subscription being sent soon i promise)and the forums make life a little bit more comfortable when theres a problem- buy it you know you want to!!!

[KeefyB]

Is it carbed or EFI?Not that it matters,both are great bikes.
Check the usual bearings,swingarm play,odd noises etc.Dont be put off with noisy clutches,they're all like that!
Look for whether its a 'grey' import or not.You may have problems at MOT time if the headlight dips the wrong way etc.
If you do buy without a service history,get it in for one immediately.Fit fresh cam belts/filters and lubes for peace of mind.Use the price of a service as a bartering lever.

[Derek]

Jim,

I have nice well sorted out '95 one for sale if you are interested, see here http://www.badmcc.co.uk/duc.html
Unfortunately I'm probably rather far away from you. It is also listed in the For Sale section.

[Fordie]

Having move on to the 996 after 25,000 mile on a 98 900SS the one thing they love is being used. I did not have one problem with my SS and it was Toured on Tracked on and Generally ridden hard through out its time with me. There can be hard on chains and tyres because of the 2Valve Grunt they produce but most V twin are like that . Check stability of the Dials and Clocks on the dash, vibration can break them,wheel bearing take there toll to. If you get it, join the DSC, it will be £25 well spent. 4D

[paulmort]

Sabundjim
Derek's looks really good and he's asking for offers
Id tend to go with one where you know the service history and Dereks is also well less than what your dealer is asking
You dont say what mileage or much else about the beastie. If you could know the dealer down by £350 then you could prob get a top class service, belts and everything for about that.
Where do you live, as if your ooop north, well near Mansfield and Jct 28 of the M1 I know a great place to have it lovingly looked after
btw, I have a 900ssie, and yes it is blooo
best rgds
mort