1990 900 Supersport. Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Firstly, in the style of Dr. Nick, "Hi everybody".

I am a first time poster, I live in Suffolk, I enjoy walks along moonlit beaches and I have fallen for a gorgeous 1990 900 Supersport.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990-DUCATI-900-SS-CLASSIC-UNRESTORED-EXTRA-CLEAN-WELL-LOOKED-AFTER-/290889412858?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item43ba5c30fa #ht_1015wt_1156

Having done the usual, well travelled route of Jap 4's of varying engine sizes, with a VTR thrown in, I no longer feel the need to own the fastest, sharpest handling, look like everything else, mass produced two wheeled missile that rolls of the yen hungry production line. Phew.

What I do have though is the irraitional desire to buy what I was drooling over when I was 16.

Now I know that these aren't the most sort after or desirable (to some) bikes out there, but to me - I love 'em and if it was just up to me that would be enough. However, the Jap 4 riding Mrs IpswichTony74 needs more justification for ownership than that. And, to be honest I'm struggling to find out much information about these bikes that I can errrm embellish to my advantage.

Now the bike will be used as a toy. The couple of days a week commute to work along back roads (12 miles each way) and the odd weekend ride out (kids every other weekend). Or, more likely, used every day when the weather is nice - so a couple of days a year then!

Seriously though, any infomartion you guys can offer, what to look for when going to look at it (tomorrow), what to expect if I do buy it, UK parts availability, basically anything will be much appreciated.

To those who don't have the time or inclination to check out the ebay link:

1990 'G' plate 900 Supersport
22900 miles
"Loads of history" including the original bill of sale
Last taxed in 2011 - so I'm assuming last ridden in 2011
£2250 - although I do know the dealer listed it on ebay a while back and it only reached just over £1600 and failed to meet the reserve.

Once again, any advice is sincerley appreciated and sorry for rambling on....and on.........

Am I right in thinking that this model had the 16" front wheel - if so tyres are going to be a problem.

I do believe that the 91 version had a lot of updates and changes that might make that a better bet.

For a slightly lower price the irrational in me would also say - BUY IT!

But head says to ride it first.

Good luck - Frank

Thanks for the replies chaps, but sadly I received an email from the shop half an hour before they were due to shut saying it had sold. Oh well,back to spending fruitless days and nights trawling the interweb in the hope that another turns up soon.

Hi Tony, I have recently bought a '94 900ss, what a little peach. Handles like a 250, brakes are superb, enough power to get you into trouble, love it to bits. Persist a little longer and get a slightly later model, you'll not regret it.

Welcome Tony!

One of the guys on here, Mark Bayley, had his 750 Sport up for sale which was pretty much the same as that 900 but with the 750 engine and in red and blue. The original advert is here:
http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/sh...ad.php?t=84362

He's recently moved house and I know he still has it so I guess the house moved messed up the sale. The good news he's moved closer to you, and is now in Dedham on the Essex/Suffolk border!

I'll give him a nudge to see if he's still up for selling it...

Hello I'm not dead yet ? LOL
 

Here I am busy sorting out a new venture ? Wassup !!

Hi Mark, I don't suppose by some miracle you do still have the 750 for sale?

Hi again everyone. Fingers crossed I hope to get the 750 and I'm really excited about it. However, I'm still looking for a 900 so the missus can have the750 and I get the 900. I've found another but once again would be interested and grateful of any and all opinions.

This one has 24500 miles, servicing has been sporadic (but no history) based on when the bike has been used but it has only covered 3000 miles in 9 years. It was MOTd lat August, but hasn't had the belts changed since 2004. The dreaded Weber carbs are also still fitted, there are some slight cracks around screws near the headlight and cosmetic damage to one silencer and will need a new back tyre soon.

Asking price is 2100 but the chap is open to offers.

Right guys, over to you.

I should also add that the MOT had advisories. Fluctuation if brake pressure and slight play in rear wheel bearings

Fluctuation in brake pressure is probably a warped disc and wheel bearings would be expected in something that has been used that little.

Disk may just be underused, cleaning and spinning the bobbins, then getting the brake pads hot against the disc with some repeated heavy braking can get it to pass the mot.

pete

I've been quotIf the belts were last done 9 years ago but the bike was used last year should that be a concern that they weren't changed then?

I've been quoted 500+ vat for service and belts but doesn't include shims. With the added additional potential cost of discs and bearings is it unreasonable to make an offer based on what it will cost to get the bike sorted. I feel that 2150 is an ok price if all this had been done already.

Also, although the bike has done 24500 miles what kind of longevity can be expected from these engines. And finally, (I think) how bothered should I be that it still has the Webers, should I take into account changing them at some point too?

Set of Belts is about £80 max and a doddle to change, if they haven't broken then it running last year shouldn't be an issue

The layout under the tank is different so I doubt you could run the later SS Airbox with CV carbs so of changing from the webber your probably looking at Pod filters, unless your going to chop out the battery mount

It gave me a headache

Well I've gone and done it. I am now the proud owner of a 1989 900 Supersport.

It's done 24480 miles and was last serviced at 21460 - but that was 9 years ago! Needless to say it's booked in for a full service next week including belts and valves.

Nice one Tony - that looks pretty good!

It's pretty gorgeous. Although I went to look at it, I haven't actually ridden it yet.

Even worse is I had to leave it behind and get it collected this week and delivered straight to the dealer on Tuesday next week, so I wont get my sticky paws on it until Wednesday. I'm like a kid suffering through the worlds longest Christmas Eve.

Some nice history with the bike though, including a £900 service carried out at JHP/Ducati Coventry only 3000 miles ago, an MOT from August 2012, curent tax, original owners handbook and toolkit, a fair few receipts, paddock stand, Oxford dust cover, bloody great ABUS lock and a fair few other goodies and spares.