Ducati Sporting Club UK
 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 26-Nov-2007, 23:16   #1
Iconic944ss Iconic944ss is offline
Registered Forum User
WSB Hero
Bikes: 1993 - 944SS & Aprilia Falco
Iconic944ss's Avatar
 
Posts: 7,796
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: north east
A nice bit more from our friends at www.ducati.net:

900SS tips and tricks (1991-1998)

submitted by Archie Rodriguez

This post was sent to the list by Arch, our grand master when it comes to this model. It's the best post I've seen on this subject so I am using it here in as it was posted to the list: Re: '91~'98 SSs... First of all, if given the choice, buyers should choose an SP over a CR simply because the former comes with truly useful upgrades. Problem things to watch for are few. Common stuff (like early problematic head studs) are mostly weeded out by now. (BTW, I think the upgraded ones are dark, not the other way around. Could be wrong though as it's been a while since I've thought of it and mine has FbF studs anyway.) While the vast majority of frames remain crack-free, some have seen cracks near the steering head as can be seen on my site. Check for that. Same thing for the swingarms. Some have shown cracks near the pinch bolts at the pivot. This was fairly common early on and was caused by overtightening of the pinch bolts. (The manual only calls for 34 to 37 Nm. Using the proper torque value, my '91's original aluminum swingarm remains intact despite the bike's extensive mods and increased output.) Also, really early ones had soft valve guides. A relatively inexpensive fix and most folks waited till they truly need replacing. It can vary too, my '91 model's originals were fine as of 17k miles way back when the engine went through its big build-up and they were replaced by performance pieces at that time. Regardless, all of that's likely weeded by now as well.

Here are some useful SS resources...

http://www.ducatitech.com/2v/index.htm

http://www.duc.org/900ss+report.htm
http://arch.home.texas.net/ss/history.html (My little old SS.)http://www.ducatitech.com/2v/sp_cr_faq.html (SS vs CR differences.)

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/ca...cati/elec.html (See an Electrex regulator.)

And some Ducati-specific online marketplaces to monitor... http://www.ducati.net/classifieds/ http://www.clubdesmo.com/discus/messages/5/5.html http://www.amasuperbike.com/classifi...at&catToShow=a http://www.cowin-tech.com/ducati/Cla...t&CountHit=Yes

Good luck in your search, Chris. There are some sweet ones out there as most folks discard things that aren't latest & greatest. A real shame. I'm a big fan of the 2V Duck motor and '91~'98 Supersports in particular. Theses little scoots are great fun to own and fiddle with. They respond well to time honored tweaks including even the simple ones. A mechanical canvas. They're keepers. Have been for many years now... :-) Arch
http://arch.home.texas.net
arch@texas.net

Last edited by Iconic944ss : 26-Nov-2007 at 23:26.
Reply
Old 26-Nov-2007, 23:39   #2
Iconic944ss Iconic944ss is offline
Registered Forum User
WSB Hero
Bikes: 1993 - 944SS & Aprilia Falco
Iconic944ss's Avatar
 
Posts: 7,796
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: north east
I'm trying to think back through all my own experiences but I think most of them have been summarised above but here goes for things I'd specifically check on an SS I was going to buy....

Service history.

Wheel and Steering head bearings.

Front and Rear suspension. (leaks, travel and quality)

Frame (steering head) and swingarm (pinch bolt area) cracks

Discs - float and disc thickness / scoring.

Hear the bike being started....slow to crank? (poss battery / starter probs)

'excessive' engine noise? - (very subjective this one - esp when new to Dukes)

Possible extra checks...

Voltage regulator
Fuel tank internals + tank prone to rubbing at the back from the seat.
Generator wiring - LHS of engine; bullet connectors can be rubbish.

I'm sure I'll add as I go along !!!!

NB - many threads I've read say the FE (and Superlights) are a better buy than a std SS - unless you really want the pillion option and dont want to retro-fit a pillion seat.
Reply
Old 27-Nov-2007, 00:14   #3
countcoupe countcoupe is offline
Registered Forum User
 
Posts: 18
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Leeds, UK
Mood: Allreet
Wow, Thankyou so much for the great info.
Reply
  
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes
Postbit Selector
Switch to Vertical postbit Use Vertical Postbit

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Recent Posts - Contact Us - DSC Home - Archive - Top
Powered by vBulletin 3.5.4 - Copyright © 2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. - © Ducati Sporting Club UK - All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:48.