The Timeless Ducati Motorcycle That Still Turns Heads Today

Jatuporn Chainiramitkul/Shutterstock

Ducati is without doubt one of the oldest and most storied gamers within the motorbike market. Per Ducati’s personal historical past, the superbike model bought its begin in 1926, constructing radios below the catchy identify “Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati.” By 1949, the Bologna-based producer had trimmed the model identify right down to Ducati and launched its first motorbike, the Ducati 60, a significant participant in motorizing Italy after World War II.

Brand identification modifications over time, nevertheless. The Ducati 60 — with its 60cc engine and a body so gentle riders routinely carried their bikes indoors to discourage thieves — confirmed little promise of inspiring a line of lethally quick, top-market avenue bikes. The firm’s transition from utilitarian grocery-getters to the bleeding fringe of avenue and monitor expertise would take many years of labor and dozens of fashions. Perhaps the bike that did essentially the most to form Ducati’s fashionable model identification was a product of the Nineteen Nineties: the Ducati 900SS.

false/Shutterstock

Ducati has constructed an entire vary of masterpieces over time, however the 900SS was one thing particular. When the 900SS hit the road, it represented each the tip of an period and a brand new starting for its producer. The 900SS was the final air-cooled Ducati, as later engine designs would all be liquid-cooled. The 900SS additionally confirmed type prospers that might inform Ducati for years to come back, incorporating aerodynamic curves and breaking apart the corporate’s signature wraparound fairing to point out off engine and body.

Style can solely achieve this a lot for a motorbike, nevertheless. An actual traditional has to carry out: Per Cycle World, that is precisely what the 900SS did as of its 1991 launch; inspiring new prospects and defeating gearhead skepticism about European bikes within the heyday of American and Japanese market dominance. Light at 414 kilos and lethally quick with its 940cc Desmo Twin engine, the 900SS may dangle with any motorbike of its time and sophistication.

Ironically, for all of the success of the 900SS in its day, there’s some gentle friction about it now. Everyone nonetheless thinks it is a masterpiece, however there’s some debate as to which mannequin was the most effective of the model. Nevertheless, the excellent news for motorheads is that each designs from 1991-1998 are broadly obtainable and fairly priced on the used motorbike market.