1981 Ducati 900 SS
Kilometers: 8,133
Bid at post: $12,000
Chassis: Frame No. DM860SS*090061*
Engine: DM860 091074
Auction ends: May 17, 9am PST
No Reserve
UPDATE: sold for $40,700
From Gooding:
Extraordinary Example of One of the Greatest Bevel-Drive Ducatis
One of the Most Untouched, Original 900 Super Sports in Existence
One of Only 713 European-Specification Examples Built for the 1981 Model Year
Four Documented Owners Since New; Showed Only 8,133 Km when Catalogued
Retains Original Lead Case Engine Seal; Offered with Authentication Report by Marque Expert Ian Falloon
864 CC L-Twin 4-Stroke Engine
Twin Dell’Orto PHM 40 MM Carburetors
65 BHP at 7,500 RPM
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front and Rear Brembo Disc Brakes
Front Telescopic Fork Suspension
Rear Swing-Arm Suspension with Twin Telescopic Shock Absorbers
More from Gooding:
With the passing of the round-case 750 SS, Ducati needed a new motorcycle to lead its sporting lineup, and in 1975 it released the 900 Super Sport, with an engine based on the square-case 860 GT. With desmodromic cylinder heads, 40 mm Dell’Orto carburetors, and an intoxicating sound from its Conti mufflers, the 900 SS evolved into one of the greatest of all Ducati’s production models. The updated 900 SS appeared for 1979, available now in black and gold, and it featured a stronger crankshaft, and an improved ignition and gearshift. Emphasizing uncompromised performance and handling, the Super Sport came to symbolize Ducati’s sporting prowess.
This example was initially delivered to Bendix engineer Carl Herbert-Glanz in Hamburg, Germany in 1981. The 900 SS was later sold to Jorg Zimmer of Ingolstadt, Bavaria in 1996. It was used sparingly until noted New York Ducati collector Stuart Parr bought it in 2014. The consignor, a collector of the finest Italian motorcycles, acquired it in 2020. The Super Sport showed just over 8,100 km (5,000 miles) when catalogued, and according to an accompanying 24-page report by marque expert Ian Falloon, it remains in exceptional original condition. Falloon believes it even still retains its original Pirelli Phantom tires. In addition to its superb original presentation, this 900 SS retains many rare and original details, including its Plexiglas windscreen with its Roberto Ballanti decal and original metal trim. Mr. Falloon also believes the windscreen fasteners are original and that the KLG spark plug caps are correct. Additionally, the Ducati is documented with a report by marque specialist Peter Boggia of Moto Borgotaro in Brooklyn, New York.
This 900 SS is an extraordinary, preservation-class example of one of Ducati’s most coveted models and would be a star of any Italian motorcycle collection.
RSBFS
Do you remember the last time we posted about the auction at Gooding and Company? There were some crazy bikes that sold for over $100k and there were a few amazing bikes that undersold.
Based on that experience, I would say this is an auction worth exploring. There might be a bike in here that fits with your collection – and you might get lucky. Some of the bikes are listed with no reserve – so figure out what your price is and do your Ducati Dance – your Honda Hustle – your Triumph Tango – your BSA Boogie – your Norton Noogie, lol…. I think you get my drift.
Many brands are represented in this auction and it is ending this week. May 17, 9am PST. I’m having pop corn for breakfast this Friday as I can’t wait to watch how this ends.
Good luck! We’re all counting on you!
