DESCRIPTION
Ducati’s legendary 900 Super Sport can trace its origins back to the Fabio Taglioni-designed desmo 750 racers ridden to a one-two victory at Imola in 1972 by Bruno Spaggiari and Paul Smart. A handful of race replicas were sold the following year and the model entered limited production in 1974; the original ‘round-case’ motor was an exotic air-cooled twin developed from the 750 GT sporting special carbs, polished valve rockers plus milled and machined con-rods. The so-called ‘green frame’ remains a landmark model in Ducati’s history while the first ‘square-case’ 750 and 900 Super Sports were developed as sporting siblings to the 860 GT, with approximately 250 of each version produced in 1975. Only sold in the iconic silver with blue accents paint scheme, the 1975 900’s engine was a sleeved version of the 750 and both featured special heads, 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors and crankshaft, along with a right-hand gearchange and Conti mufflers. Notable details included Marzocchi forks, Brembo disc brakes (drilled up front) and 18-inch Borrani wheels, while the tank was a 20-litre fibreglass piece similar to the previous 750 SS. Equipped with Smiths instruments, there were no turn indicators, further evidence of the SS’s dual-purpose nature and the 1975 models were barely road legal in most markets. Good for 70 horsepower at 7500 rpm, the 900 SS was capable of reaching a top speed of 135mph and Bike magazine wrote “While other flashy Italian bikes are basically roadsters dressed up and pretending to be racers, this is the real thing”. The 900 SS was put into regular production for 1976 with various modifications to make the bike legal for sale in North America, principally the shift to a left-hand gearshift and a quieter exhaust. Other changes included a steel fuel tank, the addition of turn signals and a revised instrument panel (featuring the ignition switch), along with Pirelli or Michelin tyres. Periodically updated, the 900 SS ultimately remained in production until 1982 and just over 6,000 were made in total, with surprisingly large numbers sold in Australia. Considered one of Ducati’s truly iconic models, the Super Sport has become one of the most sought after bikes produced in Bologna.

HISTORY
- Iconic ‘Sqare Case’ Ducati 900 Super Sport
- Mechanically spot on
- Ideal bike for the Ducati collector

Built in November 1977 according to the Ducati Registry compiled by Bevel Heaven, this immaculate 900 SS had the original frame (087467) replaced at some stage and the replacement frame was mistakenly stamped the same as the engine number, as noted in the above Registry. Previously owned by Brian Wilson, the bike has been with the current Sydney owner, a mechanic with 30 years experience of restoring classic cars, for the past four years and has been prepared to very high mechanical and cosmetic standards. Recent mechanical work has included a new clutch, overhauling the brakes, rebuilding the carburettors, new throttle cables and mechanism. The shock absorbers were rebuilt with upgraded internals for a better ride and the owner has enjoyed riding the Ducati on a regular basis, noting it starts easily, idles well and runs faultlessly. Fitted with a steel tank and 40mm Dellorto carburettors, the Super Sport also retains important features like the original Bosch electronic ignition, lightweight Brembo brake calipers, Conti exhaust and Borrani rims. Currently registered on non-transferable plates, the Ducati will be sold unregistered and comes with a receipt file. Rare, exotic and highly desirable in today’s market, this ‘square-case’ Ducati Super Sport would make a fabulous addition to any collection.

Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research and inspect motorcycles before purchase to authenticate originality and condition as a pre-purchase inspection report is not carried out on these vehicles.