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Road test of Ducati900 SS ie 1998 The eternal

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900 SS ie 1998 test drive
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Field test Our tester's opinion on the 900 SS ie from 1998

900 SS ie 1998 test drive

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 test drive it was with some trepidation that I got on the Ducati 900 SS that September afternoon. Indeed, the 900 SS is a legend, but it's also the stuff of hearsay: steering controls worthy of a heavyweight, a temperamental engine, limited power... Try it and words lose their meaning. From the outset, the bike tells you what's on the menu: with its ass in the air, its sporty body position with a strong grip, and its firm suspension (and everything else for that matter), the Ducati is not a bike for little girls, and lets you know that it's not made for cruising. The engine is hot, the mountain road looms: GAS!!! Then the air-cooled, fuel-injected V-twin unleashes its fury and propels you into another dimension: from 3000 rpm onwards, it pushes with disconcerting force and rage. You don't even need to pull into the red zone to enjoy the quintescence of this mill. As torquey as you want it to be, it does have a character, but it's a thoroughbred character! Rated at 80 hp, it feels like it's got a good fifteen more. To position the front axle, you have to go for it; this isn't a Japanese bike where you press down on the half handlebar to position the machine. The whole body is involved in positioning the diva: it's not just riding, it's embracing her. But once you've got her on track, the 900 SS is on a rail, and supremely stable. Stiffness is exemplary and unflappable. Braking is no exception: the 2 disc brakes catapult you into the bubble and make your arms ache, especially as they are biting and enduring. All in all, this machine is a pure concentrate of sporting pleasure, but be warned: it likes to be dominated. That's how she gets the best out of you. A true Italian!

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Essentials

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Key facts Ducati 900 SS ie (1998) : What you need to know before you buy

Model sold in 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Performance

Prices

Basic version
flag FranceFrance
10,045€

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 12 reviews

French Nums Model 1998
Salve regazzi, the best sports bike for everyday pleasure. It's my .... Always in the mood from the first turn of the crankshaft. Untiring, the only one capable of going beyond its route. Reliable thanks to its air/oil engine. Capable of becoming a real pistarde, of course not to be compared with a current SBK. See you soon, on our roads or sitting on a terrace. Rating : 5/5
un sportive plaisir à l'ancienne
French sarreau Model 1999
At 62, this is my 46th bike and my second DUCATI. The first was a 600 Monster. I've always loved the loock of this machine, and the opportunity presented itself. A 900 ssie practically in its original condition with 74,000 km and with the follow-up done since 1998 at Ducati. I was a little afraid of the very reclined riding position, but it turned out to be quite comfortable, although a 2cm rise in the handlebars would be welcome. Once started and the engine warmed up, you quickly forget the noise of the dry clutch, and the vibrations provided by the sound of the V-twin immediately put a smile on your face. Once you're off the bike, it's all about having a great time, far from modern motorcycles and their electronics. It requires a certain commitment and, I think, a certain amount of experience on the bike. You have to push it hard, but once you've got it into the bend, it doesn't flinch and winds up the bend with ease, aided by high-quality shock absorbers and powerful braking. Its lightness gives it an extra edge on winding roads, and it's easy to swing from left to right. In short, for me this bike has nothing to envy in terms of enjoyment to the more assertive modern sports bikes. Rating : 5/5
French rodrodox Model 1998
i've just picked up a 98 900 ss, my third, and i've missed it. i've ridden it around the track, and that's what it's made for. as for reliability, i've never had a problem, except for the clutch sender, which was the ducati disease. i had the same problem with my 996s, but no mechanical problems. those who complain are generally those who don't respect maintenance frequencies.... a sports bike isn't a tractor! in terms of finish, frankly, for its time, it's far superior to the Japanese bikes ..... the power can be improved, but in its original configuration, it's a bike that gives great sensations, and it loves winding roads. On the other hand, it's not a bike, but the balance of its chassis means it's easy on the knees, even with slightly hard tires, although you do have to move it firmly, after which it's docile and exceptionally stable. Of course, it's no Panigale, but what's the use of a bike if you don't exploit it to more than 30% of its potential? long live the old ones! Rating : 4/5
French Nonno franco Model 1998
Motorcycle pleasure in 15000 km just a clutch resepteur a set of tire and revision conso 6 a7.5 not made for the city but for secondary roads between 4000 and 7500 tr duo acceptable
Regretfully sold at 52000 km Rating : 5/5
1 m 91 - Position de conduite sur Ducati 900 SS ?
French untrollunijambi Model 1998
Hello or good evening,

Question: I'll be taking my driving test soon, so I'd like to know if this driving position is suitable for someone 1m91 tall or if I'd rather go for a ducat roadster (it'll be ducat or nothing (childhood dream))?

Thanks to anyone who can answer

Sincerely a future biker
and v to all! Rating : 5/5
French gee900ssie
So I'm 1m80 and the bike looks a bit small, but I'm fine with it. I've seen taller ones that liked it.
In any case, you have to sit on one to make the decision! Everyone's different, and someone with long legs might be bothered by the fairing, so the only way to find out is to try it out! Rating : 5/5
French untrollunijambi
Hi gee900ssie I thank you for your answer and will try one, once the tit paper obtained but thank you again and v to you. Rating : 5/5
A essayer!!
French gee900ssie Model 1998
This is my 2nd 900SSie, my first after 2 years and 40000km, I still have my 2nd which I've had since... 100000km (bought at 16000, it's 116000). And yes, we can talk about reliability again!
What always impresses me is this feeling of really sticking to the road, no other bkn I've tried gives this impression.
Then there's the old-fashioned engine, which doesn't like to descend too much, and doesn't encourage you to go beyond 7-7500rpm. But what a sensation it is to hear the mill rumbling, barely a whisper from the ear and the rev counter, as the speed needle inexorably climbs! I often take my foot off the accelerator in the middle of acceleration (on a slip road, for example), just to make it last longer. A lot of people won't understand that!
In short, it's not a machine for "setting the pace" in a straight line, but I've tried to hang on behind a Japanese hypersport. However, as soon as it turns...
As for the chassis, you have to see the equipment for a motorcycle of these years, and at this price: fully adjustable inverted forks, rear shock too, avia hoses, etc... The settings aren't decorative, and she does it well. I always say it's firm but comfortable, compared to many others with soft but unpleasant suspensions. The saddle is firm, but so well made that I've never had to stop because my head hurt. You have to get used to the position (cradle your neck and wrists), and then you're fine...
As for steering, don't exaggerate, it's not hard, there's some inertia, it's not the same.
In any case, it's saved my ass more than once! This machine doesn't really have an angle limit, it doesn't "touch", you just get to the edge of the tires. Contrary to what I've read here and there, even on bumpy roads, in curves, it remains imperial, unflappable.

Even though I'm riding her a lot less now (she's kindly retiring in favor of an MT-0S), she's still a firecracker, still impresses me, and remains MY bkn :-)

Geoffrey Rating : 5/5
Hors jeu.
French Marcoducss Model 1998
The 900SS ie is Ducati's new Supersport, replacing the famous and legendary 900 SS from before 1998.
They have nothing in common between the old and the new. Engine: the oldest is L-shaped, the Ie is 90 degrees.
the real SS is carbureted, more jovial, nicer than the ie, which is fuel-injected. So, one tries to copy the other.
But it can't, because they're two very different machines, with very different characters. Rating : 2/5
French gee900ssie
Marcoducss: that's the kind of comment we saw everywhere when the ie came out, from those who said they knew what a Ducat was, a real one...
These 2 machines are almost exactly the same! The frame, the barely evolved suspension (better on the ie, but the swingarm cracks the same!), the engine itself are the same, and it shows!
What's different: the fairing, the injection...
I admit to preferring the SS carburetor's styling, as mine looks more "gonzesse" ;-), but it's not 17 years old and still turns heads.
In terms of fuel injection, while the stiff, untested SSie with its d'orig pots may seem a little "light" at first glance, the 2 I have or have had are real planes, Ducatos at heart.

After that, there will always be those who believe that "it was better before".

SS carburetors are often worth an arm and a leg, and their owners defend their value as best they can! :-P Rating : 5/5
une vraie femme cette moto
French jaquito Model 1998
You fall in love with it at first sight, it is for me the most beautiful of the Ducats, but its lack of power, its random reliability, its aproximate finish quickly put me off... a pity Rating : 2/5
French Xoos59 Model 1998
A marvel!
An unmistakable sound, strong sensations, a driving position that sets the tone..
People turn their backs on your beauty, and in concentration, all you notice is her..
Not at all suited to city driving .... It loves long, endless country roads, where it can unleash all its power
A motorcycle to be recommended... Rating : 5/5
French ducatiman Model 1998
it's a very playful bike, personally I rode a street bike.it's very torquey.it's a very easy bike for everything stunt, especially street riding.it's also very reliable, I've ridden 35,000 kilometers without any problems. Rating : 5/5
French JMP DUCAT' Model 1998
GENIALE, j'en suis à ma 3eme SS chez elle on on aime tous ,ou on détteste, mais c'est pas une moto asseptisée qui laisse indifferent c'est LA moto moi j'adore essayez en une sur circuit juste pour le fun, elle est super extra egalement sur les petites routes sinueuses a souhait et puis pour les champions de la ligne droite et des motos faciles et pas attachantes il vous reste toujours les japonanises DUCATEMENT VOTRE J MARC Rating : 5/5
French Pascal23 Model 1998
This machine is a "real" motorcycle, no exaggerated sophistication, very good chassis/suspension/braking, very good engine. The only modern feature is fuel injection. The riding position (and comfort) are not as good as on the 749/999. One small flaw: I think they could have redesigned the front end. Indeed, the single headlight is not pretty, with its odd shape. In short, this is a Ducati you've got to fall in love with and become one with! Rating : 5/5
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