Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 - Motorcycle specifications, reviews

presentation of the 900 SS ie 1998

ducati SS bikes are a cut above the rest in the world of sport machines. Firstly because of their temperament, and secondly because of their philosophy. Far from the 16-valve multi-cylinder engines of Japan, the engine is faithful to the desmo architecture and the 90° twin, emblems of the Ducati house. Air- and oil-cooled, the mill gained fuel injection in '98, as well as new cladding. Expressive in both feel and sound, its design makes you appreciate every beat of the bowls.

the cavalry is exploited especially between 5,000 and 7,500 rpm, when it gives its all. Howling in the towers is not its thing. Like all Ducat bikes, the 900 SS demands a virile ride. The extreme rigidity of the tubular chassis and the stiffness of the suspension immediately set the mood. You have to squeeze the machine, forcing it into corners. It's physical, but a unique pleasure. The forks guide the machine perfectly, and it seems to be riveted to the asphalt. Once in the curve, the machine is unflappable in its stability. A rail. One that only gives itself to the rider if he sacrifices himself. The riding position is tiring, with a firm, high seat and wrist-murdering handlebars; all up front, the diva wants to be taken care of. Marginal, it's aimed at those who want to rediscover the spirit of Bologna's sport and character. Sport with a capital S.

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

Highlights

Very healthy behavior
Cool engine
Pleasant personalities

Weak points

Driving position
Direction raide
Firm suspensions

Prices

	Basic version
France	10,045€

Bikers' reviews

of 12 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Performance

Max speed : approximately 230 km/h (142.90 mph)
0-100 km/h acceleration : 4.60 s
Average fuel consumption : 7.30 liters/100km (0.32 mpg)
Estimated range : 219 km (136 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

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Test of the Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 - The eternal

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Specifications Ducati 900 SS ie 1998

Chassis: Frame : Tubular steel mesh; Fuel capacity : 16 liters (4.23 US gallons); Seat height : 815 mm (32.09 in); Wheelbase : 1,395 mm (54.92 in); Dry weight : 188 kg (414 lb)

Front axle: Reverse telehydraulic fork Ø 43 mm, Wheel travel : 120 mm (4.72 in); Braking 1 disc Ø 320 mm (12.6 in), 4-piston caliper; Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire

Transmission: 6 stage gearbox; Secondary by chain

Rear axle: Öhlins monoshock, Wheel travel : 145 mm (5.71 in); Braking 1 disc Ø 245 mm (9.65 in), 2-piston caliper; Rear tire : 170 / 60 - 17 → Order this type of tire

Motor: two-cylinder 90° L-shape , 4 strokes; Injection Ø 45 mm; Cooling system : combined air / oil; 1 ACT, desmodromic; 2 valves per cylinder; 904 cc (Bore x stroke: 92 x 68 mm); 80 ch (78.90 hp) to 7,500 rpm; 8.10 mkg to 7,000 rpm; Power-to-weight ratio : 2.38 kg/ch; Weight / torque ratio : 23.21 kg/mkg; Compression : 9.2 : 1

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Models

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1998

Competitors

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998

Find others Sport of 1998

Compare the 900 SS ie to its competitors

Acceleration

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : 4.6 s

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : 3.3 s

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : 6.5 s

Fuel consumption

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : 7.30 liters/100km (0.32 mpg)

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : 9 liters/100km (0.26 mpg)

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : 5.30 liters/100km (0.44 mpg)

Range

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : 219 km (136 miles)

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : 189 km (117 miles)

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : 264 km (164 miles)

Torque

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : 8.1 mkg

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : 10.9 mkg

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : 6.5 mkg

Power

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : 80 ch (78.90 hp)

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : 125 ch (123.30 hp)

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : 46 ch (45.40 hp)

Power-to-Weight ratio

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : 2.38 kg/ch

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : 1.52 kg/ch

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : 5.04 kg/ch

Torque-to-Weight ratio

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : 23.21 kg/mkg

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : 17.16 kg/mkg

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : 35.23 kg/mkg

Speed

Ducati 900 SS ie 1998 : approximately 230 km/h (142.90 mph)

Suzuki TLS 1000 1998 : approximately 260 km/h (161.60 mph)

Honda VT 750 SHADOW C2 1998 : approximately 150 km/h (93.20 mph)

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Give your opinion on this 900 SS ie 1998

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 12 reviews

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. 05/02/2025 13:15 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Nums

un sportive plaisir à l'ancienne

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. 03/11/2025 18:59 Rating : 5/5 Respond to sarreau

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! 06/26/2023 14:44 Rating : 4/5 Respond to rodrodox

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 05/14/2016 21:15 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Nonno franco

1 m 91 - Position de conduite sur Ducati 900 SS ?

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! 10/19/2015 19:54 Rating : 5/5 Respond to untrollunijambi

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! 10/21/2015 08:44 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

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. 10/21/2015 17:37 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

A essayer!!

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 10/16/2015 15:55 Rating : 5/5 Respond to gee900ssie

Hors jeu.

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. 04/21/2014 23:27 Rating : 2/5 Respond to Marcoducss

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 10/21/2015 09:29 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

une vraie femme cette moto

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 05/24/2013 17:22 Rating : 2/5 Respond to jaquito

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... 05/20/2010 13:13 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Xoos59

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. 12/25/2004 22:05 Rating : 5/5 Respond to ducatiman

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 12/25/2004 22:04 Rating : 5/5 Respond to JMP DUCAT'

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! 12/25/2004 22:04 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Pascal23

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