Motorcycle specifications Ducati750 SS 1974

The SS is certainly Ducati's most emblematic model. Of course, today other models have stolen its thunder. And when many people talk about Ducati, they often think first of the 916, 996, 999, Monsters and Multistradas. Yet none of these models can claim to belong to a dynasty that began over 40 years ago with the 1973 750 SS.

the first model in this family is presented under the name "Imola Replica", a replica of Paul Smart's Ducati, winner of the legendary Imola 200-mile race in 1972. And Ducati could do no less than produce a model celebrating this crushing victory, since Bruno Spaggiari, also riding a Ducati, came second to Smart that year.

this limited edition was produced in a run of 200 units. Ducati soon decided to include this bike in its range under the name 750SS, as well as a version without fairings (750S), alongside the road-going 750 GT. The latter also lends its revised engine for sporty use. And the ingredients that make this bike the first representative of the SS family are already there: tubular trellis, L-twin (open at 90°), air-cooled, 2 valves per cylinder actuated by a desmodromic ACT. At the time, the ACT was not yet belt-driven (as it had been on the SS models of the late '80s), but was powered by a conventional shaft and conical transmission.

this engine develops a whopping 73 hp, making the SS a class-leading performer and taking it to speeds of up to 220 km/h. By way of comparison, the 1972 Honda CB 750 K2 develops 69 hp, and the 6-cylinder Benelli 750 SEI of 1974, 71 hp.

the chassis is no slouch either. The Marzocchi suspension is very well made, and the bike brakes like a brute from 1975 onwards, when Ducati opts for a pair of Brembo discs and calipers (the previous models were not entirely satisfactory). The engine contributes to the rigidity of the open-cradle frame. Like all sports bikes of the era, it favors stability over handling. And while the SS submits to the rider's every whim, it requires a certain grip when the playing field tightens.

the riding position is ultra-sporty, with a seat that's very far back due to the long fuel tank, footrests positioned high enough and straps fixed under the upper fork crown. In everyday use, this position is very tiring, but perfect for attacking.

one original feature is the plastic fuel tank with a transparent gauge. The system is simplistic but effective.

with hindsight, it was impossible for a bike as successful as the 750SS not to have descendants. Regularly updated, it was accompanied in 1975 by a 900cc model that became as famous as its predecessor. The SS range was subsequently extended to a wide range of displacements (350cc, 400cc, 600cc, 750cc, 800cc, 900cc, 1000cc). Today, this family is no longer the brand's sporting spearhead (replaced in this role in 1988 by the 851 and its descendants), but rather the guardian of Ducati tradition.

Tanthallas - Manufacturer photos / D.R.