Half street bike, half racer, the Ducati 900 SSD was intended to be a machine that bridged the gap between Ducati’s upmarket Darmah 900SD street bike and the full-on 900 SS sports machine, combining elements of both to create the perfect sports tourer.
It used the 900SS engine with desmo heads, which allowed the use of 40mm Dell’Orto carbs but with the addition of an electric start. It used the Darmah frame but was ultimately much sharper and sports-oriented. Fewer than 1500 SSD machines were made, with about 100 sold in the UK.
This is a 1979 Ducati SSD which has been owned since 2004 by the vendor, who is its only UK owner since it was imported the same year.
He had the engine rebuilt in 2007 by Tony Brancato and work carried out by Baines Racing including new-old-stock matched MHR Nikasil barrels and pistons, new crank bearings and rod set. The bike also has larger valves and a mild gas flowed head. The vendor has had an alloy tank and seat unit fitted and the bike has Brembo floating discs.
It has seen very little use since and is part of the owner’s extensive motorcycle collection. He reports that the bike is in excellent condition and is working as it should.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Owned by vendor since 2004
One UK owner since imported
Declared manufactured in 1979
UK registration document
Tax and MOT exempt
Matching numbers bike
Original owners’ manual
Matching numbers bike
Selection of invoices and receipts running into thousands of pounds, documenting work carried out under the vendor’s ownership
THE CONDITION
Lovely condition, with polished silver handmade tank and bespoke seat
Body and frame in superb order
Tank in excellent condition
Excellent seat
Good frame with no apparent issues
Excellent wire sports wheel in good order
No notable marks or damage, just minor wear commensurate with age
Excellent presentation with no major ageing or damage
THE MECHANICS
864cc four-stroke V-twin
Desmodromic oscillating valves
Engine rebuilt in 2007 by Tony Brancato – a well-known Ducati specialist
Baines Racing supplied new-old-stock MHR Nikasil barrels and pistons, new crank bearings and rods.
Larger valves and a mild gas flowed head.
Brembo floating disc brakes
According to the vendor, the bike is in full working order with no known issues and is tremendous fun to ride
SUMMARY
This is a wonderful and eye-catching special that has some subtle modifications that make it a truly striking work of art as much as it is a motorcycle. It’s in wonderful condition having had a fortune spent on it by a truly committed enthusiast, who has ensured it is in perfect mechanical order as well as beautifully presented. A wonderful bike that would make a great addition to any collection of classic sports machines.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1979 Ducati SSD 900 Special
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