1979 Ducati 900SS
The seeds for the creation of the 900 Super Sport were sown as early as June 1973 when Fabio Taglioni prepared an 860cc version of the 750 Super Sport for the Barcelona 24 Hour race at Montjuich Park. While not as high profile event as the Imola 200, this was still a very significant victory for Ducati, Salvador Canellas and Benjamin Grau winning at a record pace. By the end of the 1974 the new angular Giugiaro-designed 860 GT had superseded the entire 750 line-up but with the passing of the 750 SS, Ducati needed a new sports bike. This role was fulfilled by the 900 Super Sport during 1975. Over the next few years the 900 SS was developed so that it could meet noise and emission requirements worldwide, and in so doing became Ducati’s savior.
By 1978 the 900 square-case engine had evolved into the updated version powering the new Darmah and featuring an improved crankshaft (with 38mm crankpin and needle rollers), Bosch ignition (with stepped advance), and the left-side gearshift incorporated behind the clutch. These improvements soon appeared on the 900 Super Sport, and following the success of a UK limited edition, the black and gold colour scheme with gold alloy wheels replaced the traditional silver and blue, with wire spoked wheels for 1979. Most had a dual seat and were specified with 32mm carbs and the quieter Lafranconi or Silentium silencers. For many, the 1979-80 black and gold 900 Super Sport embodies the finest attributes of the line. The engine was the smoothest and most reliable, while the black bodywork contrasting with gold-painted wheels was an aesthetic triumph. The 900 Super Sport has earned the status as the “classic” bevel-drive twin cylinder Ducati. It may not be particularly rare, but no other serial-production Ducati sums up the sporting essence of the marque better than the 900 Super Sport.
This bike is an extremely original example of a US specification 1979 900 Super Sport. The engine still carries the factory lead seal and the low mileage is undoubtedly genuine. The history of this 900 SS is known from the original sale to Charles Bodine of Maryland on September 25,1979.
PHOTOS BY: RYAN HANDT