Market Segment:
Performance sport motorcycles, iconic Italian V-twins
Competitors:
Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, BMW R90S, Kawasaki Z1, Honda CB750
Desmodromic System:
Unique desmodromic valve actuation system providing precise valve control at high RPMs
Handling:
Renowned for exceptional handling and chassis dynamics, particularly the 750 SS
Engine Character:
L-twin engine configuration delivering characteristic torque and sound
Engine:
Desmodromic valve actuation, cylinder head, camshafts, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system (dry sump), cooling system (air-cooled)
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and overhaul (Dell'Orto VHB Series), fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel pump
Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch assembly (dry multi-plate), gearbox lubrication, shifting mechanism
Electrical System:
Ignition system (Ducati Elettronica, points and condenser on earlier models), lighting, battery, wiring diagrams, starter motor, charging system (alternator)
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (Brembo), brake caliper overhaul, master cylinders, brake lines, brake pad replacement
Suspension:
Front fork (Ceriani, Marzocchi), rear shock absorbers (Marzocchi, Koni), fork oil replacement, seal replacement, spring preload adjustment, rear suspension linkage
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, steering head bearing maintenance, swingarm bearing maintenance, wheel bearings
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, fuel tank mounting, seat, fenders, instrument panel
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment, valve clearance checks (desmo adjustment)
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, electrical fault diagnosis and repair, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Common problems and solutions, diagnostic flowcharts for engine performance, electrical faults, and starting issues
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, ignition timing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds)
Engine Type 750Ss:
Air-cooled, 90-degree V-twin, four-stroke
Displacement 750Ss:
748 cc (45.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke 750Ss:
80 mm x 74.5 mm (3.15 in x 2.93 in)
Compression Ratio 750Ss:
9.5:1
Engine Type 900Ss:
Air-cooled, 90-degree V-twin, four-stroke
Displacement 900Ss:
864 cc (52.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke 900Ss:
86 mm x 74.5 mm (3.39 in x 2.93 in)
Compression Ratio 900Ss:
9.3:1
Horsepower 750Ss:
Approx. 60-65 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Horsepower 900Ss:
Approx. 65-70 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque 750Ss:
Approx. 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 900Ss:
Approx. 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5,800 rpm
Carburetors:
2 x Dell'Orto VHB 30/32 (specific size varies by model year and market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium, Octane rating as specified in manual)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 18 liters (4.7 US gal)
Safety Features:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake; robust chassis construction
Braking System Manufacturer:
Brembo
Front Brake Spec:
Dual discs, caliper type varies (e.g., dual piston)
Rear Brake Spec:
Single disc, caliper type varies (e.g., dual piston)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or annually, as per manual
Desmo Adjustment Interval:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,200 miles), critical for performance and engine health
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
As per desmo adjustment interval
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality motorcycle oil, viscosity grade typically 20W-50 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5-3.0 liters (depending on oil filter and dry sump configuration)
Fork Oil Type:
Motorcycle fork oil, viscosity typically SAE 10W or 15W (refer to manual for precise spec)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual)
Gearbox Oil Type:
Gear oil, e.g., SAE 90 (refer to manual)
Desmodromic Wear:
Wear on desmodromic rockers and shims can affect valve timing and clearance if not maintained
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring can degrade; grounding issues and regulator/rectifier problems can occur
Carburetor Tuning:
Dell'Orto carburetors require precise tuning and can be sensitive to altitude and fuel quality
Oil Leaks:
Common on older motorcycles; gasket and seal deterioration can lead to leaks, particularly around the engine cases and oil cooler
Brand Legacy:
Ducati is renowned for its racing heritage and distinctive V-twin engines
Predecessor:
Ducati 750 GT (which introduced the 90-degree V-twin)
Development:
Evolved from the 750 GT, with the 750 SS featuring sportier chassis and tuning, and the 900 SS offering increased displacement for more performance
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
Production Volume:
Limited, contributing to collector status
