Bike Category:
Sportbike, Superbike
Era Context:
Iconic sportbikes of the late 80s and 90s, known for their distinctive performance and styling
Rivals:
Competed with other European and Japanese performance motorcycles of the era, emphasizing V-twin character and handling
Design Philosophy:
Ducati's signature Desmodromic valve system, V-twin engine architecture, lightweight chassis, and sporting prowess
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential technical resource for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain, repair, and restore these classic Ducati models
Primary Focus:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Repair
Specific Models Covered:
All variants of the Ducati 750SS and 900SS SuperSport models from 1990 to 1998
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but described as extensive)
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual
Languages:
English (ENG), Italian (ITA), German (GER), French (FRA)
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting for both 750cc and 900cc variants (Desmodromic valve actuation, carburetion systems)
Transmission:
Gearbox operation, clutch service, shift mechanism, gearbox oil specifications and replacement
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system, starter motor, battery maintenance, diagnostic procedures
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Mikuni or Dell'Orto depending on exact model/market) tuning, cleaning, rebuilding, fuel pump, fuel lines
Brakes:
Brake system overhaul, hydraulic systems, disc and caliper service, fluid replacement, bleeding procedures
Suspension:
Front fork service (e.g., Showa, Marzocchi depending on spec), rear shock absorber maintenance and adjustment, linkage lubrication
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system maintenance, oil filter replacement, oil level checks and capacities
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm maintenance, wheel bearing replacement
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, and associated components
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, valve clearance checks (critical for Desmo engines)
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, including engine rebuilds and gearbox overhauls
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common problems, fault finding procedures, and solutions
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete procedures for disassembling and reassembling all major vehicle systems
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for engine performance, electrical systems, and mechanical components
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive guidance for complete engine, gearbox, and suspension rebuilds
Illustrations And Diagrams:
Hundreds of high-quality illustrations and detailed wiring diagrams
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, Desmodromic 2-valve V-twin
Displacement 750Ss:
748 cc
Displacement 900Ss:
904 cc
Bore Stroke 750Ss:
92 mm x 70.5 mm (approx.)
Bore Stroke 900Ss:
94 mm x 66.2 mm (approx.)
Horsepower 750Ss:
Approx. 63-68 HP @ 8500 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)
Horsepower 900Ss:
Approx. 73-77 HP @ 8000 rpm (varies by market and specific tune)
Torque 750Ss:
Approx. 60-63 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Torque 900Ss:
Approx. 70-75 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Carburetion:
Twin Downdraft Carburetors (e.g., Mikuni VM30SS or Dell'Orto PHM 40)
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank via fuel pump (mechanical or electric depending on year/market)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (CDI or TCI)
Oil System:
Wet sump lubrication (though often considered 'dry sump' in spirit due to oil cooler and capacity)
Valve Mechanism:
Desmodromic Valve Actuation
Crash Test Ratings:
Not Applicable (Motorcycle)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake (typically Brembo calipers)
Suspension Adjustability:
Adjustable front forks (preload, compression, rebound) and rear shock absorber (preload, rebound) on many models
Frame Construction:
Steel Trellis Frame
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or annually. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Desmo Service Interval:
Critical Desmodromic valve clearance checks and adjustments required at intervals, often around 10,000 - 12,000 km. This is a key maintenance item detailed in the manual.
Chain Maintenance:
Regular cleaning, lubrication, and tension adjustment (e.g., every 1,000 km and after washing/rain).
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality synthetic motorcycle oil, typically 10W-40 or 20W-50. Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API rating (e.g., JASO MA).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 Liters (with filter change). Check manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (check manual for specific DOT rating and compatibility).
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engines with oil cooler)
Desmo Adjustment:
Desmodromic valve clearances can drift and require regular, precise adjustment. Incorrect adjustment can lead to performance loss or engine damage.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors may require periodic cleaning, synchronization, and jetting adjustments for optimal performance, especially with age and varying fuel quality.
Electrical Connections:
Older wiring harnesses can develop corrosion or loose connections, leading to intermittent electrical issues. Regular inspection is recommended.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear over time, especially with spirited riding. Slipping clutch is a common symptom.
Legacy:
Ducati boasts a rich racing heritage and a reputation for producing high-performance, characterful motorcycles with a focus on V-twin engines and Desmodromic valve technology.
Predecessors:
Evolved from earlier Ducati V-twin models, building on the Superbike lineage.
Updates Within Generation:
Minor updates and revisions occurred throughout the 1990-1998 production run, affecting styling, components, and potentially engine tuning.
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
Significance:
Key models in Ducati's transition into a global sportbike manufacturer, bridging the gap between older models and the liquid-cooled era.
