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Ducati 600SS (1993-1999)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Ducati 600SS bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	583cc
Power	53bhp
Top speed	120mph
Insurance group	11

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Ducati ‘Super Sport’ 600. It sounds fast but it isn’t. With under 50bhp at the rear wheel it’s a sports motorcycle with little bite, and the Ducati 600SS is pretty impractical too. Most examples of this motorcycle are old and carrying plenty of scars and can be potential money pits. Worth considering if you find a loved Ducati 600SS in mint condition and don’t want to go fast.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Ducati 600SS has an air cooled, two-valve per cylinder v-twin. It’s low tech and doesn’t produce much power. Suzuki Bandit GSF600s and grey import 400cc motorcycles have much more shove. On the plus side it’s got that old worlde Ducati charisma but the Ducati 600SS is still too slow a motorcycle for most riders.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The little Ducati 600SS handles nicely on smooth surfaces. The suspension’s not that sophisticated but it works well enough. Bumps upset it’s quite hard suspension but never throw the motorcycle too far off line. Rewards smooth lines with an involving ride. The Ducati 600SS' single disc front brake is adequate but no better.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Think the modestly powered Ducati 600SS would be ideal for a new biker? Wrong - the wrist-heavy, feet up riding position makes it quite a difficult motorcycle to ride at low speeds. There’s very little steering lock. What equipment the Ducati 600SS has (and there isn’t much) is more an afterthought. Mirrors vibrate to the point of uselessness.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Ducati motorcycles from this period weren’t the best put together or the most reliable things out there. Vibration can (and probably will) loosen fasteners on the Ducati 600SS – thread lock is needed. Neglect the engine or over rev it and you’re asking for expensive trouble – at least the Ducati 600SS is easy to work on.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Pay the right price (under £2K) and don’t expect engine fireworks, a comfortable or practical motorcycle and the little Ducati 600SS can be an ok buy. You’d struggle to get a better pose-mobile for the money. Rarity may mean loved motorcycles don’t depreciate much but high miles and neglect will decimate value. Find a Ducati 600SS for sale.

Insurance group: 11

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1993: Original Ducati 600SS introduced in November with full or half fairing.
1995: Gold frame and grey engine, Marzocchi suspension.
1997: Change of graphics; large Ducati decal on side panels.
1999: Ducati 600SS model discontinued.

Half faired Ducati 600SS also available.

Specifications

Top speed	120mph
1/4-mile acceleration	13.8 secs
Power	53bhp
Torque	36ftlb
Weight	172kg
Seat height	810mm
Fuel capacity	16 litres
Average fuel consumption	42mpg
Tank range	145 miles
Insurance group	11

Engine size	583cc
Engine specification	4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, Rebound
Front brakes	320 mm disc
Rear brake	245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/60 x 17
Rear tyre size	160/60 x 17

See all Ducati 600SS motorcycles for sale

Ducati
600SS

13000 miles

£1,400

Owners' Overall Rating (0 reviews)

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benjybobs says

Fun to ride

I have owned a ducati 600ss and would agree it's a slow bike. It has aproxiamately 51 hp at the back wheel but you got to remember it's a 583 cc, 2 valve twin, It pulls ok on low revs for what it is but forget it if your a straight line power freak. I would personally say it's a good learner bike for someone that wants to learn how to ride fast (sports riding). It's a bike that handles very well and you can full throttle it everywhere except in an extremely tight hairpin in first gear. It's comfort isn't best for the town but is not as bad as some say. Depends on the size of the person too. I guareentee that most riders would find it hard to find the limits of this bike when riden hard on a twisty road. It sounds nice too.

Learn to ride this bike properly and when you go on a faster machine your relise how much you relied on the machines power to make up time. If your thinking of buying one and get a chance to test ride, take it round a nice set of bends or your wasting your time. If you like the look of it then go for it.

It's got good Mpg even if you thrash it everywhere. Long distance on motorways you should get 50 Mpg at 70 mph.

15 January 2009 00:25