Ducati 750SS (1991-2002)

The ducati 750ss has to be one of the finest handling machines out there. this is partly down to its very stiff suspension! The chassis is rock solid and the riding postion perfect for making fast corners seem very easy. You can drop the bike in and hold the line without diving of forks or sagging. The grunty V-twin pushes you out of the corners with ease and torque. corner speed is limited however, as the front brakes inspire little confidence and a fast entry that requires heavy braking will leave you worry, hunting for extra road. once this problem is noticed it wont happen again, but it does leave you wanting a little more from the stopping power. The revs need to be kept above 4,000 RPM to allow smooth power to be delivered, if they drop it becomes choppy and viby and very uncomfortable to ride. however kept in the sweet spot of 5-7,000 revs makes the bike a pleasure to ride with response and power always close at hand. the red line is at 8500 RPM but the power has gone before that so revving it up is pointless. the bike lacks power for a 750 and when compared to a 748 is simply not in the same catergory. Comfort is not very bad, however this is dependant on size (the taller the better). Dont expect to be using the bike as a commuter or long distant tourer because slow riding is near impossible with tall gears, big vibes and an on/off clutch. but the bike has a lot of character and even though on paper it makes little sense, especially looking at stats, riding the bike uncovers a different feeling As with all ducatis. a feel good factor is always present and that impressive handling adds to the grin factor. contreversial looks are either loved or hated and the service schedule is busy (it's a ducati!)if reliability is too high on the agenda and you want a cheap way into the ducati way of life: this cheap to insure, well composed, fairly reliable, air cooled twin won't see you far wrong.

I had the Sport version; the differences are single disc and non adjustable suspension. Can’t fault it though, looks like the Bat Bike, with its lovely matt finish. The equipment on Italian bikes is the best in the world and their design leaves everything else in its shadow. I bought my Duke with 3000miles on the clock and in excellent condition for £1600 and sold it for £1800 as they seem to hold their value like Harley’s. Sound awesome at high revs and people always admire it like a supermodel, high maintenance though, what’s with the (belts) philosophy. Every 2 years or 12000miles; according to the manual, ‘what the frigging one is right’. Don’t be fooled by the Fix It Again Tony racism, I’ve had many different bikes, Jap, British and American the latter being the worst in my opinion, so they can be very reliable look at the race history of Ducati. Don’t by them for there speed though as I said it looks the part but struggles with power and don’t even mention a pillion. Ciao Bella.

Superb handling, plenty of tourqe and indidual looks give this bike the right to wear the Ducati badge.