Classic or crusher? Ducati 400SS Junior

Created mainly for the Japanese market with its capacity-restricting licence laws, the 400SS of 1991-1996 was a mini version of the 750SS – which is where the problems started. Now, according to DVLA statistics, there’s only ONE left on UK roads so it’s time to ask the question: forgotten classic or unlamented relic?

ather than create a dedicated 400, Ducati instead decided that it would be a far better, and cheaper, idea to reduce the capacity of the 750cc air-cooled motor, stick it in the 750 chassis and call it a 400SS. The result is a bike with a paltry 43bhp trying to lug around 173kg of bulk.

On the plus side the 400SS does look pretty good and unlike pocket rockets such as the NC30 or ZXR400 it has a ‘big bike’ feel about it, however it has the performance of slug and Ducati had to cut corners to keep it affordable. The non-adjustable inverted Showa forks contain little damping ability while the Marzocchi shock thinks it is in a superbike and is set firmer than concrete.

The sole 400SS rider in the UK must be on first name terms with his or her local osteopath, or at the very least walking around like Quasimodo. Not Ducati’s finest hour and it’s no surprise the 400SS was only officially imported to the UK for one year, 1992, before being refused entry – presumably on the grounds of decency!

Classic or crusher? Your call