Ducati Motorcycles 904ss 1974
The Ducati 900 Super Sport was developed from the 750 Super Sport that was launched in 1974 and regarded by many as one of the most significant motorcycle designs of the period.
Styled as a race bike and equipped with a powerful 748cc engine that features bevel-drive, single overhead camshafts and desmodromic valve operation, the 750 SS was renowned for its docility and smoothness despite it being capable of competition use without significant modifications. Three years later, the 750 SS was followed by the similarly-styled 900 SS on which the engine had been enlarged to 864cc.
This 1980 special was developed from a 1979 900 SS by Kenny Dreer, who is better known for his upgraded Norton Commandos. The engine features a blueprinted and polished crankshaft, high-compression JE pistons, Imola camshafts, Kibblewhite valves, large 41mm Dell’Orto pumper carburettors and spring-loaded, reverse-cone megaphone exhaust pipes. Peak power output is estimated at around 100hp. The frame was stripped of unnecessary lugs and nickel plated, and wider Marvic mag wheels were fitted along with triple Brembo brakes. The double headlight fairing is part of a Yamaha FZR 1000 item and the colour scheme of fly yellow and cobalt blue, striking.
It was featured in the April, 2000, edition of Cycle World and was acquired for the NZ Classic Motorcycles collection from Oregon via a US auction house in May, 2009.