1982 Ducati 900 SS, 864cc. Registration number WCX 2X. Frame...

Hammer

£18,000

1982 Ducati 900 SS, 864cc. Registration number WCX 2X. Frame number DM 860 SS * 090889*. Engine number D DM 860 092489.
The Ducati 900SS is one of the most important road-going superbikes in the company’s history. It was a direct descendent of the 750SS which took a dominant 1-2 victory at the 1972 Imola 200 with Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari.
The first year of mass production for the 750SS was 1974, and from 1975 onwards a new engine was used, dubbed the “square case” due to the more angular design of the crankcase. This new engine featured two sizes, a 900cc (864cc) and was fitted with twin 40mm Dell’Orto carburettors to the air-cooled 90º L-twin with a single overhead cam per bank, two desmodromic valves per cylinder, a 5-speed gearbox, traditional telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers in the rear.
The 900SS was upgraded over the course of its production run, in 1978 internal engine improvements were made including stronger cranks that were much more resistant to breaking, the electrical system was improved, and the gear lever was redesigned making the bike a lot easier to live with. Only 335 would be built in the final year, 1982, these had dual seats and painted wheels.
WCX, a one owner, unrestored, machine was bought by Peter Atkinson on the 20th June 1982 from Motor Cycle World Bradford for £2,700. In 1983 he upgraded the exhaust pipes. It has only been serviced by marque specialist Paul Klatkiewicz (Ducati Technical Services), receipts on file from 1996 for an engine rebuild, 2001, 2003, and 2005, after this it was laid up and rested. Continuous MOT's on file start in 1986 at 6,277 miles up until 2003 at 18,993 miles.
Peter had now given up riding and it was stored at his home until his recent passing when an old friend took over its care on behalf of his widow and took it back to Paul Klatkiewicz for a total recommissioning, at a cost of £1,914.95 using Mdina Italia parts, the full engine service included Desmo valve shims, the bike greased and the braking system was fully overhauled.
Now offered for sale, this rare, one owner machine comes with an original Ducati single seat, some old parts, history folder, original maintenance manual and V5C.