Restoration of 1982 Ducati SSD - Ducati.ms

lior_baruch · Feb 13th, 2011, 6:42 am

Hi all,

I bought a 900SD several years ago (still not sure if it's a SD or a SSD).

I'm about to start a restoration project and I would like to convert it (at the way it looks) to a 900SS single seater.

Currently it got a full fairing (previous seller says it's called Imola full faring or.. something).

I saw that I can buy almost anything I need for the main parts such as seat, half fairing, side covers etc. and I believe they can be fitted. (couldn't find

Anyone familiar with such projects that were done? links? pictures? something?

Below you will find the pictures of mine, as well as how I see the final result in my eyes...

Thanks,

Lior.

I'll upload some more pictures later today, those are quite old ones but that's the bike...

That's how it is now:

That's how I want it to look like at the end of the process

lior_baruch · Feb 13th, 2011, 6:50 am

Just found few more pics on my work computer... can't wait to get home to take some new ones and share here

MitchB · Feb 14th, 2011, 12:00 pm

I'll post - !

You're doing the same thing I'm doing. Starting point is an '81 SD or SSD, but I'm going with a modified 750 Sport look - but with 900 power, left side shift and electric start. I have no aspirations of authenticity, and this will be a rider - not a showpiece.

Someone modified my bike some years ago into a MHR with a dual headlight fairing. I would guess it was done 20 years ago... Probably looked very cool when done but I don't care for it, and the fairings and seat unit add close to 40 lbs in weight.

One issue with going to the 900SS seat is the Darmahs' frame is different in the seat area. Going to have to do something creative there... I have the AirTech 900SS seat and will be mounting it in the next few weeks. I'll post here or in a new thread.

One picture is what I bought, the other is what I want...

vulpine3 · Feb 14th, 2011, 6:15 pm

Me too...

IMHO def. not an SSD .
Seat style (later 1980-on SD Darmah type) and four hole brake discs say so - all SSD came with the early SD Darmah 'whale tail' seat and had six hole brake discs/wheels. The fairing isn't an SSD one - and not an exact Imola copy either. Not far off but no cigar

Kickstart could mean an early (1979ish) SD Darmah - but the lever is not the curved Darmah one. Might be an SS lever but can't tell from the pics but almost certainly retro-fitted to go with the aftermarket rearsets.

Is there an electric start on it, as per all SSD and 1980 on SD? Doesn't really prove anything if not as it might have been removed and converted to kickstart only to shed some weight.

As posted above the SD frame is different to the SS as it came from the 860GT (splayed front tubes & lower rear subframe compared to the SS, different swingarm too).

Good luck with the project - more pics and keep them coming as you go please!

MitchB
Can't argue with the 'what you want' pic but have you considered the SS 1/2 fairing/MHR seat combo - looks super stylish, especially with MHR paintjob...

MitchB · Feb 14th, 2011, 6:39 pm

"..have you considered the SS 1/2 fairing/MHR seat combo - looks super stylish, especially with MHR paintjob..."

Trust me - I considered it. Not my favorite look, but I do like it.
Problem is I just can't live with how the fairings were mounted and the weight. As a former racer, it's really heavy. I really want to lighten the bike as much as possible while staying somewhat true to the original SS/Sport design(s). The MHR paint will be replaced - I'm thinking red frame, gold wheels, and white metallic body work with gold trim?

So the minimalist / cafe style really appeals to me.

The bike did come with some nice features - genuine Contis that are like new, 40mm carbs, and supposedly a mild port and polish job. Should be a fun Project.

captpaul · Feb 14th, 2011, 10:14 pm

I bought a low millage 78 GTS, (3500 mi) used parts from a 350 wide case and made a correct shifting right shift. made it look like a 75'ss, but painted it Porshe Mars red.Syd's provided all the glass fibre ware. Then he bored the motor to 884cc and installed 10 & 1/2 forged pistons, recut the trans gears to make it shift click click, kept the 32 delortos, and used a 2 into 1,left side ceramic coated megaphone with removable baffle,(but never used that baffle)!
It's a real dependable hot rod,the sound and good looks make it a head turner.
Unfortunately, with the alcohol gasoline, I haven't rode it in 8-9 years,as they tell me my glass fibre with window fuel tank will dissolve from the alcohol in the gas. Capt Paul

markg · Feb 14th, 2011, 11:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitchB

The MHR paint will be replaced - I'm thinking red frame, gold wheels, and white metallic body work with gold trim?

Sounds interesting and welcome back.

lior_baruch · Feb 15th, 2011, 2:32 am

Hi,

I'll be HAPPY if you can share some pics of bare frames... the SS, SSD and SD...

My 900 got an electric start and a kick. Previous owner told me something about few SS motors he bought from Australia back in the 80's, that may explain...

Below you will find more pics of how it is now, in details... you can call them the "before" pictures

Thanks,

Lior.

lior_baruch · Feb 15th, 2011, 2:32 am

Some more

lior_baruch · Feb 15th, 2011, 2:32 am

And more