1992 750SS as a track bike

[OOTV]

There's a 1992 750SS that is going for cheap. Sounds like it has seen better days but it might be worth picking up and making it a track bike.

Does the 750 share the same motor, albeit a smaller bore and/or stroke than the 900? Could a 900 motor fit in a 750 chassis or vice versa?

A friend of mine says not to get a 750, "because the 750's are too slow, too much to maintain". I'm thinking it would make a good project, if I can get it for under $2K.

The few caveats are, a fuel leak (is not too specific, although mentions a hose problem), ODO does not work (??? how many actual miles), may need a new front brake hose, and finally a salvaged title.

I know a few things to watch out for having a salvaged title, i.e. Bent/cracked frame/swing arm, bent/dented wheels, bent forks, etc.

Any opinions?

[DME3]

The 750 can be made quite fast! But you'll have to throw some dollars at it.

You can always swap the engine with a 900 motor.

Reason not to go with a 750SS is the non adjustable front suspension. But that again is a 1 on 1 swap with the 900SS suspension.

[henk155]

if you thinking about an engine swap,just buy a 900SS.
i don't think it is worth the trouble,if you can get the 750 real cheap just ride it as it is.
i think you gonna have to ghange more then just hte engine.
as said,not adjustable fork so more costs again.
is the rear wheel on a 750 the same as a 900???i know the 600 is thinner.

henk!!!

[DME3]

750 wheel is 5 inches whereas the 900 is 5.5

I would go for the 750 if it comes realy cheap. I wouldn't lay down to much $ for that bike if you plan to swap the engine as henk said.

[buffalo]

[QUOTE=DME3;1241163]750 wheel is 5 inches whereas the 900 is 5.5

My '93 750SS has a 4.5 inch rear wheel. I gave 1700 dollars for my '93 750SS with a rebuilt title. It had suffered a low speed crash and had already been repaired although I did have to repaint the fairing side panels. Frame was not cracked or bent, did the hands free test at about 90mph, goes straight with no wobbles. It came with a flawless gas tank, Woodcraft rear sets, Pazzo levers, braided steel front brake hose, D&D slip ons, relocated oil cooler with braided steel hoses, Corbin seat, K&N air filter, new timing belts, new Vitaloni mirrors, new tinted windshield, new EK gold chain and sprockets and decent Continental Road Attack tires. All the extras probably cost more than I paid for the bike. It had 15000 miles on it when I got it about a year ago. I have put about 1400 miles on it since then and have replaced the battery, rectifier/regulator, brake pads (put HH pads on it), and tires (went with ContiMotions) and I had one ignition pickup coil go bad. No problems other than that. I don't know much about the track, but it has enough power and handles well enough to keep me entertained on the street.

[SexyTime]

Is this the bike that is currently listed on CraigsList? I emailed the guy but never received a reply. If you happen to buy it, post up some pics!

[OOTV]

Originally Posted by SexyTime

Is this the bike that is currently listed on CraigsList? I emailed the guy but never received a reply. If you happen to buy it, post up some pics!

It would appear so. I also emailed but received no response. I was going to give the person a call depending on some of the responses on the forum. No worries if your after too. I think I'm going to wait until I save a few more $ and find another 900SS...

Who knows, if business continues to do well I might pick up the 851 down in SD! There asking $6.5K right now.

[OOTV]

Thanks for all of the replies. I really like my 900SS and thought I would like to get another as a track bike, but when this 750 came up for so cheap, I thought of entertaining the purchase of it in the hopes of getting something close to look and feel. But the more I think about it, I wouldn't want to get something that I would sink more money into than what I paid and still not get the results I was expecting.

I think I prefer to wait it out a little more. Hopefully someone will want to dump their 900 for cheap not knowing the real value or maybe find one that needs a little TLC to get back going. Or there's always that 851 I have been eying as well.

Cheers!

[webman]

Are you f**king nuts! Its a TWENTY year old ducati that was a budget model to begin with.You will be a rolling chicane on the track and something will break/fail everytime out.Probably catastrofically(bearings,belts,valvetrain, etc.) This bike(motor) was not designed as a race bike. Parts do not discrimanate. Whether they are for a 1198 or a '92 750, they are ducati parts and cost alot. There was a lot($$$) put into these motors 15 years ago to race/track them reliable. I can only amagine the first track day that a twenty year old ducati(untouched) 750 motor touches 8-9 rpm lap after lap today...Goodluck!!

[OOTV]

Originally Posted by webman

Are you f**king nuts! Its a TWENTY year old ducati that was a budget model to begin with.You will be a rolling chicane on the track and something will break/fail everytime out.Probably catastrofically(bearings,belts,valvetrain, etc.) This bike(motor) was not designed as a race bike. Parts do not discrimanate. Whether they are for a 1198 or a '92 750, they are ducati parts and cost alot. There was a lot($$$) put into these motors 15 years ago to race/track them reliable. I can only amagine the first track day that a twenty year old ducati(untouched) 750 motor touches 8-9 rpm lap after lap today...Goodluck!!

Hence the reason I am not going for it and putting my eye/$ on something else. I am not going to be racing, mind you, just using it on the track rather than chancing going down on my current 900SS.

I want something that is somewhat "expendable". Not that I have $ to throw away, I just want to have to something similar to what I ride on the street built just for the track. If I go down at the track at least I will still have my street ride.