Nearly thirty years ago, the 900SS with a white frame, and a half fairing, was tested by Superbike magazine. At that time, I was riding my CB400/4 and a six hundred quid XJ550. The Ducati was an unattainable icon that made me go all wobbly at the knees, the main photograph in the article was duly cut out and put above the workbench where it remained for years as an inspiration.
Roll on about five years ago, my mate Mitch heard about this bike. A friend had been working at a house and seen this languishing in the garage. It had belonged to the late husband and had not moved for many years. Enquiries were made, and Mitch bought it. When he showed me a picture, I threatened him with violence if he didn't give me first option. Two years later, I got it.
Less than 8000 miles from new, completely original bar a couple of stickers and a cracked side panel, I stripped it and had the repairs and respray done to original specification. Recommissioned all the running gear and new belts, and now it has about 800 miles more on it.
The best bit - it rides even better than I hoped it would.
Roll on about five years ago, my mate Mitch heard about this bike. A friend had been working at a house and seen this languishing in the garage. It had belonged to the late husband and had not moved for many years. Enquiries were made, and Mitch bought it. When he showed me a picture, I threatened him with violence if he didn't give me first option. Two years later, I got it.
Less than 8000 miles from new, completely original bar a couple of stickers and a cracked side panel, I stripped it and had the repairs and respray done to original specification. Recommissioned all the running gear and new belts, and now it has about 800 miles more on it.
The best bit - it rides even better than I hoped it would.
