DUCATI 1000SS (2002 - 2006) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
| Power: | 84 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (415 lbs / 188 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIt’s difficult to pigeonhole the Ducati 1000SS. It’s definitely not a sports motorcycle, but it's not comfortable enough to tour on either. It’s hugely charming too but not really the sort of motorcycle to thrash down a country lane. Best not to worry about all that and simply revel in the Ducati's easy handling, V-twin soundtrack and retro looks.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineDefinitely the Ducati 1000SS’s strongest suit – it genuinely feels as though it would handle at least another 20bhp with ease. The Showa forks complements the trellis frame perfectly. There are some vibes through the frame and bars, but nothing too intrusive.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 992cc air-cooled dual spark motor coughs up just 85bhp, but thanks to clever gearing and oodles of torque the motorcycle never feels breathless, despite having to cart about well over 200kg. Fuel injection should be smooth and glitch free even when trickling along at under 2000rpm in sixth gear.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueDucati motorcycles have come a very long way from the electrical and mechanical horror stories of yore. However, regular servicing is crucial with a Ducati 1000SS, especially the pricey but essential, cam belt replacements every two years or 12,000 miles. Avoid any Ducati 1000SS without a full dealer service history.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentSecondhand values aren’t particularly strong for the 1000SS, so in pure monetary terms it’s a tough motorcycle to recommend. However – the Ducati's handling, charm and sheer difference are qualities hard to ignore.
Equipment
The Ducati 1000SS has an ignition-based immobiliser and a nifty Ohlins shock that lets you adjust the motorcycle's seat height independently of the preload and fully-adjustable forks.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 992cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v V-twin, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 16 litres |
| Seat height | 820mm |
| Bike weight | 188kg |
| Front suspension | Preload, Rebound, Compression |
| Rear suspension | Preload, ride height, compression, rebound |
| Front brake | Twin 320mm discs |
| Rear brake | 245mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £180 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 84 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 70 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 134 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 12.2 secs |
| Tank range | 160 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
Oct 2002: Ducati 1000SS motorcycle launched (replacing previous Ducati 900SS series).
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the DUCATI 1000SS (2002 - 2006)
4 owners have reviewed their DUCATI 1000SS (2002 - 2006) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your DUCATI 1000SS (2002 - 2006)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Year: 2004
Annual servicing cost: £300
Truly remarkable bike with real soul and character. Perfect road bike with sports bias and comfortable.
Delivery and connection from throttle to rear wheel is excellent
Great engine and more practical than most Ducatis
Buying experience: Private - Underpriced generally
Version: FF
Year: 2005
Annual servicing cost: £50
Usable power....85bhp doesn't sound a lot, but the torque makes it far more effective than one would expect. Junk the standard cans....mute the exhaust note far too much & are heavy. Change the Ohlins rear spring too...not just a bit too stiff.....ludicrously so. Suspension set-up for rider weight makes a big difference. Overgeared....(noise emission reasons?) - a bigger rear sprocket makes it far more usable everywhere.
Front brake excellent. Rear is u/s. Front Showa's are adjustable. Rear WAY too hard...see above. Light-to-use gearbox.
Great usable torque, not annoyingly vibey. Benefits greatly with change of gearing.....very common mod. Clutch rattle.....poor design. Easy mod quietens it & lengthens clutch basket life by years.
Engine paint peeling on the crankcase. Plain Hammerite works very well. Fabric lining in side fairings is naff. Most bikes it'll have been discarded. General quality is good. No failures.
Belts last longer if mileage limit not reached. DIY job to change them if you're competent.
As for the performance, Japanese motorcycles are far more excellent. But, The developers of this bike know the reason why people get on motorcycles. Strengths: Engine sound, excellent handling. Weaknesses: poor Rear brake.
Fabulous to look at. Crap 2-up over long journeys. (No space). Suspension too hard unless you ride it round the 'ring every week. Don't bother if you've had any form of injury to you wrist, hand or neck. Town/city riding will kill you. I had mine for 4 months/3,000 miles and have just changed to a SV1000SZ. What a difference. Good luck. Strengths: It's looks. It's sound. It's finish with the attention to detail. Superb. Weaknesses: Too small, no pillion space, suspension too hard for everyday use and no wind protection above 90. Oh, and the service bills. £190 for the 600 miler. Forget it.
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Side view
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Instruments
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Side view
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Riding
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Side view
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Riding
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Side view
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Instruments
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Top view
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Instruments
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Exhaust
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Riding
Ducati 1000SS motorcycle review - Side view
