DUCATI 750SS (1991 - 2002) Review

Highlights

  • Incredible handling
  • Stunning looks
  • Reliability not that bad

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £230
Power: 64 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm)
Weight: Medium (404 lbs / 183 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

This is the latest in a long, long line of Ducati 750 SS models which date back to the early 1970s (think Paul Smart). This version isn't a bad all-round motorcycle and the fuel injection’s a marked improvement, but it’s hard work to ride and a lot of money for not, perhaps, quite enough reward. One for the Ducatisti's only.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The motorcycle’s sports credentials come into their own during hard riding: forward seating position, angled bars, stable cornering and all that revving. The Ducati 750 SS' brakes are reasonable too. However, everyday riding shows the Ducati 750 SS' weaknesses: vibey at low revs, rock hard (non-adjustable) front suspension, a painful seat and a whole load of false neutrals. Patchy.

Ducati 750 SS ridden quickly with knee almost down

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Despite the Ducati 750 SS' 748cc, it has none of the gusto you’d imagine, given its pedigree. It tops out at 9000rpm but not a lot happens after eight. Plenty of torque in the midrange is useful but, overall, the motorcycle lacks "go".

Wheelies are possible but you need to work the Ducati 750 SS engine hard to make real progress

Revving the Ducati 750SS like a nutter puts a smile on your face but the bottom line is, for many this motorcycle just isn’t enough.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

There’s a theory that Ducati 750 SS fall ill far less when actually used so high mileages aren’t, necessarily, bad news. However, they can be difficult and maintenance costs, high. This model is reasonably well built though, and the components are good quality. Keep an eye on the electrics.

Ducati 750 SS reliability might not be as bad as you expect

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

If you pick the right one the Ducati 750SS can be a bargain. Compare it with similar motorcycles from other manufacturers, though, and you’ll feel ripped off.

If you’re not already sold on it, look at the infinitely cheaper Suzuki SV650S. If you want a quirky twin (albeit parallel) the BMW F800S is another option. 

The Ducati 750 SS is also available in yellow

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Ducati 750SS' big, clear dash is useful, if not top notch: everything’s analogue and there’s no fuel gauge.

Handily, both brake and clutch levers are adjustable (but that clutch is heavy). It’s not a pillion-friendly motorcycle and riders need to be tallish for feet to touch down. The fuel injection’s a welcome change on post-1998 models.

Ducati 750 SS doesn't have a huge amount of kit but it's still a lovely thing

Specs

Engine size 748cc
Engine type 4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity 748 litres
Seat height 815mm
Bike weight 183kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake 245mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 160/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 45 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £230
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 13 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 64 bhp
Max torque 44 ft-lb
Top speed 127 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 12.4 secs
Tank range 142 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1991: Ducati 750SS introduced (replacing the earlier Ducati 750 Sport) a smaller version of the Ducati 900SS. It had a white frame and a single front brake disc.
1993: Oil coolers now standard. Minor changes until 1998.
1998: Electronic fuel injection as standard.
1999: Higher bars and new side stand added.
2002: Ducati 750SS discontinued.

Other versions

Ducati 750S Sport: A budget, matt black, version without all the suspension adjustments and with a single front disc. Introduced in 2001, discontinued in 2002.
Half-faired versions: option introduced in 1998 on the Ducati 750SS and 2001 on the Ducati 750S Sport.

Owners' reviews for the DUCATI 750SS (1991 - 2002)

9 owners have reviewed their DUCATI 750SS (1991 - 2002) 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 750SS (1991 - 2002)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £230
4 out of 5 My experience after owning the 750SS 3 years
25 October 2023 by Raymond

Version: Caraneta

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £500

It's a fun bike to ride. Keep the speedometer above 70 km/h and you can have fun on it all day. It's not nice to ride on slow speeds or bumpy roads. Braking at low speeds is heavy for the wrists and arms. But above 70 it rides perfect, even long distances. 2 months ago I took it to the Italian Alps and drove 3000km in one week. Not a single problem occured. The bike is very easy to ride and for a supersport it has a very good riding position. I can easily drive 500km without pain.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The bike is extreme fun to drive but like al supersport bikes, don't take a passenger with you. Not that the bike can't handle that but the riding position is far from comfortable voor the pillion. Also the weight of the passenger will push more weight on your arms when braking. The brakes themselves are excellent, although there is not much feeling in the rear brake.

Engine 3 out of 5

It's a 750 with not too much HP's. The gearing is perfect and with normal to sportive driving you won't notice the lack of HP's, but if you like extreme driving and speeding you need a bigger engine. The lack of HP's also have a positive side: the bike never scares you and mistakes aren't punished. The bike feels very safe to drive.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

I have the bike for 3 years now and besides a few loosened nuts nothing broke down. It's well build from quality materials. The bike is 21 years old now with 60.000km on it and there's only a little corrosion on the clutch cover.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I maintain it myself but I replace everything that has the slightest sign of wear. If I replace the brake pads for instance, I also replace all the bolts with new ones. It makes it slightly more expensive but keeps the bike in an excellent condition. The valve clearance check and timing belts need to be done quite often though, compared to Japanese bikes but it's easily done and doesn't cost much. Half of the 500 is a new rear tyre.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Well it's a Ducati. There aren't any features on it that's not needed to drive.

Buying experience: I bought it from a dealer and payed 2700 for it, 3 years ago (2020). It's the best 2700 I ever spend.

5 out of 5 Get one...
08 August 2021 by Ian

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £60

Mine's registered in 2003. Ducati Yellow, quite rare in Yellow and going strong, clutch is heavy, hard work in town, on the open road it's ok. Comfortable seat, I could do 100 miles and it wouldn't bother me, 2nd bike for a bit of fun, goes like the clappers and so easy to service and maintain compared with a BMW K1200RS..for example. Fuel injected and both timing belts are a doddle to change...the whole thing is just a joy to work on...get one, prices will only go up...especially in Yellow, stay away from mat black with only 1 front disc brake, economy model...red or YELLOW...are best...IMHO

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 yes origional owner
17 April 2020 by Robert T Bannon

Version: 750ss

Year: 1992

+

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Lives with a pro mecanic

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Dealer, $9000.00

4 out of 5 Loads of character
22 September 2019 by Deano

Year: 1998

Annual servicing cost: £100

I really love this bike. It’s a great second bike. I have an MV Agusta Stradale for thrills and the Ducati takes me back to the glory days. The engine sound even on the stock cans is great and there’s a lovely induction roar when you open it up. I have a quite rare yellow version. It looks stunning when you open the garage and I never tire of it. I will never sell it. They are ridiculously cheap at the moment but that will no doubt change.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The Brembos are very good and slow the bike down quickly. I understand some versions had single disks up front but mine has twins. The riding position is more extreme than I expected for something titled as super sport. It takes a lot of getting used to. The seat is low and I find it quite comfortable. The turning circle is typical of Dukes of this era. I could turn a supertanker in less space so be careful when attempting u turns. The handing is fine but the front forks let the bike down. They’re very harsh and on a bumpy road it shakes your fillings. Rear suspension is better though.

Engine 5 out of 5

Lovely characterful engine. It has a great sound and comes into its own on country roads where you can enjoy the sound and torque. It only has 5 gears but frankly it’s enough. I find it high geared and intend to fit a larger rear sprocket to quicken the acceleration. You can still get the front in the air though on the throttle! Gearbox is adequate- a few false neutrals. Clutch is a little heavy.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

My bike has been meticulously maintained by its previous owners over its 27k and still looks stunning. I understand that the rear of the crankcase is a weakness with the paint flaking but mine is still good.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I’ve only had the bike 6 months so can’t comment as yet.

Equipment 4 out of 5

I’ve tried to keep this one original. It’s just personal but all 750ss bikes I’ve seen with aftermarket cans look a bit violated. I think the standard fit versions suit the bike. I have however added the obligatory Agip stickers to the fairing which looks stunning.

4 out of 5
27 July 2019 by Aaron

Year: 1993

Annual servicing cost: £250

Great first Ducati and I will never sell it!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 just for fun
21 January 2014 by sitc

Just started riding a Ducati 750 SSie. For me it is just fun to ride. The sound is nice to hear. When driving slow, it's a little bit difficult to ride, for me it's hard on my wrists. After some time riding, my muscles in my arms are getting sore. But overall it's a lot of fun to ride. You need to ride the bike in the correct gear, otherwise it is not going that smooth. Overall I like the bike very much.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Beautifull handling, bumpy ride
16 March 2010 by JohnPierre

The ducati 750ss has to be one of the finest handling machines out there. this is partly down to its very stiff suspension! The chassis is rock solid and the riding postion perfect for making fast corners seem very easy. You can drop the bike in and hold the line without diving of forks or sagging. The grunty V-twin pushes you out of the corners with ease and torque. corner speed is limited however, as the front brakes inspire little confidence and a fast entry that requires heavy braking will leave you worry, hunting for extra road. once this problem is noticed it wont happen again, but it does leave you wanting a little more from the stopping power. The revs need to be kept above 4,000 RPM to allow smooth power to be delivered, if they drop it becomes choppy and viby and very uncomfortable to ride. however kept in the sweet spot of 5-7,000 revs makes the bike a pleasure to ride with response and power always close at hand. the red line is at 8500 RPM but the power has gone before that so revving it up is pointless. the bike lacks power for a 750 and when compared to a 748 is simply not in the same catergory. Comfort is not very bad, however this is dependant on size (the taller the better). Dont expect to be using the bike as a commuter or long distant tourer because slow riding is near impossible with tall gears, big vibes and an on/off clutch. but the bike has a lot of character and even though on paper it makes little sense, especially looking at stats, riding the bike uncovers a different feeling As with all ducatis. a feel good factor is always present and that impressive handling adds to the grin factor. contreversial looks are either loved or hated and the service schedule is busy (it's a ducati!)if reliability is too high on the agenda and you want a cheap way into the ducati way of life: this cheap to insure, well composed, fairly reliable, air cooled twin won't see you far wrong.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 looks the part
07 September 2009 by

I had the Sport version; the differences are single disc and non adjustable suspension. Can’t fault it though, looks like the Bat Bike, with its lovely matt finish. The equipment on Italian bikes is the best in the world and their design leaves everything else in its shadow. I bought my Duke with 3000miles on the clock and in excellent condition for £1600 and sold it for £1800 as they seem to hold their value like Harley’s. Sound awesome at high revs and people always admire it like a supermodel, high maintenance though, what’s with the (belts) philosophy. Every 2 years or 12000miles; according to the manual, ‘what the frigging one is right’. Don’t be fooled by the Fix It Again Tony racism, I’ve had many different bikes, Jap, British and American the latter being the worst in my opinion, so they can be very reliable look at the race history of Ducati. Don’t by them for there speed though as I said it looks the part but struggles with power and don’t even mention a pillion. Ciao Bella.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Classy Duke
17 April 2007 by lount

Superb handling, plenty of tourqe and indidual looks give this bike the right to wear the Ducati badge.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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