The 900ss was out dated & under powered by the time it was launched. The rear shock lets the bike down a bit, getting out of shape if you are really going for it. But it is so much more than the sum of it's parts, the induction noise that starts around 5k is really addictive. I can actually ride 100 miles + without numb arse/fingers (my 749 use to cripple me after a hour) Small kids holding mum's hand turn & wave as I bimble through local villages, then carbon cans set car alarms off when rolling the throttle open as leaving town. Classic insurance & low running costs, timeless styling, what's not to love ?
Precisely... and not to diminish the 750, 600 or 400... the looks are "proper motorbike" and it gives back what you put into riding it.
I’ve got to take mine for it’s MOT at 8am tomorrow, can’t wait to be on it , it’s only a 4 mile ride to the MOT station but weirdly it’s 60 or 70 miles on the way back!, then I’ve got to go out on the M900 I bought a couple of weeks ago to test out the Carbon cans I just fitted, what a terrible day tomorrow is shaping up to be!.
I wouldnt recommend for original panels, but mine are Ricambi Weiss, so didnt make drilling them larger holes an issue. Makes fairing removal a joy @Derek had done it to the ST4S I bought from him so he takes credit for the idea.
Kids are playing cricket over school, Mrs is shopping & I'm about to race the rain clouds on the yellow beast !
It all depends on what you are looking for. I was shopping for both a 999 and a mid 90's carby 900ss and just happened to find a decent 900ss/cr that I bought first. Still plan on a nice 999 if I can find the right trim/condition/price combo. But in the meantime they are very different bikes. I'm loving the simplicity and the direct mechanical (analog?) feel of my 900ss. It's not fast by current sportbike standards but it will still run a high 11 second quarter mile so its no slouch. And its super easy to work on and gets looks/comments wherever I take it. It looks/sounds/feels just right. T The 999 is fuel injected, liquid cooled, all around a much better performing machine, but a much different feel as well. You'd be happy with each I'm sure.
If I was going 999 think I'd hang out for 999s model with Ohlins front forks or later red frame, revised black swing arm. Really like the styling, it was ahead of it's time & very successful on track.
Yip I’m tied between both types, having had a 749s I know how good they are, and I have a couple of other sports bikes at home which are mental as regards speed, so my thinking on the 900ss is to have an old school air cooled Ducati in my stable. So it’s now bout sorting money out and going and finding a fairly good one.
Don’t close your eyes to a 600 SS either they are fun and quick enough, they love bends and flicking around Red is best
