Ducati 888 or 900SS ?
Mats Weber
Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
(used) but I don't which one yet.
brett harrison
Mats Weber <Mats....@elca-matrix.ch> writes: >
> Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
> (used) but I don't which one yet.
the 888
more class than a 900SS.
thought of the 900SL? I've only read praise (not mayo)
in favour of this bike.
Another shit day in Perth. Cold fronts expected for the
rest of the week. Bike needs a service anyway.
bh
Samuel Olampi
> Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
> (used) but I don't which one yet.
A friend of mine has a 888, and I've got a 900.
We've packed several miles together, in virtually all kind of roads.
They're very different sportbikes, yet surprisingly similar.
The 900 is lighter, has more character (ie more guts) in the lower
revs, and is _much_ cheaper to maintain.
The 888 has more punch in the high rpm (at least it HAS, when the 900
lie dead).
Although they don't share the same chassis, they're both very difficult
to fault, when you come to grips with the road.
Once well dialed in, they're both killers, traction-wise.
My advice is as follow : if twisties are your cup of tea, go for the
900. If you prefer higher-speed corners, the triple-8 may fare better.
As for styling and class and design and perfection, both will
please you more than you can think.
--
-- Sam
Danny Schuer
Mats....@elca-matrix.ch,UseNet writes:
>Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
>(used) but I don't which one yet.
good advise: buy them both!
haha - Danny
Bob Williams
In article <5k62u6$1ks$1...@marri.bs.wa.gov.au>, brett harrison
<brett.h...@wrc.wa.gov.au> wrote:
>
> Mats Weber <Mats....@elca-matrix.ch> writes: >
> > Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
> > (used) but I don't which one yet.
>
I've ridden them both, and the 888 is definitely the best ride....
*BUT* before you jump stop & check out the comparative running costs,
because IIRC engine services on the 888 are loads more expensive than the
simpler 900SS.
> thought of the 900SL? I've only read praise (not mayo)
> in favour of this bike.
Not ridden this one, but could well be a good compromise if your budget is
tight :-)
> Another shit day in Perth. Cold fronts expected for the
> rest of the week. Bike needs a service anyway.
Not the best comments from an Aussie posting to a UK (weather) group ;-)
Still, it's not snowing here :-)
Bob
... WindowError:00F Unexplained error. Please tell us how it happened.
--
___ __ _ __ ___________________________________________
/ _ )___ / /| | /| / / / .. Bob Williams, Pensby, Wirral, UK ..
/ _ / _ \/ _ \ |/ |/ / / bob.wi...@argonet.co.uk
_ /____/\___/_.__/__/|__/___/*Laverda the sound that made Breganze famous*
Laverda Owners web page http://www.parallax.co.uk./~rct/laverda/index.html
John Lawson
>Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
>(used) but I don't which one yet.
No competition, the 888 wins hands down. Better engine, frame, brakes
etc, etc etc. Bear in mind the 888 was the predecessor to the 916,
whereas the 900 is it's own bike. o I would think that 888's like the
916 are ridden less and looked after more carefully than a stock 900.
Don't pratt about, find yourself a good low mileage 888, expect to pay a
bit more for it than a similar 900, but you won't regret it.
As an aside Italia Classics in Lincoln had a nice 888 last time I was
in, give them a call and have a chat. Phil Worth is the man to talk to
on 01522 511851.
YETI
Ducati M900
"Succhia il mio Mostro!"
Dr. Joseph V. Muha PD
> "Succhia il mio Mostro!"Hi,
I am curious about the Ducati bikes. I hear that they are extremely high
maintianence and expensive to keep running? I have seen a few on the
road. They doo look sweet and I hear that the performance is second to
none, but I am curious about the maintainence / reliability on these
bikes.
Thanks,
Dr. Moo
Miguel Asensio
Dr. Joseph V. Muha PD wrote:
> I am curious about the Ducati bikes. I hear that they are extremely high
> maintianence and expensive to keep running? I have seen a few on the
They are not high maintenance or expensive to keep running. My '95 900
SS has >16k miles on it and it has needed nothing other than oil changes
(every 3k miles) and check/adjust valves(every 6k miles). It's an
excellent motorcycle and nothing sounds better.
> road. They doo look sweet and I hear that the performance is second to
Ducatis certainly look sweet. Top speed performance or acceleration is
not the best but the bikes are excellent in every respect.
> none, but I am curious about the maintainence / reliability on these
> bikes.
> Thanks,
> Dr. Moo
--
Miguel Asensio mig...@austin.ibm.com
97 Ducati 748 (the wife's new bike)
95 Ducati 900 SP
94 Honda CBR 600 F2 (the wife's)
74 Kawasaki H1
74 Bultaco Pursang
Soon to have:
9x ???? 500 or 750 cc 2stroke race replica
Da...@superbike.demon.co.uk
In article <33664A...@elca-matrix.ch>, Mats Weber
<Mats....@elca-matrix.ch> writes
>Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
>(used) but I don't which one yet.
NO COMPETITION. 888 every time. Ride them both if you can and
make sure, but there's absolutely no doubt in my mind. I managed
(pure blaggability and journo-fluke) to ride an 888SP4, 900SL, 916
and 900SS back to back not long ago and I have to say the SS came
out last. It's a good bike, but it just can't cut it with that kind of
opposition.
John Lawson was bang on - the 888 was the design forefather of the
916 and it feels like it. OK, it's nothing like it to ride, but the engine
behaves so similarly and it's got that Ducati 89.5 degree lean-angle
thing on the handling front. The bike's a surefire winner and, to the
uninitiated, actually feels more stable than the 916 on flat-out
corners. The SuperLight, again, is a bit individual. It handles
marginally better, but has a less characteristic engine.
Add to this that a clean 888 will barely depreciate at all (limited
editions, don't forget) and hey presto - instant decision, just add
cash. Try for an SP4 if you can afford it - it'll be well worth the extra
bananas. If you want a fairly recent in-depth review, get the October
95 (I think - I'll have to check to be sure!) SuperBike back-issue
(0181 686 2599). There's no SS, but the 888, SL and 916 are heavily
reviewed.
Mail me if I can be of any more help.
--
Danny
Don't knock on Death's door. Just ring the bell and run. He hates that.
Jeff and Brenda Sussna
> Any comment on 888 versus 900 Supersport ? I'm going to buy one of them
> (used) but I don't which one yet.
It REALLY depends on what you want to do with it. The 888 is basically a race
bike, while the 900 is a backroad bike. The 900 is far more comfortable, not
nearly as fast, better midrange, lighter and easier to turn, not as high-
speed stable. It's also much easier to work on.
They are completely different bikes. Your riding purpose will probably make
the choice for you.
Jeff Sussna
Tony the Tiger
>I am curious about the Ducati bikes. I hear that they are extremely high
>maintianence and expensive to keep running? I have seen a few on the
>road. They doo look sweet and I hear that the performance is second to
>none, but I am curious about the maintainence / reliability on these
>bikes.
>Thanks,
>Dr. Moo
Dr. Moo,
The only real high maintianence ducks are the 4 valve engines 851/888
916 bikes. The 2 valve engines 900ss,750ss and M900's are not that
bad. I will NOT go back to a Asian bike again..
Tony
1991 FLHTC "Lolita"
1994 Ducati 944 SS/SP "Buell Eater"
1996 XR400R (not yet named)
1987 Ducati F1 Laguna Seca (Not yet named)
Jeff Bean
I recently owned an 851 which preceeded the 888. I have friends that
own 900's some "tricked out" with all sorts of modifications. There is
truly no comparison for the true affectianado(sp?). The 851/888 were
limited edition 4 valve/cylinder, fuel injected, water cooled bikes
vs. two valve, carburated, air cooled for the 900's. I believe the
suspension components were a bit more sophisticated.
The 900's tend to be a bit more tractable during daily use, but when
you're using the full potential of the bikes on the back roads the
851/888's really show their race heritage. I did some checking around
before I bought my 851 and feel comfortable the "maintenance" issues
are overstated. However when you do get work done on a Ducati it is
EXPENSIVE. Parts are very expensive and simple chores are labor
intensive. Whatever you do, be careful when you buy a Ducati
especially the 851/888, they URGE you to go fast, more so than any
bike I've ever been on.
All the best
Tony the Tiger
On Sat, 03 May 1997 11:53:33 GMT, buc...@pipeline.com (Jeff Bean)
wrote:
>I recently owned an 851 which preceeded the 888. I have friends that
>own 900's some "tricked out" with all sorts of modifications. There is
>truly no comparison for the true affectianado(sp?). The 851/888 were
>limited edition 4 valve/cylinder, fuel injected, water cooled bikes
>vs. two valve, carburated, air cooled for the 900's. I believe the
>suspension components were a bit more sophisticated.
>The 900's tend to be a bit more tractable during daily use, but when
>you're using the full potential of the bikes on the back roads the
>851/888's really show their race heritage. I did some checking around
>before I bought my 851 and feel comfortable the "maintenance" issues
>are overstated. However when you do get work done on a Ducati it is
>EXPENSIVE. Parts are very expensive and simple chores are labor
>intensive. Whatever you do, be careful when you buy a Ducati
>especially the 851/888, they URGE you to go fast, more so than any
>bike I've ever been on.
>All the best
I was looking to buy a 888 before I bought my 900ss, but since I have
rebuilt this 900ss, I'm glad I went with the 2 vavle engine...
Tim Morrow
Richard Fay wrote:
>
> Miguel Asensio wrote:
>
> > They are not high maintenance or expensive to keep running. My '95 900
> > SS has >16k miles on it and it has needed nothing other than oil changes
> > (every 3k miles) and check/adjust valves(every 6k miles).
>
> Check/Adjust valves every 10000kms!!!
>
> My TRX850 only requires this done very 42000kms. And it has 10 of them
> , compared to 4 on the 900ss.
Sounds like the TRX850 is the bike for you then, rather than the Ducati
888 or the 900SS. Aren't you glad you bought it?
Of course, for someone trying to decide between buying a Ducati 900SS
and a Ducati 888, the 10 valves in your TRX850 aren't very germane,
are they?
--
Tim Morrow
Herndon, Va.
Mor...@worldnet.att.net
Richard Fay
Miguel Asensio wrote:
> They are not high maintenance or expensive to keep running. My '95 900
> SS has >16k miles on it and it has needed nothing other than oil changes
> (every 3k miles) and check/adjust valves(every 6k miles). It's an
> excellent motorcycle and nothing sounds better.
>
Check/Adjust valves every 10000kms!!!
My TRX850 only requires this done very 42000kms. And it has 10 of them
, compared to 4 on the 900ss.
Richard
--
To e-mail me, remove the * from the address
Chris Boggs
I'm looking at a '93 Ducati 900 SS that has 12k miles on
it. The bike is extremely clean and has a Micron aftermarket exhaust.
The dealer wants $7900 for it.
Is that realistic? What should I be aware of about the '93
900s?
-Chris
Alan W. Frame
In article <337353...@mindspring.com>, Chris Boggs
<crb...@mindspring.com> wrote:
HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD
STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!! HEAD STUDS!!
ISTR it was the 93's 900SS that had the weak head studs - check with
your local Ducati dealer & ask the owner if they've been replaced.
rgds, Alan
--
Goodwood Festival Of Speed 20-22/6/97 <http://www.goodwood.co.uk>
95 Ducati 600SS, 85 Guzzi V35TT SI # 3.386
"Ride to Work, Work to Ride" MAG # 88673 DoD#1910
Commute score for this year to date: Guz 13, Duc 68, Car 8 days.
Darren Cooper
On Fri, 09 May 1997 12:42:23 -0400, Chris Boggs
<crb...@mindspring.com> wrote:
>I'm looking at a '93 Ducati 900 SS that has 12k miles on
>it. The bike is extremely clean and has a Micron aftermarket exhaust.
>The dealer wants $7900 for it.
>
> Is that realistic? What should I be aware of about the '93
>900s?
>
>-Chris
I once had a '93 900SS and things to watch are the cylinder head studs
break very easily (sounds like exhaust blowing) and clutches go too.
Also, check for general meticulous maintainence, as this is a good
guide to its previous owners and how it was treated.
Regards, Darren.
p.s. Ducati factory quoted engine life for 888 is 15,000 miles!!
Jeff Bean
D.Co...@btinternet.com (Darren Cooper) wrote:
Where did the factory quote engine life of the 888 at 15,000 miles???
What was the "exact" wording or did you just "hear" this or worse
editorialize???
Hank Blackstock
Chris Boggs wrote:
>
> I'm looking at a '93 Ducati 900 SS that has 12k miles on
> it. The bike is extremely clean and has a Micron aftermarket exhaust.
> The dealer wants $7900 for it.
>
> Is that realistic? What should I be aware of about the '93
> 900s?
>
> -Chris
If it is a 900SS Cr it is too high (new list for a 97 is $8195, and I
bought mine for 7900). If it is a 900SS SP that price may be ok (new
list is $10,500).
Hank
Jeff Bean
D.Co...@btinternet.com (Darren Cooper) wrote:
>On Fri, 09 May 1997 12:42:23 -0400, Chris Boggs
><crb...@mindspring.com> wrote:
>
>>I'm looking at a '93 Ducati 900 SS that has 12k miles on
>>it. The bike is extremely clean and has a Micron aftermarket exhaust.
>>The dealer wants $7900 for it.
>>
>> Is that realistic? What should I be aware of about the '93
>>900s?
>>
>>-Chris
>
>I once had a '93 900SS and things to watch are the cylinder head studs
>break very easily (sounds like exhaust blowing) and clutches go too.
>Also, check for general meticulous maintainence, as this is a good
>guide to its previous owners and how it was treated.
>Regards, Darren.
>p.s. Ducati factory quoted engine life for 888 is 15,000 miles!!
Where exactly and how was the engine life "quoted" by the factory to
be 15,000 miles. What the hell is "engine life" anyway. This is
disinformation.
Martin Dunkley
Can anyone help with information on the grade of steel required for
replacement cylinder liners for a Suzuki TR250?
I have found some-one to do the machining and a steel supplier but
need to know what grade of steel to specify for the liners.
Any advice welcomed.
Thanks Martin Dunkley - martin....@zetnet.co.uk
Josh J Fielek
In article <3375c2c3...@news.pipeline.com>,
More like misinformation or propaganda.
Yes, there was one year where there was a problem with the cylinder
studs -- it still wasn't that common, and the replacement studs would
fix the problem.
As for engine life -- for the street engines produced, life is about
the same as any other motorcycle. The only problems run into are when
teh engine is stressed to teh outer limits for racing, which is true
of _any_ engine.
J
--
Joshua J. Fielek DoD#385 AMA#517381 WERA#968 The Garage of Xanadu:
j...@inri.com 1981 R80G/S-PD* 1990 906 Paso(Ayeka)*
Wrench Early, wrench often. 1975 RD350 1990 CBR1000F()*
Samuel Olampi
> What should I be aware of about the '93 900s?
Maybe you can have a look at valve guides, if it has some mileage.
--
-- Sam
Samuel Olampi
> p.s. Ducati factory quoted engine life for 888 is 15,000 miles!!
Damn. I know a bunch of people who are darn lucky, then.
--
-- Sam
Godfrey DiGiorgi
Hank Blackstock wrote:
>
> Chris Boggs wrote:
> >
> > I'm looking at a '93 Ducati 900 SS ...
> If it is a 900SS Cr it is too high (new list for a 97 is $8195, and I
> bought mine for 7900). If it is a 900SS SP that price may be ok (new
> list is $10,500).
No such thing as a '93 900SS CR or SP, they didn't start producing
those until '94.
Godfrey
Me
Godfrey DiGiorgi <rama...@bayarea.net> wrote in article
<33772F...@bayarea.net>...
<stuff deleted>
> No such thing as a '93 900SS CR or SP, they didn't start producing
> those until '94.
>
> Godfrey
Godfrey ! You are wrong. The first I have a '92 900SL (SP for the USA
people, I think).
Also the first 900SS came out in '89 (the new ones ...)
Or did I miss a point here ?
Later,
Gordon