THE DUC GARAGE BLOG
Some motorcycles find their way back to you, and this 1993 Ducati 750/900SS is one of those bikes. I first sold it in Calgary back in 1993. It passed through another owner, a friend of mine, who held onto it for years before I bought it back. Originally sold as a 750SS, it was transformed over time, with each new owner adding upgrades that turned it into a unique, well-loved machine.
One of the bike’s most distinctive features came from a bold decision by its second owner, Gord, who wanted to paint it green. I remember the moment like it was yesterday. I showed up at the paint shop and handed Gord a pile of color samples from Kerry, our painter, saying, “Pick a green.” I thought he’d be overwhelmed by the choices, but we eventually landed on the perfect shade. This green Ducati became a conversation starter on the roads in Alberta and British Columbia, with people often stopping by the shop to ask about “that green Ducati.”
The real transformation began when we replaced the original engine with a brand-new 900 SS engine. Back in those days, a carb upgrade was essential, especially when adding aftermarket mufflers. So, we installed a Dynojet carb kit for better fueling and smoother performance. Even before the mufflers, this upgrade made a noticeable difference.
The 750SS had a basic, non-adjustable front suspension, so upgrading the front end was a priority. We sourced forks from a 916 and added a rotor and caliper to the left side for better braking. Full floating cast-iron rotors were the next step, elevating its performance on twisty roads and tight corners.
With carbon fiber mufflers already installed, the next step was a high-quality header. Staintune, an Australian company, offered a polished stainless steel header for the 900SS, which is still on the bike today. This setup, combined with a Nichols lightened flywheel, helped bring out the best in the Ducati’s iconic v-twin engine.
Years passed, and eventually, the 750/900 SS made its way back to the shop. It wasn’t running quite right, and initially, I suspected the fuel filter. The real issue was a poorly attached airbox, which had allowed dirt to damage the intake valves and pistons. We rebuilt the engine, honing the cylinders, adding Pistal pistons, and upgrading to larger intake and exhaust valves. The transformation in performance was remarkable.
One of the last major upgrades was replacing the front clutch and brake master cylinders with those from a 916/996, giving it improved braking power and control. Smaller details, like the clutch slave and stainless braided brake lines, were also added over time, refining the bike’s feel and responsiveness.
The 750/900 SS was never about high horsepower but rather the joy of handling and finesse. It’s a bike designed for the right roads and for riders who appreciate the art of riding. This Ducati is a reminder that sometimes, it’s the journey of transformation—and not just the destination—that makes a bike truly special.
