Sportbikes
1981Ducati 900 SS
20 fields on record
The 1981 Ducati 900 SS is a lightweight sportbike that appeals to riders seeking raw, mechanical performance and authentic Italian character. Powered by an air-cooled 864cc V-twin with desmodromic valve control, it delivers 65 horsepower with minimal weight, making it highly responsive and agile. Best known for its distinctive trellis frame design and visceral riding experience, this classic represents the pinnacle of traditional Ducati sport bike engineering.
- Capacity
- 864.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 225.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 65.0 HP (47.8 kW) @ 7000 RPM
What’s new for the 1981 Ducati 900 SS
vs the 1980| Spec | 1980 | 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 65.0 HP (48.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM | 65.0 HP (47.8 kW) @ 7000 RPM |
| Compression | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A classic air-cooled supersport built for spirited backroad blasts and canyon carving, rewarding smooth, committed riding over commuting.
- Built for
- Torquey, characterful desmo L-twin with soulful air-cooled charm, a slim trellis-framed chassis and razor-sharp steering that begs to lean.
- Not ideal for
- Not for tourers, two-up loaders, or riders wanting off-road ability or plush all-day comfort.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 864.0 ccm
- Power
- 65.0 HP (47.8 kW) @ 7000 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2889 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 86.0 x 74.4 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 213.0 km/h (132.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.50-18
- Rear tyre
- 4.25/85-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1980 | 1981 | 1984 | 1991 | 1994 | 1998 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 864 cc | 864 cc | 864 cc | 904 cc | 904 cc | 904 cc |
| Dry weight | — | — | — | 183 kg | 183 kg | 188 kg |
| Seat height | — | — | — | 780 mm | 780 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L | 17.5 L | 17.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Ducati 900 SS?
The 1981 Ducati 900 SS has a Capacity of 864.0 ccm (52.72 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Ducati 900 SS have?
The 1981 Ducati 900 SS has a Power of 65.0 HP (47.8 kW) @ 7000 RPM.
How many gears does the Ducati 900 SS have?
The 1981 Ducati 900 SS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Ducati 900 SS weigh?
The 1981 Ducati 900 SS has a Wet weight of 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds).
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