Ducati 600ss FAQ - Buying Advice
I bought myself a Ducati 600ss this year so thought I'd gather some Usenet threads together here that cover questions and answers related to the bike.
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Subject: Buying Advice 600ss From: m morgan (morien@morien.freeserve.co.uk) Newsgroups: alt.motorcycles.ducati Date: 2002-05-02 14:53:08 PST I am going to look at a 1997 (P reg) 600SS this sat. Did the 600ss progress to the newer fairing style or was it discontinued? I really want the old style. What should I look for in particular with this model? -- Regards, Morien Morgan
Reply From: Moose (moose@hebe.karoo.co.uk) Date: 2002-05-07 13:34:08 PST Discontinued. Made a slight fairing style mod and changed logo design but nothing dramatic like the new 900ss inj (shark gills, pointy). Looking for standard all over well being as with all vehicles. No regular faults to speak of, but check the battery and underside of fuel tank near battery (acid may corrode seams). Regulator is also suspect as it's in front of the engine and cops a load of road crud if used in bad weather, leads to poor charging and flat battery - ads in back of MCN will lead to a heavy duty replacement manufacturer ( I got one and it's fine now ). Clunks when engaging gear is usually poor chain adjustment. So is poor nuetral selection. Check drive sprocket retainer plate (holds front sprocket in correct alignment - needs cover removing by Allen Key). If teeth not long enough, allows sprocket to slide on driveshaft - leads to poor chain adjustment and chain wear = rear sprocket wear & also bad gear selection. This all applies to all SS & Monsters. 750SS is identical but better power. 600 is a little under powered and needs throttle/clutch work to keep it smooth in low speed work. Beware nasty jog when turning ( junctions & u-turns )- happens in a stall & this can throw you to the floor b4 your feet hit the ground to save your precioussss........ That said, handling is pretty darn good and engine is solid. Can get a "big-bore" kit, ups it to 640cc-ish, I seem to recall. Smooths the mid-range. Check for a carb de-icing kit (pipes & a switch from the oilways to the carbs & back). Essential extra as Ducs don't care for cold mornings. (standard Air Cooled prob - Ask VW Beetle owners !!) Can get a 2 front brake conversion also - needs a fork leg in most cases - beefs the stopping up a lot but not essential. DO - get a stand converter. DITCH the flip up. Either get the kit OR and angle grinder. Look at the stand - there is a metal plate, a spring & a long headed bolt attaching the leg - the plate rides on the bolt head. Remove enough of this and the plate goes straight down and locks the leg = NO FLIP UP. Just remember to lift the stand b4 moving off, tho' Also, leave enough of the head on so you can still loosen/tighten the bolt !!!!! I have a '96 model @ 20000m, used in all weather. Had things go wrong & fixed them.. Any questions, fling me an email. I'll try and help. Jake