| BIKE: | 1983 900SS |
| OWNER: | Michael R Cecchini |
| LOCATION: | Maryland |
| MILEAGE: | 2 |
| ENGINE: | Engine cases were replaced with units from a 1975 Ducati which were able to run Ducati Electronica self-generating ignition. This allowed removal of large battery and nearly 14 lb weight savings. The remainder of the engine is classic seventies Super Sport utilizing polished forged connecting rods, roller-bearing crankshaft and two valve desmodromic heads fed by 40mm Dellorto carburetors. Magnesium rocker covers, along with stepped alloy bevel shaft tubes, are the only visual external departure from the standard factory offering whilst internally a stepped crank pin and lightened clutch basket enhance reliability and performance. 12:1 compression Cosworth pistons were installed vs standard 9.5:1 units. |
| CHASSIS: | With an emphasis on weight reduction to enhance performance rather than compromising reliability with engine modifications, all unnecessary bracketry was removed from the frame. Additional bracing strategically placed using finite element stress analysis to ensure safety and rigidity. What we have is a frame which originally weighed in at a little over 40 pounds, is now 23 pounds. Modern steering geometry was chosen and as such dictated a reduced rake and trail compared to the 1970's vintage frames. The engine was rotated rearwards in the frame around the lower rear engine mounting bolt, and a new top mounting positioned some 3/4 inch rearward. The front down tubes were removed from the steering head, shortened and repositioned to mate up with the new position of the front engine mounts, then re-welded to the steering head. This maintained the engine in its usual attitude, i.e. sump parallel to the ground as the frame has been rotated "around" the engine. This steepened the steering head and reducing rake and trail. The by-product of this re-engineering is the center of gravity is lowered and more centralized. To allow for fine chassis tuning, a pair of eccentric swing arm adjusters, a la' 1973 factory racers, were fitted at the swingarm pivot. The results are dimensions almost identical to the iconic Ducati 851/888 series. |
| OTHER: | Instrument area: Owner/constructor hand laid carbon fiber Electrics: Owner/constructor design and installed Wheels: 1990's period Marivc Magnesium Front Suspension: 1990's Ducati USD Showa Rear Suspension: 1990's Supersport—owner/constructor modified with re-sprung and re-valved Ducati 851 Marzocchi shock Bodywork: Owner/constructor hand laid carbon fiber, 1970's SS replica Handlebars: Ducati Supermono Rearsets: Tarozzi Brakes: 1990's Brembo Exhaust: Owner/constructor hand fabricated steel/alloy The exhaust system was designed to overcome each and every issue associated with bevel drive twin exhausts to date, i.e. it doesn't scrape, doesn't burn your legs and won't get damaged in a spill. Weight (road ready): 337 lbs with 55%/45% forward weight bias. |
| SIGNIFICANCE: | This machine, known as "Vern", was constructed over an 18 month period by Beveltech Engineering, Melbourne, Australia. The goal was simple: To create a machine which replicated the minimalist concept of the 1970's Supersports, but with a modern flavor. There are few but subtle differences to the bodywork, a style which evolved over a number of years in the early seventies and culminated in that holy grail of motorcycles, 1974 Ducati Roundcase Super Sport aka the "Green Frame" Ducati bevel. Initially, updated original-period suspension was to be called upon but as the project evolved, it was felt that a move to modern suspension could be attempted and not detract from the classic style. Taking the exercise one step further, modern wheel and tire sizes were found to enhance the desired look, and subtle touches of carbon fiber in the manufacture of the dash, rear carb heat shield, and various brackets added a modern feel. Those items not specifically manufactured by the owner/constructor are drawn from modern Ducatis, with the emphasis being use of parts which maintain design symmetry. While initially appearing to be a '70s Ducati Supersport, the more one visually explores this machine, the more one is rewarded with hand crafted and artfully done details. In the words of Australia's Two Wheels magazine, "Vern is the bevel Ducati would make, if Ducati still made bevels." |
If you have any questions, please contact superbikeconcorso@ducatiusa.com
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