* Ducati SS1000DS Price £7,250 :
* 992cc air cooled, 4v, V-twin :
* Claimed power 85.5bhp@7,750rpm :
* Wet weight (no fuel) 185kg – half faired :
* Issue tested: February 2003
* Contact: Ducati UK on 08451 222996
Ducati's air-cooled stalwart gets an engine update with extra capacity for 2003. The new motor claims an extra 5.5bhp and an extra 7.2ft lb of torque, and it certainly feels much stronger on the road. The bottom end stomp is frankly amazing. A touch too much throttle coming out of a first gear bend will have the front wheel lifting off the deck. Ping the clutch in second and you can ride the wave of torque.
The updated SS1000 chassis helped too. The trademark steel tube trellis frame, lazy geometry and quality suspension lends an air of stability to proceedings. The DS has an Ohlins rear shock and new lighter Showa front forks, also fully adjustable. Standard settings give enough compliance to absorb the worst road bumps, while feeling totally planted on the brakes and through faster bends. Brakes are the usual Brembo four-piston calipers biting on 320m discs, and give superb power and control.
Like all Ducati's, the SS1000DS isn't not for everyone. The £7,250 asking price would get you much more performance from a Japanese four or even a twin. However, the SS is super-sweet and is probably the ideal entry to Ducati ownership. It's bursting with character and now offers a real kick in
