Ducati 600SS and 400SS servicing
1989 to 1998 · 583cc and 398cc air-cooled two-valve Desmo V-twins · Greenwich, London
Ray Petty Meccanica services and repairs the smaller Ducati Supersports, the 600SS (1994 to 1998) and the 400SS (1989 to 1997), at its independent Ducati workshop in Greenwich, London. They share the 900SS's look and belt-driven Desmo layout but run a wet clutch, and MCN notes that most survivors are now old and worn, so RPM works through each one from end to end and agrees the work with you before starting.
About the 600SS and 400SS
Ducati built these smaller Supersports on the 750SS frame and running gear, with the engine reduced in capacity. The 398cc 400SS came first, in 1989, for Japan's 400cc licence class, and early bikes were called the 400SS Junior. Most went to Japan: Ducati's production records list small batches for Italy, Europe and Australia but none set aside for the UK. Italy also had a 350SS. The 583cc 600SS was launched at the end of 1993 and sold in Britain from 1994, with the factory figures showing 756 built for the UK market by 1997. Both came with full or half fairings and a single front disc. The 600 has five gears and the 400 six, and MCN notes the 600 gained a gold frame and grey engine for 1995.
Servicing your 600SS or 400SS
Both engines are air-cooled, two-valve Desmo twins with toothed cam belts, Mikuni BDST 38 carburettors, Kokusan electronic ignition, electric start and a wet multiplate clutch rather than the 900SS's dry one. The factory jetting varied by market: the 1991 400SS carburettors were set up differently for Europe and Japan, and some 600s were built in a low-power form for Italy, so an imported bike may not match the specification its owner expects. MCN owner reports mention vibration loosening fasteners, so a service here includes checking that bolts are tight as well as setting the opening and closing valve clearances and balancing the carburettors. If yours has been standing, RPM recommissions it with new belts, fluids and a full check before it goes back on the road.
Book your 600SS and 400SS in
Tell us what it needs, or how long it's been off the road, and we'll take it from there.
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Saturday: 10am to 5pm
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