Road test: Ducati 900SS

The chassis is taut and reasonably hard sprung, with most road irregularities making themselves felt, sometimes a little too harshly. On smooth blacktop the stiff suspension is a big plus but when any bumps enter the equation a rider will feel every one of them. A lot of weight is placed on the wrists/hands and this discomfort is compounded by the hard suspension. Pillion accommodation is typical sportsbike fare, which is of course uncomfortable but no worse than most other sportsbikes.