In 2006, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 1000SS DS, a sports bike that debuted in 2003 as a replacement to the 750cc and 900cc models. The SS DS was available in three configurations, such as 620cc, 800cc, and 1000cc. The smaller one was the only one that came with half fairing.
In the appearance department, the bike was similar to its predecessor, without any significant modifications, packing a full fairing with a single headlight and a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, an up-swept exhaust system, and five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.
The 2006 Ducati 1000SS DS had its soul brought to life by a 992cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine with a fuel injection system in charge, delivering an output power of 86 hp at 7,750 rpm and 88 Nm (65 lb-ft) torque at 5,750 rpm.
The engine was coupled to a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulically-controlled multi-plate clutch and a final chain drive. With a dry weight of 185 kg (408 lbs), the bike reached a top speed of 230 kph (143 mph).
The handling was operated by a 43 mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down telescopic fork on the front and a fully adjustable Ohlins shock absorber on the rear.
As for the stopping power, the machine packed two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 245 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper, offering excellent braking performance.