DUCATI 600SS Half Fairing (1997-1998) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1997, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 600SS Half Fairing, a sports motorcycle that debuted in 1994 alongside its fully faired brother. Besides the visual difference, both machines packed the exact technical and performance specifications.

The bike was part of the smaller-displacement category in the SS series that comprised three models. The 1991-1993 Ducati 350SS, 1989-1997 400SS, and the 1993-1999 600SS. All models were available, either with a full or half fairing.

The 1997 600SS model was fitted from the factory with standard features, like a large, rectangular headlight, a medium-sized windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, three-spoke aluminum wheels, and a single-sided exhaust system.

The 1997 Ducati 600SS Half Fairing had its soul brought to life by a 583cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine as its fully dressed brother, delivering 53 hp with maximum strength at 8,250 rpm and 52 Nm (38 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The engine was held by a steel trellis frame that also provided mounting points for the bike's suspension system, consisting of a 41 mm upside-down telescopic fork on the front and an adjustable shock absorber on the rear.

As for the stopping power, the motorcycle packed a 320 mm brake disc mounted on the front wheel coupled to a dual-piston caliper and a 245 mm brake disc bolted to the rear wheel engaged by a single-piston caliper.