I will check the frame tonight, as I was just comparing a 2003 model and a later one from here https://www.bike-parts-ducati.com/ducati-motorcycle/Superbike/2003/749/749/SWINGARM/160/41/0/160
Mine`s an early 2003 Bip and it has the round hole. No peg adjustment either, it`s like riding in the stone ages
if it helps the 999,1098 1198 swingers all fit into the 748 998 apertures and that has a round hole. there can be a difference in length of the pivot pin as on the later bikes you can remove the swingers on its own without having to lift the engine, the bearing spacers sit flat against the frame. i wonder if on those early 2003 bikes they had the old style pivot bearing sleeves? no worries in any case you could retro fit the later style sleeves by just using a spacer ring pressed into the frame...
Maybe a bit late to suggest this but if I were you I would sell it and put your time and money into upgrading another part of your bike. Absolutely nothing wrong with the cast swing arm. Better to upgrade the shock and get your suspension set up. Put a new chain and sprocket set on with a longer chain and a +4 rear sprocket. That will make a much bigger difference
I always liked it, but it’s a matter of personal taste. I like sand cast bits of engineering. I think aluminium is a bit soulless in comparison. I have owned a regular 749 and still have a 749R. I did notice a significant change in upgrading the Sachs shock to Ohlins. The biggest difference between the R and the standard bike is the forged allow wheels. I never felt the difference in the brakes as the standard brakes were better than me as was the standard swing arm. Obviously, the R is a bit quicker. talking about track usage here. if you can find the ducati stand for the 749 you don’t need bobbins but if you don’t like sandcast then you don’t like sandcast.
the biggest difference between the std 749 and the R is the rear linear...ish linkage rocker rather than the std progressive...
true, and I don’t think I noticed that difference either, but I am a muppet. peppy motor and lighter wheels were about it for me ;-) also, the Bucci clutch I bought off you and fitted to the standard 749 was much better than what came as standard in the 749R
My cast swing arm is decidedly second hand looking, so it had to be changed, I prefer the look of the box section one so that's the one I'm going for. The rear shock and front forks will be going away to be serviced and re-sprung to match my carcass, I have not yet decided on a rear sprocket size, but thanks for the tip.
Since you have the front in bits it’s well worth fitting a quick action throttle. Standard one is far too long.