Hi all, im new to the forum and Ducatis!! Currently own a suzuki bandit 600 and am looking at a new bike but not sure what to get!! I just wanted to know if there are any differences between the 748 and the 916 other then engine capacity?? Any information would be great! Thanks Scott
I love my 748, but having never ridden a 916 I'm not sure 'real world' what the differences are, but the 748 is revvy fun and great handling in my opinion!
Hi Scott, The main difference is the engine. Chassis and bodywork is the same. The 748 is revvier, more like a two stroke in power delivery as they have a great power surge up in the rev range, the 916 is more torquey across the rev range, almost lazy by comparison. The 916 is more powerful but the 748 is better suited to fast twisty stuff, keep it on the boil and its sweet! Make no mistake, both are a million miles from a Bandit 600, try one!
Performance is the obvious difference. I went from a 600 to a 748 and loved it. Many prefer the 748 but I can't make a side by side comparison. The 748 us a great bike and like all of the 916 era bikes has loads of scope for improving. Buy one, have the shocks etc serviced and youl have a great toy. Be warned though, they are uncomfortable and once you've got the bling bug, can prove expensive.
Hi Scott, as already mentioned the 748 is revvier than the 916 which has a very linear power delivery, it's just a matter of what you prefer really. The 916 feels meaty and grunty when nailing the torque out of bends and rolling on the throttle etc, less gear changes as well. The 748 is great for thrashing the absolute bollocks off it and grinning like an eejut. But be warned: Both can and probably will cost you a small fortune to run. My most serious advice. Buy both.
Thanks for the quick replies!! another question if you dont mind?! - I have heard the stereotype stuff about ducatis being un-reliable etc but are they able to do big miles in their life time?? And does it become alot more costly as they get older?? The reason im asking as i would like to do some touring and just want to know the reliability!! I do apologise if you have heard these questions a million times before!! I just like to know from people who actually own them!! Thanks Scott
Thanks Greyman! Are they easy to work on from a DIY point of view or better to be serviced by a dealer??
The beauty of their design is that you can get to pretty much everything without the fuss of some other marques. There are a number of things that a renowned for going pop, or high risk. Belts being the obvious thing. Ll Ducati's benefit from being ridden. Belts need to be rolling. Regulator rectifiers are another common thing to go pop but about £60 for a genuine one should you need it. I never needed mine changing but apparently the surfacing on the rockers can go and prove costly. I now have a 2005 999 and it's rapidly approaching 20k miles. I often commute 120 miles in all weather. Yes the engine paint flakes, yes the belts need changing every 2 years (£250 local independent incl shims). But I adore it.
Depends on yr own skill set. Do a you pube on Ducati oil change as well as belt change and see what you think. Oil change is easy and a waste of time paying a dealer, belts are a bit more tricky...2nd Dan stuff IMHO.
I quite often dissapear on my 748 for the weekend, last one was over 600 miles in 3 days, mostly A & B roads and it was awesome. They are not too bad on fuel too! There are tweaks that help the comfort, adjusting the lever height made a big difference to me. Rule of thumb ref reliability, if its been used regularly and serviced too with decent parts, you won't go far wrong.
They are capable of big miles IF they have been properly looked after. Any Ducati that hasn't been well cared for will be a chore until everything is put right.
The difference in quoted power between the two bikes is nil, 748 98 bhp, 916 97 bhp, unless you go for the sps, its how the power is delivered that makes the difference, you might like the 748 as stated above it likes to rev and it might suit your riding stile better having been used to the 600 bandit. They can be a bit hard on the wrists on long journeys until you get used to it. Steve.
allo ......you need to go and try one or both , this is nothing like the bandit mate .........absolutely nothing like it ......why the 916 ??? how about the 996 ? whats your budget? 1997 'P' Ducati 748 SP Yellow Only 5k Miles From New!! Full Yrs MOT Duke 916 996 | eBay DUCATI 996S 4000 miles From New 2002 | eBay
I agree with all the above...and it's all about the GRIN factor, nothing beats the sound of a 748 on termis pulling out of a bend at 5000 rpm. And it turns heads. I have had mine for 11 years, only time it ever let me down was not the bike's fault...aftermarket immobiliser failed. Don't expect comfort though, they were never designed for that.
Thanks for the links!! To be truthful I never actually knew about the 996!! I am a newb when it comes to Ducatis!! Lol! after looking at that, I think it will be abit out of my price range!! I'm looking at spending between 3-4k but I know this will only buy me a half decent 748 or a dog of a 916!! Thats why I wanted to know about working on them!! Thanks for all the replies so far!! Really helpful forum!! Hopefully soon I can say I own a Ducati!! thanks Scott
if you can stretch then go for the 748S ....FOR EXAMPLE SOMETHING LIKE THIS Ducati 748S 748 S LIMITED EDDITON 2004 04 PLATE 14000MLS | eBay
Hey Scott, I'm actually thinking of selling mine...1998 748 BIP (with single seat conversion) 21k miles. If you're interested let me know and I could post up some pics. Are you anywhere near Nottingham?
With regard touring - I have used a 916 for several European trips to Italy and back the only change necessary for me was to fit an adjustable set of handle bars/clip-ons then you can make the bike fit you properly. The angle of the OEM clip-ons is great for flat on the tank racing but all wrong on the wrists for normal riding - I fitted a set from cycle-cat which are angle and height adjustable and with these touring is no problem. From the reliability point of view yes the OEM rectifiers are unreliable but most will have been replaced by now other wise provided the bike is looked after as its supposed to be they are reliable. Mine is a 1994 model, I've had it for 8 years with no reliability problems.
