Evening, I'm going to look at a 748 Biposto soon (2000 plate, 12k, Red + Termis - v.good condition); just wondering if there are any issues associated with this model/year to look for? It has full S/History, so I'm told, and the DVLA MOT History is pretty good. But, its not been used regularly for the past few years, but started every so often and had new belts before lock down, so I guess they'll need replacing plus a service. What mileage is the Desmo service due at? And what would be a sensible price guide? - I know that's a loaded question but.... Any advice welcome. Cheers RR
Usual lock stops, instrument glass can crack, whip the fairings off and check reg/rec wires, service history is a must on a 748 due to rockers, 2000 model should have 65mm calipers on it too.
Check when the belts were last replaced, it's 2 years or every 12,000 miles from memory. Check to see if there's any record of the alternator nut being retorqued through it's life, it was never a recall but like many I suffered a major failure when this was spat off. Clutch, when were the plates replaced? If it's got an open clutch cover check the basket for wear. Ultimately it's a 23 year old bike so as long as servicing and maintenance is spot on you should be fine.
Desmo service due at 15000. Expect a sizeable bill (£800-£1xxx) to include the likelihood that a rocker or two will need replacement (if not already done of course). History and provenance tend to drive price on them. People are asking a fair bit more than the bikes are actually selling for I think. Depends how much you want it and how much the seller wants shot.
Thanks for the above; going to be making a check list! A nubie/daft question maybe: which dimension does the 65mm refer to on the calipers?
Cheers Expat Jack, Ummm...will be trying to remain level headed when weighting up if its worth the asking price... have a habit of seeing and buying...its not the cheapest but certainly not the most expensive out there. Mileage at 12k I'm guessing the Desmo service is on the cards..
Thanks Pete433, seals are on the list; good point regarding the hub - I knew asking forum members would prove useful as always. My check list is somewhat longer than before!! Will post the outcome once I've scratched this itch! Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions - very much appreciated!
The distance between the caliper bolts. Check this for pics and more comprehensive explanations : https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/40-vs-65mm-brake-calipers.44403/ As far as a buying check list is concerned, this book is pretty interesting for someone beginning with D4s: https://www.bookfinder.com/isbn/9781845844301/ Lots of good points to have in mind before rushing out with your checkbook in hand. It’s a small book that you can easily carry around in your pocket. Remember that at this point in time, there are still plenty of these bikes available for purchase in various conditions. Take your time! Last but not least, here’s a very interesting reading as well: https://www.odd-bike.com/2013/01/ducati-desmoquattro-superbike-faq.html?m=1 Enjoy your hunt!!
I would check the battery and tyre age. When you go see it put your hand on the engine to see if it has been warmed up prior to your visit.
Brill - just had a quick look the first link above and it appears from the photos of the bike I'm looking at; it does have the distinctive 65mm caliper bracket (as in the 2nd 996 photo in the link). Really appreciate the above! I acquired the books listed below by Ian Fallon, with some Monster spares I recently bought but not the book above sadly! Ducati Belt-Drive Two-Valve Twins Ducati - Desmoquattro Superbikes The Ducati Story (5th Edition). Best get some reading done.... Thanks Guillaume69
Cheers Paul55, Apparently the tyres are 'new' - but whether new means recently new or new just before lock down when it was last used regularly! I'll be asking for a cold start as when veiwing any vehicle - thanks for the advice. Cheers R/R
One thing not mentioned is checking which model it actually is. For the 2000MY Ducati introduced the 748E and made the previous year’s 748 the 748S. The E was an entry level bike built to hit a certain price point. You can tell the difference because the E doesn’t have an adjustable rake at the front end ie race and road settings. This is most noticeable by the fact the steering damper can only be bolted into one hole, it doesn’t have a second hole to accommodate the chsnge in steering head angle. Other cost saving measures were a cheaper Sachs rear suspension rather than the usual Showa unit and cheaper (heavier) 3 spoke wheels. Also, I think the brake lines were rubber not steel braided. Non of these are really major but many adverts describe 2000 onwards 748s as 748S when they’re not. Caveat Emptor and all that.
Many thanks WC Paul, Its not advertised as an 'S', and it does have 3 spoke gold wheels and gold frame. Good points to check.... and with it been up for sale for a while it may be overpriced?? Anyway, taking my long check list and looking tomorrow . Thanks for all the advice and I will try and be sensible...RR
If paying good money expecting a good bike, think I would concentrate on how the bike appears to have been looked after. As above - have the lockstops had any hammer, any grounding marks on front fork bottoms, swingarm, footrests, then 1. Quick check over all of the fasteners you can see front to back - including rear wheel nuts with correct clips, chain adjuster on hub not mashed - basically, has a gorilla worked on it with adjustables and pliers? 2. Get them to drop the side fairings off (2 minutes effort- no excuse not to) and check for the same underneath the skin, the state of the engine paint, if the panels are original paint (easier to see on back of panel) and date stamped appropriately for the bike they are on. 3. Check the way all the hoses and wiring are set out - Engine casings and valve covers - all together using correct gaskets or sealant, quality hose clips not wound down to cut through hoses etc. you can tell if someone who knew what they were doing has worked on it. 4. Cold start - enough oomph from the starter, no nasty sprag noises, settles into tickover, pull clutch (so it does not sound like a bag of spanners) and is it quiet on the top end 5. Test ride - any issues with power delivery or handling, any odd noises from bottom end on acceleration Enjoy!
A massive thanks for all the hints, tips and suggestions on what to look for... Well, what can I say.....v apart somewhat very (bloody) disappointed, not quite as described (won't go into details) . I think my idea of 'good condition' and 'loved' differs from others. After much heart/soul searching and thinking 'it may be ok if'.... I decided not to purchase. So, a bit gutted but pleased not to have given into the wee devil that said BUY!! So, you've all saved me a stack of embarrassment, money and asking the forum thousands of more questions! Now back searching for a low mileage red, 748 or red/Corse 1098s that isn't a million miles from the Midlands and hopefully better informed. But I will travel for the right bike. Cheers RR
