I have a 748R engine from a 2001 model in a 748S frame and that had done 4,000 miles when I got it. Not had any issues with rockers but a main bearing did go and the big ends were also on the way out. In the end the engine had to rebuilt at a cost of £1400 of which £900 was engine parts alone. The 2002 full Ohlins model is the most desirable and fetches a good price always, the earlier models are less desirable. On 748R's the slipper clutch is not great and the big injectors on these models can cause a stumble and bog a bit pulling away, it's a known problem and can be fixed by someone who knows how to set the bike up. Fuel sits on the butterfly and when it's opened it drops in and causes the engine to cough momentarily. I have rebuilt several 748's right through the range and if it was me I would check it, see what the belts are like and if good start it just to check it runs and no more. As with my own bikes I would then fully strip it and rebuild it and then you know it's good. Any other problems can be checked as you rebuild it and you can go over the whole bike carefully. Check water levels etc before you attempt to start the bike and also that it has oil and is good enough to keep in the engine enough to start it to test it. They are easy enough to work on but you will need the odd special tool to make life easier in parts. Check if it has the original toolkit under the seat, in there should be a chain adjuster, one tool you will eventually need. The front spindle alignment tool should also be there, it's not necessary but it helps make the job easier. You can PM me if you want to ask anything specific.
Thanks again for the replies some great advice, obviously been doing my research and now feeling I really want to restore this bike as a keeper/ornament, I keep listening to the sound of them, just need to see what price owner wants for it when he's back in uk later in june, does anyone know what this bike would of cost new from dealer in 2001?
I got my 998 in 2002 and that was £10,500 a 748E was £8,500 and a 748S was about £9250. So I guess around that mark for a 2001. To put it into perspective I have a 748SPS one of only 20 UK models from 1999 with full provenance and that was £12250 new!!. I have the bill of sale for it. So they were quite dear bikes.
