help wanted 748/749

Hi, Welcome in from another new member (to this forum, although I had a Ducati 748 for 1 1/2 years in 2007). Firstly, is it the looks of the 748 you are in love with? if not then I don't think you will find many who will say it's a better bike than the 749. The truth is that the Testastretta (Narrow Head) engine in the 749 was a step forward in most area's. It is more free revving, produces more power and the electronics generally on the 749 were much more advanced.

If you get a 748, they are much improved from 2000-2001 in terms of build quality although 2002 bikes are especially bad for 'flaking' rockers and are expensive, that said, many have had very little problems with them, I personally had no issues with mine but changed the oil every 6 months rather than 12. All of these things are well covered so use the search function, but essentially if you want the 'best' bike out of the two I am sorry to say it is deffo the 749.

 

I love my 748 and its a keeper, but I think Phill748 has got it in a nutshell, the 749 should be less hassle if you like the looks.
Steve

 

749. Better comfort, Better motor, Better electrics, Better reliability, Better handling, Better looking and cheaper.
05 on, red frame/facelift 749S is what you want. 116.bhp in S, and better suspension than base 749.

 

Things to look out for the 749
make sure it starts and ticks over with no issues.
take it for a test ride and check to see if clutch is ok and not slipping.
ask when belts were last changed
check back of engine cases for no paint peeling common problem
if it has termis check the orginal is still available for mot
talk to the owner and see if they know every detail about the bike and have some strange addiction to it, if they do you will then know u r on to a good one. If they look blankly at you walk away.

 

Oh that's a bit controversial about the 749 being better looking - not in my eyes (although my eyes ain't what they used to be) :wink:

 

As the saying goes beauty is in the eye of the beholder . The only ducati sports bike I have missed out on in 23 years is the pani . The only one I have kept is my 999R .

 

The later xx9 series with the top fairing vents removed and the box swing arm were a big step on in terms of looks, however we all seem agreed that it is the best all round package, the 748 has no place being compared to it as it is a design that it 6+ years older. That's not to say a well looked after 748 isn't a gem, but it's going to cost 30-40% more to keep it up together I reckon.

 

I agree with everyone on the 749 points but I would not sell my '97 748 now, its way too pretty and after 2.5 years, its a keeper, warts an all!

 

looks are subjective.
I prefer the vents - look lovely in carbon
hate the small 3rd light in bubble (removed)

 

I don't think you will find many who will say it's a better bike than the 749. The truth is that the Testastretta (Narrow Head) engine in the 749 was a step forward in most area's.

 

But the 748 is the best looking bike EVER made. :tongue:

In years to come it will be thought of as the ultimate motorcycle design, in terms of its beauty.

 

Thank goodness someone else agrees ........ :smile:

 

Slipped that in for a laugh.:wink:

 

I never owned a 748 but have owned a 749s.

The 748 is iconic but I think the 749/999 series will stand the test of time more (?).

But look, a 749 for your first ducati may be the way to go. They are updated more in this repesct and it makes sense to me. They are an incredible bike, feel narrow, go wuick enough and will handle years ahead of any jap bike imo.

Best of luck with it.

 

I think your best way in is a clean and tidy 749, if you can afford a later 'S' with the more powerful engine then that will be perfect for you, loads of character but less hassle.

I thing that the 748/916 etc now are for collectors, and so they should be. I doubt many put tons of miles on them, especially seeing as the servicing is a fair bit more money.