Bought a mint 748 at weekend, after having it for just 6 hour's and 45 miles the big ends have gone, I wasn't expecting this , but have got to get it sorted, I have been offered a very low mileage 749 engine and all the stuff, would it be a straight over swap?? thanks in advance ( extremely pissed of for a Monday) Mark
The engine would fit but you would need to modify the airbox, that is assuming the injectors would miss the the frame, no doubt someone else can confirm that aspect. In my estimation it would be easier to use a 748 engine as everything will fit. I fitted a 748R in my 748S and it was easy enough but there is some parts swapping to be done. The 748 pre 2000 and any 748SP or 748SPS engine will fit without any work other than changing the chip in the ECU for the correct one. The 748 2000 and on engine will fit but you would need to change some of the water cooling pipework as these had a slightly different layout or you could retrofit from your bike if the parts will fit.
Hi Mark really sorry to hear that! I take it it that it was a private deal? If you did get it from a dealer he has a responibility to sort it out what ever he says to the contary!
No a private sale, it was cheap so I can only assume that the seller knew, I have been 748 engines are meaga expensive, but ive heard that the 749 engine is a direct fit, I have been offered an engine, and all loom and throttle boodies and ari box for £600.00 and wondered if it was a good fit
The engine would fit but you would need to modify the airbox, that is assuming the injectors would miss the the frame, no doubt someone else can confirm that aspect. In my estimation it would be easier to use a 748 engine as everything will fit. I fitted a 748R in my 748S and it was easier enough but there is some parts swapping to be done. The 748 pre 2000 and any 748SP or 748SPS engine will fit without any work other than changing the chip in the ECU for the correct one. The 748 2000 and on engine will fit but you would need to change some of the water cooling pipework as these had a slightly different layout or you could retrofit from you bike if the parts will fit. From Wikipedia. Power 87 hp (65 kW) @ 10,400 rpm 73 kW (98 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (Strada, Biposto, Economy 1995–1999) 72 kW (97 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (748 2000–2007) 78 kW (104 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (SP, SPS) 79 kW (106 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (R) The early 748 (E) came out in 2000 followed by the later 748E in 2002, this was the one with the stepped motor.
So after looking for a 748 engine with no luck , I've found this 749 engine with loom and air box for just under £600.00 any thoughts on this? I obviously have all the old parts from mine, hopefully the air box may be the same?
Someone somewhere must have done what you are proposing and hopefully will be along soon but meanwhile unless you love a challenge it would be far easier to swap like for like and they turn up occasionally for a similar price albeit you really will have to trust the seller
I can do that bit, just need to know if it fits, that's the problem.. will let you know how much after the whole thing has finished.. plus there are no engines available at mo..
Ring some of the Ducati engine guys like Cornerspeed, Louigimoto etc, just because they're not advertised doesn't mean they don't have any.
The 749 air box won't fit, a 748R or 998 airbox would but the 748R and 998 frames are different, so that proves to be a dilemma at least. Several members on here have undertaken more complex swaps so they may be able to confirm what will and won't fit and the swapability of parts. The best bet is really to go for a 748 engine or maybe even a 916 or 996 engine as they too will fit. The only other option is to sell the bike as a non runner and cut your losses. As an indicator the main bearing went on my 748R just after building the bike necessitating a full rebuild which included all new main bearings and new big ends. The bill for that was £1400. Is the rest of the bike good and worth the effort to get it back on the road?
for another 200 this one is available with 8K miles on it DUCATI 748 S 2003:ENGINE:USED MOTORCYCLE PARTS | eBay
I have a 749 engine that will become available once I do my engine swap Mark. I'd do it for less than what you have been quoted. Has just had a big belt service, new clutch plates etc. However I can't give you a date when it will be free. I got my new engine from an eBay seller called Elite Super Bikes. Really nice guy, based in Nuneaton. Worth seeing if he has any 748 engines. He did have a 996 lump there too
"I got my new engine from an eBay seller called Elite Super Bikes. Really nice guy, based in Nuneaton. Worth seeing if he has any 748 engines. He did have a 996 lump there too" With reference to the above, this person has been involved in some dubious engine sales on ebay in the past. There was a lengthy post about a 748R engine that he was trying to sell where he misadvertised the mileage after buying and breaking a bike from a member of this forum. It was only after the forum member took this up with him that he pulled the listing. I have dealt with him in the past myself for something minor and not had a problem. I think he has probably straightened his act up now, possibly as he knows that this forum sometimes picks up on what he is dealing\selling. He has had a few eBay accounts in the past. Just giving you some background to help decide the facts for yourself.
I'd be inclined to make the most of your misfortune and fit a bigger motor. Fit like for like and you're back to square one having spent a load of cash. Get a bigger motor and similar cash will get you a big performance increase. I'd be looking for the equivalent bigger motor that will drop straight in... 996?
Not everyone wants 'bigger' motors. Some people like the way 748's ride.. some people don't need the extra power
if it was me id rebuild the 748 engine then you know you'd have a mint engine from the off good excuse to 853 it gas flow the heads you'd have a lovely little engine would surprise many 916 and 996's. yes its going to be expensive but id rather make sure i got a good engine then do all that work swapping engines and faffing about with airbox's,wire looms and injectors.
