Mostly quite correct but 2002 MY with testabassa heads VERY much did suffer wuth rocker issues. Had 2 openers and a closer at 9K miles and have probably replaced another 4 openers since then up to around 20K, expecting to do another one or two now it's upclose to 27K. Also had to replace a closer on an slightly newer ST4S a couple of years ago.
as previous race bikes all grazed head on hard breaking and aggressive suspension loading.[/QUOTE] Yes the cam covers are the same as all the other desmoqutro's but the sp head was chamfered and the cast lettering omitted to prevent the wheel touching the head that is all But if you enjoy drinking piss forget I said anything and crack on
@Sev I was being pedantic about one little point in your reply how the 916sp head was different because of the front wheel rubbing I also was trying to be funny about the drinking habit by adding smileys which for some reason didn't appear One day the Internet will start a war
On the 916 SP (94 to 96), it’s the exhaust side of the head on the horizontal cylinder that doesn’t have any casted inscriptions in order to maximize room between the front wheel and the horizontal head. Like gaining 2 millimeters. Doesn’t seem that much to me …
I've put this whole thread through Google Translate and am still none the wiser, i do wonder what language you guys are talking at times !!!!
If there’s not a lot of difference in money I’d always say low miles unless massive owners followed by low owners. Invariably they are all the same bike. The nose cone is the same on them both so it’s only the mid and lower fairing on each side that differs if you ever fancied the change. Airbox seat unit all same shape so the options always there all be it for decal differences. The difference in the heads makes no difference to power weight or handling. If anything belts are cheaper and only the anoraks would notice. Yes the 748e didn’t have the adjustable headstock but the steep rake position is terrible unless on track. The slab sides had one piece exhaust from manifold to link pipe instead of a separate manifold on the vented side models. Again just a cost cutting operation back in the day so no difference. Yes rear suspension, sachs, shows or ohlins all interchangeable. Second hand showas are cheap enough and then have a full recon at just over £130 but depending on your riding style and weight if they are fresh serviced they are good. If you have a new ohlins and weigh 22 stone it will handle like a shuttleworth special. Simple as. Best upgrade to handling on these bike in my opinion is the 5 spoke wheels. They are way lighter than the 3 spoke and ride quality is day and night. As always money will be the driving factor to the great extent.
Are the stock 5 spokers really that much better than the 3-spoke? See official weights below. I want to upgrade at some point, but feel if I'm going to do it I may as well do it properly with magnesium or forged ali. Ducati OEM aluminum 3-spokes, 11.5 lbs front, 13 lbs rear Ducati OEM aluminum 5-spokes (996/998), 9.25 lbs front, 12 lbs rear
I can't speak about the OEM 5's but changing from OEM 3's to Marchesini Magnesium 5's made my 748 a different bike. Of course in a good way.
