Hi all, my first of many more posts here I hope. I've had about 40 bikes over the years and spent the last few years racing an R1 and then a Triumph 675. I've come across a 749 that belongs to a friend. It's spotless but has an 'interesting' past and therefore the price is right. Racing is costing alot so not looking to buy another one at full price. I just have a couple of questions... I can't figure out if it is a stock 749 or a 749S. It has Fila fairings, steering damper, showa forks without the Ni coating, Ohlins rear shock, old style swingarm (but apparently once had the newer black one). Also, when the clocks are switched on they say 'S' in the bottom left hand corner. Is there a way to check if the engine is a 749 or 749S? p.s. it also has no red key and only one black key! The price is right, it is super super clean and it really rides well so please don't tell me to look for a one that has a known past. Thanks
What's the year? lets try and break this down... 749 never had Fila paint scheme so it's been painted old swingarm? Why? It's a step backwards, it would suggest its been down the road (also why I want to know the year), there are other things to consider here... Exhaust is different depending on swingarm, plus maybe the rocker arm. S on the dash?? No idea, never displayed an R on my R... Service maybe? no red key? If you lose the black key you'll be knackered and will need to reflash dash and ECU. Service history? Belts?
The Fila fairings were bought after so I assume he must have had the wheels painted red and blue. I have no idea on the service history but he does have 3 belts that will come with the bike so that would be the first job to be done. I just went to see it again and came back with the VIN number ZDMH500AA3B003030 which I have know found out makes it a 2003 bike and that has really put me off it now. Engine number is ZDM749W4002342 As for the 'S' on the dash, I downloaded an owners manual last night and it's in there (he thought it was a 5 and might be an error code!) Here's the advert: Ducati 749 in Rondebosch & Mowbray | Motorcycles & Scooters | Gumtree South Africa
Hi Andreas and welcome. Have you been racing at Killarney this year? What is your number and class? Sorry, can't help you re the 749 but hope to see you at the track, we don't have near enough Ducs, but I'm waiting for my motor to come back from Jhb.
Anybody trying to sell an '03 as an'05, must be either a bit thick, in which case offer half the asking price plus some magic beans, or they are a piss-taker and you need to stay clear of. be patient, and it will be worth the wait. Good luck getting the right one.
The vendor obviously thought the 5 (or S) on the display, meant it was a 2005 - easy mistake to make in my opinion.......
