So I've recently purchased a 748 and already spending cash to keep it running. My question is, was the purchase price just like a deposit and it's going to want £100 a week in spares to keep it goin? It's a bit like a pcp....
I'v had my 748 for 7 years now and other than a Reg/Rec which failed and normal service costs, it has been faultless, I have spent money on it but through choice not necessity. Steve
Welcome, please join the map linked below. Don't make it sound like we're jinxed owning duke's. https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=1768775 ps: New dedicated map been launched soonish!
hello and welcome dude. had my 748 for nearly 9 years now. 2 years of that was doing a rebuild of it, but that was due to me leaving it unused and uncovered out doors for a winter and 4 years of using it in all weathers. apart from the reg/rec and the sprag clutch its never played up at all. keep it maintained and thrash it regularly and it will be fine!
Fab, I have an 02 registered MY02 with 39k miles on the clock and drive it whenever I can (also drive a 999), I have had it for 10 years and will have it for another 10 at least - its a great bike. The most important thing affecting its reliability is the generator-regulator/rectifier connector behind the battery - the yellow wires. Slighty dirty or worn contacts on this plug will kill the regulator, can burn out the stator, can over heat your battery or it can cause an electrical meltdown - it will certainly cause a breakdown. The best thing I ever did was cut it out and solder the wires together then double insulated the connections. After doing that the regulator now runs warm instead of too hot to touch and the bike electrics keep working at the right voltage. Do not let the battery lose charge, which means charge it regulary as much as weekly using an optimate or similar, never leave it over the winter for more than a couple of weeks without charging the battery. I change the belts and oil every 30 months/8000 miles and have had one breakdown (the sidestand safety switch broke in the down position). Keep the main loom connectors contacts clean - use a contact cleaner and or silicon switch cleaner. Do not pressure wash it and get some replacement starter cables (battery-solenoid-starter motor) from Exige on here. Also don't underestimate the strength and condition you need to ride it properly, you need to put some miles on it and in so doing you will get the conditioning you need. There are plenty of folks on here that will help you get the best out of it and keep it running at the lowest cost.
Reputable garage told me "great bikes (996) but don't run on the cheap" so I don't. And I don't care. My credit card is knackered but I own a Ducati!!!!
