Hi all Recently got my first duke, 1997 748 biposto. Haven't had the pleasure (other than the test ride) to have a good ride on it yet due to work constrains and it needing a 6k service for peace of mind I contacted ducati UK with the frame number and engine number. I was emailed back saying they couldn't find any info on it and asked for the registration document. That was sent along with a picture of the sticker on the right of the frame, a riveted on plate (year, vin number and something else embossed on) and a photo of the head stock numbers. The frame and engine match thank god. But the sticker states it and "S". It has the correct numbering as per the frame number so look cosha. I was told that 100 "S"s where produced in 1997 and wondered if mine was one of them? The riveted on embossed plate also has all the correct numbers and dates. I am not fused if it increase the value I would just like to know if it's is what it says on the tin of someone has been buying stickers off eBay again (knowing my luck). Any help would be great fully appreciated, I look forward to posting up a few pics when she is ready Cheers, w4tkins
My SPS says S on the plate. Doesn't refer to model. What sort of rear subframe? Alloy for SP/SPS Send the frame/engine numbers to Ducati bologna
I will have to look at the subframe and post a photo for you to look at, I am under the impression it is just a 1997 biposto but the frame plates confused me. To be totally honest I am still learning about these bikes. I have sent all the above info plus pics of the frame to ducati Italy. Just waiting on a reply. Cheers for all your replies so far
The silver sticker is original. The riveted plate isn't....I've never seen one on that frame rail anyhow. The "S" in the vin is a red herring...it's a descriptor as mentioned above. From what I can see it's a '97 748 BP, but the historical info from back then isn't that forthcoming with much more info I'm afraid. The original motor number ended 004556. The important thing is that the silver sticker matches the headstock number, matches the V5
+1 on matching the numbers to the V5 (goes for any bike-I fell into the trap when my vendor hadn't the V5 available... Same on the riveted plate-mine's a sticker. If it's an SP/SPS it'll have an adjustable headstock to alter the steering angle. Alloy subframe and no rear sets or mountings. Monoposto.
If you put a telephone number in your email to Ducati, you'll get a call within 24/48 hours. They'll tell you what the frame is, when registered and whether the engine number matches it.
I have never seen a plate riveted to a Ducati frame ever, certainly not from the UK or Ireland. I suspect this is an import as it states it complies with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act. It could be US or Canadian or from some other English speaking country. A quick Google search shows up as it being an Australian act. Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989
Most of the earlier 748 had the adjustable steering angle... my '98 BP had it. The fixed head came along with the 748E iirc.
Thanks for all the replays, Ducati did call me back but requested a photo of the frame and engine numbers for further investigation. I am glad that the frame and block do match otherwise I would have certainly walked away as the bike in my eyes has a "different" past. I have been to a ducati specialist and he also said he had not seen a riveted on plate before, every bike in his wor shop just had the above sticker on the frame. As for an import I had my suspicions, the clocks where changed due to them failing and the temp gauge is in farenheit. Again this could be a red herring leading me off track. Cheers for the info on the austrailian act, I will have a butchers on google and see what it throws up
Been playing with google and came up with a PDF stating different types of compliance plates. The 1989 to present matches mine perfectly. Then googled approval plate numbers records which directed my to the au version of DVLA to which I found a free checker service: The approval number matches, 748S matches but dates are incorrect On the V5 it does not state it is or was imported so it could be leading me up the garden path. But why would you go to the trouble of having an aus registration plate riveted onto your bike with the correct frame info??? The are plates available to buy of eBay and gumtree aus but it's behind me if the bike is in the UK? I know the last three owners but not the original two For a fiver and a V888 for DVLA should be able to tell me everything. Looks like that is my next step
Better quality report with yet more conflicting dates, just states typical VIN number but the remarks section is confusing me??
