Hi to all. I’ll be in the market for a new bike this May/June. I have come down to 2 choices, either a 748 or 749. I have my own preference, based purely upon ‘looks,’ and aesthetics. But, in the end all that is secondary… So, I have a simply question: “All in all, and especially based upon reliability and possible problems, which one is the best choice?”
Had both myself. Which models are you looking at, as this could affect the choice? Also, for fun or commute? Assuming standard ish versions, just for fun days out (not SPS / R versions etc), the 748 has the classic looks, but, is a little more "focused" than the 749. Wrists are lower, which gives more weight on your wrists on the 748, head a little lower etc. 749 is a comfier bike to ride. Looks wise, the 749 with the black swing arm looks better than the early grey swing arm. My 748 snapped a throttle cable, and the 749 had an intermittent fault on the side stand switch. Neither bike left me stranded on the side of the road. For ease of riding, and possibly slightly better reliability, the 749 would take it. But, when ever I see a nice 748, I'm still taken by the looks. Looks alone and for short sunny blasts - 748, longer rides and being comfy - 749. Either bike is great fun, and turns heads. Buy the best one you can afford, with the best service history.
Thanks for your reply Carbon 749, and the good questions. Firstly, way past my hayday, I’m still relatively in good nick. I’m 5”10 (maybe a bit too tall for a 748)? I’ll be doing something like 4-5K a year on A-Roads and country roads. Only be riding, Spring & Summer and the occasional good days throughout the rest of the year. No track days; No super crazy, hyper redlining, burnouts or power wheelies. Pretty much now, the boring fart using the bike to go back and forth to work on sunny days- a bit sad how age changes you! Don’t really know what else to say, except that I really want more days on the road, than in the workshop.
I'm 5ft 9" and am OK on both bikes, but, the 748 feels a little lower on the front and higher on the back end, Hence it always felt to me like I had more weight on my wrists. That said, my belly on the tank helped support myself :smirk: My 748 was a 1997 BP, and was reliable and fun. But, it was only 5 years old at the time, I had no issues with it at all. From what I've read, the later 748's were reliable. My 749 is a comfier bike to ride, the front and rear seem "flat" with quite a neutral riding position. As said I have had 2 x 749, both have been reliable. The 749 is a "modern" bike compared to the 748, slightly sharper looks etc, which still look good today when out with current bikes. If you get a 749s, then you will have adjustable foot pegs, adjustable seat and tank unit, so quite easy to get the bike to fit you. Try them both, and enjoy the buying experience. At some point in my life, I can see me having to have a 748 / 996 bike again, but, it will be in addition to the 749, not instead of.
Heart says "Desmo", head says "Testastretta". Your choice will be limited by availability so expect to look for a while before the right one comes along. I second the "buy the best one you can afford with the best history". Andy
I'm 6'2" and fit both my 996 and 999 fine. 999 is deffo comfier. Seen a fair few "older" gents buy a 748/9*6(8) and had to sell as too painful. But a lot of that will come down to your weight, fitness and general health.
Actually I not that old. I just need to find a way to attach my Zimmer frame to the bike. The advice about the Testastretta is true, but do they still have the same problem with chrome flaking?
5ft 11in and 64 years old and still love my 748. As mentioned the wrists can ache a bit on a long run but I find having to top up the fuel at 120 miles is the perfect time to give them a rest. Steve
I currently have both but couldn't make a fair comparison on the comfort front as the 748 has been set up for me but the 49 is way to hard suspension wise. that will be getting sorted in the coming weeks. As a riding experience as far as engine characteristics, noise, view from/of cockpit, I prefer the 48 or the 49 or the 48 or... basically I just re fall in love with which ever one im on for the day. neither will disappoint at all. I would buy the first/best one that comes up for the money of either of the 2, after all, you can all ways re sell if you don't get on with it!
