DUCATI 748 (1994 - 2003) Review

Version: Biposto / E

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £200

Only if the friend is experienced . Not as easy pulling away from junctions etc etc , it's a large vtwin after all

Buying experience: Swapped for a t595. Even though this Ducati is the best , mintest, caressed ! My t595 was nice too however . But to look at this , polish it , oh and ride it again when I can book MOT soon, I prefer it to an 848 etc by far. Or any previous bike . It's second to none for character. And who goes over 150 mph. I didn't expect to feel like I'm hanging on for life but it gives that impression over 6k rpm

Version: r

Year: 2000

The engine is great. The handling OK. Hopeless on "real" roads but if you do trackdays or sunny smooth roads then you'll enjoy it.

Buying experience: Dealer imported one in from Japan for me. Good bloke.

Version: BP

Year: 1997

Well, how can you not refer to its iconic look as one of its best features. True, it followed from the 916 and is perhaps thought of as some how lesser for that but let me tell you, it isn’t. While the 916 is faster in a straight line, get to the twisty bits and things are a little different. If you have never felt the need or urge to negative steer on a motorcycle you won’t go very far on a 748! Try steering into a corner and the balance of the 748 can be very wobbly. Negative steering tips the bike beautifully into the corner where it holds its line perfectly. The trouble can come from the bike encouraging you to go faster and faster. Talking of riding characteristics I bought my 748 in August 1997, brand new as a present to myself for getting through the the early 1990’s recession. I was looking at getting a 916 but as I had not ridden motorcycles since the 1970’s Motorcyle News where writing about “born again” bikers having the highest death rate. Due to this I chose the 748 and have never regretted it.The 748 can’t be considered fast in comparison to the latest machines available today but, although speed is considered to be the most important by some, there are many other considerations to make. Going back to the first paragraph, many people who know little about motorcycles think that the 748 is a fairly new model! This is another plus point as the bike has aged incredibly well and still draws attention when I’m out on it. Also, although it isn’t the fastest bike in the paddock, it still looks like it’s going 100mph plus when it’s stood still, such are the sporty lines of the bike. I would not recommend my bike to a friend without them first riding one for several miles. However, once you have discovered that you like it you constantly ride with a smile on your face.

Buying experience: I bought the bike from Thruxton Motorcycles, a Ducati main dealer. At the time there was a 1 year waiting list and so therefore list price was the only deal. Ducati did offer fully comprehensive insurance for £300.00 which I accepted due to being a born again biker with no no claims discount

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £250

Best features: Reliability. Take care of the bike and it will pay back! Simplistic. No fancy bells and whistles. It is what it is. Bare simple harness. Easy large connectors. Flip seat cowl up and it comes off in a second (plastic retainers). One bolt holds the fuel tank. Fuel tank has two quick disconnects and the tank is off. Remove 6 allen bolts and the induction cowl is off. Four allen bolts on each side of the fairings and two at the bottom and the bike is semi naked. Take mirrors off and front fairing is off. What else is there to want? No special relays.Worst features: Riding position around town. Numb right hand.

Buying experience: Privately.

Version: R

Year: 2002

I had 3 versions of the 748. Started on a 2000 E , then moved up to a 2001 748S, then spent 6 years with the 2001R, and then 7 on the final 2002R.Bad stuff first: The R is a different bike to the other versions, and I wouldn't really recommend it as someones frist 748. An S model would be a much better choice. The R really is a race bike with lights, and as such it's a terrible bike round town. Dodgy shower injectors mean it surges and stalls in traffic (even with a Power Commander fitted) and it's standard rubbish slipper clutch makes pulling away from lights etc nerve racking, particularly hill starts. It's a very focused bike and not easy to ride, though so rewarding when you get it right. They are also complete money pits; the last service on mine cost over £1500, and I did some of the work myself!But yes, there is a reason I had 748Rs for 13 years, and that is they are the most fun bike I've ever ridden on the open road, or track! No bike has even brought such a grin to my face! They have so much character. They look stunning, particularly the 2002 model (which looks pretty damn similar to the uber exotic 998R), they sound amazing (especially with a half or full Termi system ). No, they're not fast compared to Jap 600s, but as people have said else where, it's all about the torque and the handling. And no jap bike will give you the same sense of character or offer you so much fun!One final thing, if you're thinking of getting an R, maybe avoid the 2001 version. Mine was a flipping diaster financially, something was always going wrong with it. I also once bought a 2001R with a 853 kit which self destructed on the way home from the dealers. The 2002 version seemed much more reliable. To give some idea of how much I loved the 748R: During my ownership of the 2002 model, I also had a 998s FE (Final Edition) with very low mileage, and even though I knew that it would be the best investment (dealers are asking around 20k nowadays), I sold it to keep the R, because at the end of the day that was the bike I enjoyed riding the most.Sadly my last R was completely destroyed when some dozy car driver pulled out on me. There's few around nowadays (one less now that's for sure..), they're quite sought after and the insurance company gave me got twice as much as I paid for it, which meant I could buy a 2016 Mv Agusta 800 RC, another limited edition model, which is arguably even more beautiful than the 748R. Its fast, fun, and seems very reliable, but it hasn't got the soul of the Ducati. I wouldn't be surprised if I get another R one day. Every one should have a 748R at least once in their lives. Prices are going up though, so I should probably get one sooner rather than later!

Buying experience: Privately and from a dealer

Version: 748 SP

Year: 1995

Annual servicing cost: £300

Stunning looks, hairs stand on the bike of your neck when firing it up and it draw's attention every where I take it, for most its a child hood hero bike! My video review - https://youtu.be/3Jp7HnYa4Fw

Buying experience: So far nothing unexpected, washing it with a pressure washer is best avoided with the electrics

Version: Biposto

Year: 1999

I need to dispel the reliability myth. I've owned mine since 2000, used commuting in London, road trips to Ireland, France (every year), Belgium, Lux, Germany. Numerous track days. It has never let me down. Servicing is a touch pricey. I have it serviced by an indie specialist which keeps prices tolerable. But in all that time I have not needed to replace anything beyond normal consumables. It even had the original 1999 battery in it until recently and still started on the button every time. It's certainly not the most comfortable bike out there but it is still sublime to ride, not ideal for commuting but it is so small and narrow that cheeky little filtering manoeuvres are possible. And it is still the best looking bike ever made. Just seeing it parked in my garage gives a warm feeling.

Version: R

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £300

This is my Second 748, had Biposto in 2003 and loved it but sold it with regret. Picked up my R in mint condition in 2012, yes its an old bike and a bugger to ride slow. but when you open it up and hear it scream at 130+ mph you understand why you own one. Its the most beautiful bike to look at from every angle and becoming like hens teeth.

Buying experience: don't buy one unless its clean and has service bills.

Bought on a whim and used as a commuter. Was it a smart move? Nope. But do I regret it? Not at all. The bikes not comfortable, its engine's aggressive and unforgiving in town. Its got no rider assists and its high maintenance but my god, what a bike. Its at home on twisty open roads as its a precision cornering machine. It will not like you if you bring it into town where you'll hear it grumble and spit angrily through its pipes. Its dry 'clink clink clink' clutch acts as a reminder that you shouldnt be stationary. Throwing it around town is easy enough but be warned its got a turning circle of a bus. If you're not ready with the clutch, if it stalls randomly the rear will lock and bring you down. More points to be aware of is its high maintenance and if you skimp on it it'll bite back. So why buy a bike like this? Well you'll have to test one to understand. I think the Italians were trying to design biking perfection and they go pretty close, be it at a high maintenance cost.

And perhaps that's why I rate this bike so high, it makes me smile, time and again. It's vastly underpowered compared to even the 600s of the same era, but I feel confident while turning that I am in control, hence the lean angles become sharper, and I smile. I simply enjoy riding this motorcycle, even though it was the 916 I was always after. Due to several thousands of dollars discount I opted for the identical 748. I no longer had any patience to save up the rest of the summer - and so life with a 748, and it's good. I will be either installing an 853cc kit or a 916/996 motor when one presents itself. I've traveled extensively on the 748, a 1200-mile round trip to Indy for MotoGP and back summer 2013 and I was comfy for an hourly stint before I needed to stretch; I'm 6' so maybe that tells you something about the diminutive yet capable ergonomics? I was able to simply slide back in the saddle, rest my girth on the fuel tank, relax my elbows and carry on. Remarkable. When speaking of Ducati it is almost obligatory to mention servicing, and I would caution everyone owning one to strictly adhere to the service intervals. I change belts religiously at 6k miles, and inspect valvetrain at 12k. Expensive, but the only way to ensure reliability. My most enduring memory (however fresh) of this motorcycle is the rush of excitement I would swell with after the aforementioned long journey home from Indy once the mountain roads opened up into twisty, tight elevation changing passes. Smiles abound! One of the most amazing road bikes I've ridden.

If you look at this bike in a way that is at all sensible, you will get another bike. Tragically, I looked at this bike and all sence was knocked out of me, I had to have it! Now i do, I love it!!!! i will not get rid of it... I'll lose the house paying the extreme running costs before I let this bike go.

Ok so i've had it a year and a half and i've only had it up and down the drive. up until last week when i track dayed it. So this is purley a track bike perspective. To be honest, it would struggle to cut it as an everyday bike, i'll explain why during this review. Ok so first things first, the bike looks stunning, there is no denying that! it has been well designed dimensionaly and functionally. all the cables and parts are easy to access and beautifully manufactured (a bit like alfaromeos). On getting on the bike you will immedaitely notice the padding (or lack of) on the seat, this is emphasised by that rock hard suspension (similar to the set up i have on my race worked ZXR, thats how hard it is) the bowed seat almost forces you into an arched racing postion, my bike 'had' cam adjustable rearsets this coupled with the ride hight adjustment allowed me to set ride postion up nicely (even for a tally) the instruments are clear and nicely made with little touches of italian art to remind you your straddling a piece of exotica! Starting the bike: The key sits nicely into its slot by a recess in the tank surrounded by lush carbon. in its little hidey hole it stays without presenting distraction. turning the key you here the fuel pump charge the system with a powrfull buzz. clicking the fast idel on the bars is a pleasure in its own right, its beautifully made and effective. My bike starts up first time every time and doesnt splutter, choke or groan. Now, dry clutch . . . ., the bike sounds like an old spitfire on start up. to be honest i like that dry clutch rattle. but any one stood by would think your bike was knackered. if you tune your ears to listen over the rattle or just feather the cluth you can listen in to that sweet twin again bubbling over in a rythmic manner. after a few minuets you can flick off the fast idel and let the bike tick over. Pulling away: Its the first thing lee noticed, and i dont know who designed it, but that sidestand is a accident waiting to happen, its spring loaded and apparently prone to snapping. My trust in it is minimal and im over catious putting it on the stand! Once your comfy, pulling the hydraulic clutch in and pushing it into gear is very smooth, no jolting or banging. I've had hydraulic clutches on trials but never road, in a word its cracking. Putting the revs up and letting the clutch out is a task, first time you do it, you'll stall, second time, you squeel that dry clutch. once you have the knack its still a task and slow riding is never going to be achievable in fact below about 10mph is really jolty and very uncomfortable. The engine: the second best part of the bike, once your going you'll get a shock at how freely that V twin revs. and with 70ft lb of torque it pushes and pushes. now i cant help but feel an inline 4 750 would be faster, but it would lack the torque, which ultimately gives fantastic drive out of a corner. Its linear to apply which so the back wheel never tries to fight its way out on you mid turn, but then you can feel that risk ever present as it puts all 100BHP down on the track. swtiching gears is lovely and smooth and the ratios were perfect for cadwell, That clutch has a massive part to play in that. wheelying in the first 3 gears, the bike red lines at 13,000rpm, even at these crazy speeds that desmo set up makes the engine feel so repsonsive and composed (very different feel to spring assisted valves). Frame: stiff as you like, im a big fan of tubular frames. they offer fantastic mid corner composure, the down side is you get streams of feedback from the bike, too much to process some times. bottom line is handling is the bikes best feature (by a country mile) Suspension: No good for the road, its rock hard. the setup of the bike makes squatting and diving minimal. getting that mid stroke shock travel both front and rear was a fairly easy and the steering dampener helps soften some of the endless feedback. Brakes: them brembos have some immense stopping power, and i found that over taking pre corner entry on the brakes very easy and composed. the feel was progressive and certainly not aggressive. the back break was light and could be snatchy, i kept rear braking to a minimum. Overall: an awsome trackday package, tooled up to the nines to benefit a hard rider in every way. Engine outright power lacking slightly, but this is more than made up in torque. A tall order to get away with this bike on tho road, and personally I wouldnt bother unless its your 2nd weekend in july blaster. solid, composed bike with attitude, what more can you ask from ducati twins note: i had prielli diablo super corsas fitted to mine and they offered immense grib and feedback. definately a harder compound for the road. Written for my forum Read more: http://teessidebikers.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bikereviews&action=display&thread=9093&page=1#ixzz1Nw0sUnlw

I had an 848 which I had to sell to help fund a conservatory. Bit of money left at the end with which I bought my 748. I was worried about the lack of power, the brakes, weight and age after my 848. Need not have worried, yeh it's not as fast and its a bit heavy, but this bike like my 848 eats corners, stops on a sixpence and has enough power to have you grinning like a loon. Mine has a few extra's which the previous owner purchased, Leo Vinci SBK exhaust, open clutch and a few bits of carbon. So far (touch wood) she has been utterly reliable and ok servicing is dear, but what would you rather have, a beautiful Italian superbike or an anonymous Japanese inline four.

Had a 748e (loved it),then a 600rr(ok),then a zx9r(well ?). Now ive got a 748r amazing bike so much character,handling is sublime,looks amazing,noise awsome,grin factor 10

My 2002 748s will never be sold! Brought New and covered 31000 miles this bike has never let me down. Its spends a week in France every year and had a long hard journey to Imola and back. If your thinking of buying one, give it a go. You wont regret it.

What Can I say about the 748s it's absolutly fantastic, the handling of this bike is something else, i dont think i'll have anything else now other than a ducati, everything about it just oozes with class, great looks still, great handling, a good racing feel, only bad point i'd say was through town bit crampy, overall im impressed with what ive got, very rewarding.

Just turned 20 and brought one of these. Served my apprenticeship on various bikes from a 500cc Royal Enfield to a 125cc Lambretta scooter. I have to say the Ducati brings a smile to my face every time I see it let alone ride it. If you pull your finger out and look after it you will have no problems. Comfort is terrible (even for a young un')and mirrors are for aesthetics, but just look at it! Is there a more beautiful motorcycle? (excluding my Lambretta) Sounds great too....

I've owned old & new sportsbikes, including a gsxr 600 k4 bought new,lovely bike....then ten months later I saw this 748 for sale, my head said no, but my heart said yes! I took a chance, and I've never regreted it yet. If your looking for a bike that makes you feel special, take a chance with the ducati 748....you wont regret it!!

Having had various bikes including a harris 2 1100 my recently acquired 748 has performed better than most including the harris and i now want to buy a 999 anyway the 748 has excellent road handling and the termis make it sound as good as it looks. Strengths: Delivery of power from the twin is excellent & the handling is second to none with excellent front brake makes me grin from ear to ear. Weaknesses: Back brake poor, lights not the best and perhaps the need to work in the higher end of the rev range to get her moving but thats fun.

In 2004 I took my Ducati Sport 900 in for its annual service and decided to take a 748S out for a test. 200 metres down the road and I knew I had to have one. I traded and bought her later that day. Every time I look at her in the garage I know I made the correct decision. She rides as good as she looks too. Plenty of usable power, handles beautifully. Its only my bottle that holds her back, or lack of should I say. More than enough grunt and speed. Had an early teething problem with frayed wire shorting the rectifier regulator out but since then she's been trouble free. You buy this baby though with your heart not your head because you know that she's not going to come cheap to run. If you love Italian looks then this is the baby for you. Strengths: Stunning looks, handling and that lovely grunty torque as you pull away. Weaknesses: This baby is not cheap to run, you're never going to have a standard service cost and there's no point in scrimping or cutting corners. Ducati service costs are more expensive to start out with anyway but you know it's worth it.

I picked up my 748 on Saturday and have not stopped grinning sice, what a fantastic bike. I was motor cycle courier for 6 years and have riden and owned lots of bikes. Apart from a Supermoto the 748 is everything bikings about, lots of useable power and fun. It handles like its on rails looks the dogs. Strengths: Looks/Style, sound, performance. Weaknesses: None yet.....watch this space.

I bought my bike after I had a really bad spill on my GSXR 750. Jap sreamers.... I really wish I hadn't listened to the geezer who said "why don't you get a Duke" It's a fantastic bike when it's running, unfortunately it's as temprimental as moxt women... It's now mid July, sunny, ideal biking weather. Mines in the garage, won't start so I can't get it the 50 miles to the closest place that will look at it.... Strengths The usual.....sounds awesome, looks awesome, turns heads......when it's running!!!! Weaknesses Electrical problems. Lack of people who want to look at it when it's playin up...!!

After owning a 2001 ZX12R I went over to the dark side and bought a 1992 750SS,got knocked off that and with the insurance and compo' money bought Daisy, a 2000 748SPS and what a bike! Fantastic on the open road or round town, long hauls a bit of a pain in the a!*e but worth it for the grin factor. The beast all round bike I have ridden since my RD350LC Eddie Lawson rep' when I was 18! Strengths: Fantastic noise from the 50mm Termis, Italian exotica looks. Weaknesses: NONE

Wasn't sure about the duke at first, what with all the rumours about reliability, but bought a 2001Y 748R. OK, it sounds like a bag of spanners when its idling and the slipper clutch I fitted is VERY noisy but when its going the induction roar and race termis sceaming, it sounds like its coming from hell. It was my first bike and was a great bike to learn the trade on as it inspires so much confidence. Strengths: The noise, handling, looks, exotica and the noise again, there is no other noise like it!! Weaknesses: The neighbours dont like me starting it a 5.30 am, and I can't stop buying little bits for it!

Awesome bike to own - very rewarding when pushed, and it loves to be pushed. Makes most sense on a race track where you can rev it hard and set it up. Suspension a bit harsh for the real world, crashes over square edged bumps and ridges in the road. Uncomfortable around town and requires a lot of attention to coax between cars in heavy traffic. But then it was never meant for town stuff. Strengths: Engine, style, and how it all comes together like no other bike in the twisty bits. Better than a 916/996/998 as it is less intimidating, and more rewarding in the real world - as you can rev the hell out of it and not endlessly be running out of road and into the hedge or angry police. Weaknesses: Harsh suspension, doesn't cope in traffic.

Excellent bike had 900ss before this one and had 2 buy this 748 when it was on the market been resprayed and powder coated and added some termis too. Awesome bike in performance and looks. Watched some people getting their picture taken beside this bike just last week. What 10 year old bike can claim that! Strengths: looks, performance . RELIABILITY. Weaknesses: none.

Bought bike after a bike gap (back to college and a baby girl). always loved the 916 but could never afford one. chose this '98, 12k mileage beastie over a new zx 636. excellent handling, all the lads love a go on it too. it is a long term purchase though and loads of mods etc. i love it more every time i go out and it gets more looks than the usual drivel! it also keeps up well, especially the twisties. needs a new battery now. Strengths: handling looks sound ease of spares and mods. Weaknesses: service costs.

Bought as first bike after a gap of a few years, mainly on looks rather than performance. Cornering is superb, very well balanced and forgiving, oodles of torque and the cans throaty burble attract admirers in towns. Straight line top end OK but don't place any bets, but for a fun A road blast I can't get the shit eating grin off my face. Strengths: It looks superb and handles the same. Headturner and peeps ask you about it wherever you stop. Weaknesses: Tough clutch, long runs can get a bit "knees round your ears" stiff but at 40 that could just be me!!!

Bought in 2003 as a summer ride out and track day machine. Unfortunately this dea turned out to be flawed as the attraction of the little 748 has taken over and I love to be on it all the time. I have respayed all the panels and given it the foggy 1999 rep kit treatment. Looks and sounds fantastic with twin termis at the rear. Been caught out in the rain many times on it and the italian elecs were fine. Naff sprung sidestand and lack of lock in traffic slightly lets this bike down. Useless headlights, but who wants to ride in the dark on this great bike. Luvvin it!!!! Strengths: Handling, V-twin, Sound. Weaknesses: Sidestand, Headlights, Servicing Costs.

Bought very low mileage SPS second hand and first wondered what all the fuss was about. Once run in and new rubber had settled, it all became apparent. Best balanced bike I've ridden in 20 years, including many superbikes. Front end is awe inspiring and turns with absolute precision. Engine pulls well and once I'd adjusted to the lower revving style of the twin the speed came with deceptive ease. However, after its first, hard days serious thrashing it broke! Top end of the engine clattered louder than the clutch! OK, I think. It has so many strengths & serves up riding pleasure by the sack load, so I can even put up with a fragile engine. Trouble was parts took so long to arrive I hardly got to ride the thing. Other owners I know have all had similar experience. Overall a bike that reminds you of what bike riding is all about, nailing the twisties! But don't expect it to be every day transport. Strengths: Balance, precision, traction in short one of the best chassis to have two wheels bolted to it as well as one of the sexiest looking bikes ever made. Weaknesses: Build quality on par with lots of other Italian exotica. (looks like gold built from tin) Engine seems to by the weakest part of the machine. Not in terms of performance but durability is certainly questionable.

I bought the bike as a track bike in 748RS trim. The difference between this and a standard 748R is considerable. The bike was very fast -a real supersport racer. The reason i say 'was' is because it blew up... The only reason this happened was because we failed to maintain our schedule of a rebuild every 1000 kilometres. Despite this I loved the bike... sticking it to bigger bikes on track was extrmemely satisfying... even though you have to ride like a maniac to do so!

Resisted writting report until now. Hunnymoon period over and still love her! The strange thing is that the 748 I find bloody comfortable? Only down side is servicing cost.

It's the first bike ive ever owned & ridden, seems quite comfy to me but I have no bikes to contrast it with! Looks &sounds like nothing else. A stone smashed a headlight and cost me over £ 300 to get fixed! The 749 is out now, so my one is one of the last 748s made I think. Body coloured mirrors, smooth fairing, and braided brake hoses all standard on the 2002 model. Is it a good first bike ? I don't want my money back. I do wonder about the sanity of any willing pillion riders on bike.

You know what it's like when you see the girl of your dreams and think 'I've got to have her', well that was what it was like with my 748. All my spare cash goes on little trinkets for her and touch wood the wife hasn't noticed yet. Come in with a new pair of shoes and she goes off on one, pop an Ohlins damper on the bike and she doesn't bat an eyelid. The bike's everything I wanted and more. Most Jap bikes I've owned I've wanted to change after a year or so but the 748 is here for the duration. Get one.

The first time I rode it, I thought it was broken, it clattered and crunched like it was going to blow, but now I'm used to it it's the most amazing thing I'v owned, it handles better than any bike I have ever ridden, it pulls like fu*k, everyone, and I mean everyone, notices you, and when you get home you just want to go straight back out again.

Stable handling, incredible brakes, great on bumpy roads, suprisingly quick. Similiar style to my old Jota's, heavy clutch,loads of character, prefer my Hayabusa for general use. This bike is too good to use. Will keep indefinately.

Sounds like a sack of spanners when you start it, except for the exhaust note (still ace on stock cans)... Pulls away cleanly, very balanced, and pulls strongly unlike anything I've ever ridden before... Doesnt have the same "sledgehammer shove" like a 4 pot rice burner, and as a result is deceptively fast... The sound of the engine rattles soon fades and you get sucked in by the induction "WHHAARRRRPPPP" and the sound of the exhaust... the only other sound is the metallic thwap of the valves being slammed shut desmodromically. Comfort has been massively improved by removing the roll pins in the bars so I can tild the brake levers away from me a bit (at 6 foot 5 inches my arms were all in the wrong place...) bent elbows has taken all the weight off of my wrists and overall its as comfy as my zx6r so far... Things I dont like? its stalled twice on me at roundabouts while slowing down, amy just need the tickover raising, other than that just the cleaning, with something as stunning as this, even the slightest grubby mark means it has to be cleaned...

The harder you ride it, the better it gets...The front end has inspired more confidence than any other bike in my 11 years riding. Despite religious cleaning, the fairing fasteners are losing their finish and will be replaced soon. The single seat looks trick and different as it's plain yellow, not SPS replica.

Bike feels much more stable and predicatable in turns than my 1999 GSXR600. Handling is superb, I am riding smoother and faster than before. Torque can be a bit of a handfull in the wet!