Are there any 748 owners around?

[MementoMori]

Short story: I'm looking to buy one and want some owner's opinions.

Long story: My current bike is a ZX6R-F. I bought it because I'd just moved back into the country and it was fairly inexpensive so I went for it. It wasn't a bike I'd ever considered owning but as it stands it's absolutely fantastic and I love it to bits.

However, everybody has a bike that they've always wanted to own and mine's the Ducati 748. They're going for around 3 grand at the minute so not too bad at all. I'm seriously considering buying one now that summer's coming up and they're springing up all over the place for sale.

I'm just after some feedback from people who use them every day, especially those who commute on them. If you have any pictures, feel more than free to post them up!

I'm interested in knowing about the bike's comfort, riding position, how reliable they are, if services and parts really are that expensive, etc etc.

Also, do they all have that stupid flippy up side stand thing cos I can't stand those? And lastly how wide is the seat, as I'm a shorty. I know Italians are aswell but V-twins are typically tall. Apparently the seat height is nearly an inch less than my Ninja but, like I said, if the seat is wide it changes everything. I really need to go to a dealer's with one in, to have a sit on it, but the nearest Ducati garage don't have any.

Anyway, thanks for reading, I hope you can help.
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The tiger who came for a pint

[TheFoxyDuke]

Try looking on here:-

www.ducatisti.co.uk

Should answer most of your questions.

I've got a duke and got to say it's been more reliable than my old CBR (touch wood). they do like regular maintenance which is ideal if you can wield a set of spanners in anger. Belts and valves are the most difficult - belts being every 2 years recommended but should be OK to go to 3 if not thrashed to death. I'm gonna leave that to a proper mechanic.

The old saying goes ' Ducati - making mechanics out of riders since 1946'

Size wise I believe they are the same as all the 9 series bikes i.e. 916,955,996,998. They do have high rearsets but only taller people or those with arthritis seem to complain.

You can pick up some really nice ones for your price bracket. i don't believe mileage is as important as getting a good history.

Best of luck, fella. Good bikes and very underrated

FoxyD
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Currently : Ducati Monster S4R 2005, 996cc, Blue with Corse stripe, Open Carbon Clutch Cover (TokaTokaTokaToka), Marchesini 5 Spoke Wheels, 117BHP.
Wanted : Ducati 749S 2005 onwards.
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[ttr]

Not owned one, but nearly did!

I'm 6'ish, sat on one and it felt amazing, better still on the stand with feet up on the pegs etc.. you sort of 'lock in' to the bike, it all fits together and feels amazing compared with jap sportsbikes.

Didn't get a chance for a test ride (was a dealership and they knew I was restricted) but oh my CHRIST they sound gorgeous with termis!

I would love to have one but I don't imagine they'd be great on a day-to-day basis.

Also insurance was crippling! But I'm a young'n.
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GS125-> NT400->VFR400->CRM250->Z750 + GS125->NTV650 rat + VMX1200->GSF600 + GPz550

[Flip]

[shellshock]

Go for a test ride if possible Ms MM - nice choice

I am so jealous that you managed to get any kind of bike, never mind be in a position to swap to something you lurve ....

[Flip]

I thought you had a ZXR4 And?

[shellshock]

I did, nearly 4 years ago, been busy having extra babies since.

Youngest is nearly 9 months old now, time for some fun I thinks

(Looks to someone's wallet )

[MementoMori]

Thanks for the replies! Sorry it's taken me a while to get back. Have signed up on that Ducati forum now, looking forward to flicking through that when I get a minute.

Insurance for me, with CIA, was erm.... not cheap, but feasible so I'm fairly happy about that. They rang me back up and offered me a quote that was half of what their website coughed up. Bennetts, who I'm with atm, their website wouldn't even give me a quote.

Out of interest, if I had 3 years no claims but then moved to live in NZ for a year, did I lose my no claims? I've been back a year so do I now have 4, or just the 1? Going to be a pisser if it's the second one.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback. Shellshock, I hope you get back on the road sooner rather than later!


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The tiger who came for a pint

[garth]

I'd get a test ride, deffo. I was going to plump for one but wasn't really overly amazed by the one I rode. And it wasn't a dog - 7k with termis and stupid paintjob, etc.
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You ain't a has been if you never was