Ducati 749 (2003-2007)

Preferred by some to the Ducati 999, and for good reason. The Ducati 749 is a cheaper motorcycle new or used, plus the smaller engine makes just the right amount of power for the chassis in certain road riding situations. The Ducati 749 has a kind of balance, an addictive precision, in its steering, acceleration and braking that makes it a machine that surprises riders with its understated ability.


Engine

Early 2003 and 2004 versions of the basic Ducati 749 lack power – it’s nowhere near, say a Suzuki GSX-R600, on a long open circuit. The Ducati 749S had the 116bhp Testastretta motor from 2005, but you're still gonna get your butt kicked by a Suzuki GSX-R750. For all its exotic chassis detailing, the Ducati 749R still lacks some serious high rpm punch when matched against sporty 600cc motorcycles with four cylinders, or even beautifully grunty Triumph Daytona 675 triple.



Ride and Handling

In a nutshell, if you can afford the deeply wonderful Ducati 749R version, get one. It handles with an arrow-like precision, and a decently quick rider can feel like Troy Bayliss. With adjustable steering angle, a WSS designed swingarm, Ohlins suspension and 4 pot radial calipers, the Ducati 749R feels like a totally different animal from the entry level motorcycle, although many a used Ducati 749 Dark may well have some chassis tweaks on it to improve the overall handling and ride quality.

Equipment

£14K Ducati 749R apart, the Ducati 749 range is somewhat basic. The Ducati 749 range comes with an immobilser as standard, plus the usual oil/temp warning lights and that's about it. Of course, there is a vast array of factory Ducati extras available for this motorcycle.

Quality and Reliability

Early Ducati 749s are not quite as reliable as later motorcycles. Like all Ducatis it needs quality, regular servicing (although most have). 2004 onwards saw a new electrical system plus a new management chip which eliminated the tickover stalling problem this motorcycle suffered with.

Model History

2003: Ducati 749 launched.
2004:  All Ducati 749 models have improved electrics, reshaped fairing sections, new engine management/fuelling chip, higher compression engine with bigger valves.
2005: Ducati 749S model gets 116bhp Testastretta motor from the old R version - R model has tweaks to boost claimed power to 121bhp.
2006: Detail changes to clutch mechanism on Ducati 749 Dark and Ducati 749S versions.
2007: Model discontinued.




Specifications

Top speed 150mph
1/4-mile acceleration 11.3 secs
Power 116bhp
Torque 60ftlb
Weight 186kg
Seat height 780mm
Fuel capacity 15.5 litres
Average fuel consumption 43mpg
Tank range 148 miles
Insurance group 15
Engine size 748cc
Engine specification 8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame Steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes Twin 320mm disc
Rear brake Single 240mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17 in