Anyone ever rode a Duc 748?

I have a line on a Ducati 748, might be able to get one for cheap....
Anyone ever ridden one of these before? Is it any good, or is it just going to break on me...Like most Ducs....
Just looking for some in-sight.

Nope.

[mikerj]

Beautiful bikes, generally reliable if looked after but they need a lot more care and attention than most Jap bikes. This is a bike that you need to enter ownership with your eyes open, and you absolutely don't want to buy a cheap neglected one.

The 748 is very similar in most respects to the 916 and the later 996, and there is a comprehensive list of potential issues here: So you want to buy a 916

As mentioned in that list, the Desmoquattro engines suffer from rocker arm problems (the hard chrome plating flakes of) and new rocker arms are astronomically expensive so it's a bonus if they have been checked and replaced recently.

I've ridden a 996 and to be honest it felt a bit down on power compared to my RSV, though not slow by any stretch. The 748 has a bit of a reputation for feeling a bit underpowered - they are probably not as quick as most modern 600 sports bikes.

[fizzwheel]

Look on the ducatsti forum. You'll get a better idea on there from actual owners, rather than the armchair experts On Here who have never owned a ducati yet trott out the same tied cliches about reliability etc etc.

I had one for three years. If you 'get' Ducati’s you’ll think it’s an amazing beautiful bike to ride. The suspension is sublime and the air box noise is enthralling. But, and here’s why I sold it. You end up riding around at 120 everywhere. I mean it, you cruise at 90 and it feels like you’re doing about 50. If you’re OK with that buy it but I didn’t want to go to jail.

Reliability? Well mine never broke down after I threw the stupid immobiliser away but the do take a lot of looking after. I did all the maintenance myself.

The one thing to remember, yes it’s a cliché but it’s true – There is no such think as a cheap Ducati.

Buy it, look after it, enjoy it. Be able to say you own what I think is still the best looking bike ever built. Jeez I want one!!

[mikerj]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Look on the ducatsti forum. You'll get a better idea on there from actual owners, rather than the armchair experts On Here who have never owned a ducati yet trott out the same tied cliches about reliability etc etc.

Which experts would they be?

[Biker Biggles]

BB junior has one.The 748S which is a standard engine but with better suspension and mag wheels.Its lovely to ride as a sports bike and a real class act.It has been reliable and has now done about 27000 miles and use has included a trip to the South of France,some long distance stuff here and some town work.In town its awful.Very uncomfortable and very hot to ride with the underseat exhausts and general engine heat.It is also a very small bike so if you are a big bloke that can be an issue.It does cost more than most to service and you probably should take it to a specialist rather than the local bike shop.Overall its an iconic classic that everyone should try.Get a good one.