Initial impressions of the Ducati 748 by a Japanese convert - Ducati.ms

Ducati748 · Jul 14th, 2010, 1:38 pm

Title says it all.

Picked up a 1998 748 with just under 4,000 miles after a pretty extensive history of riding Japanese bikes. Fear of service intervals and retail cost of the Duc's kept me off them until now.

For all extensive purposes my 748 is stock other than typical bolt on mods.

Ive ridden the bike for about 200 miles or so thus far and really enjoy it. I have ridden twins prior as i owned a RC51, but not a little twin like a SV650.

Though my 748 does not make loads of power, the power it does produce comes on very smooth and predictable. The bike handles spot on!

I do think if i were able to obtain my old 98GSXR600 it would hand my 98 748 its but on a platter........but doing so it lacks the character and refined feel of my 748.

All and all, i have to totally agree with all the reviews i read prior to my purchase and like to admitt i totally love this machine! I sure hope she can handle some miles because i have a feeling she is gonna get a lot!

moto · Jul 14th, 2010, 5:04 pm

Congrats on your new bike.

The 748 is a fun bike.

-M

Yellow 748R · Jul 15th, 2010, 1:45 am

Ride it as much as u can. I was also a bit sceptical, I went through every pice of info on the 748 and almost did not buy it, lot's of horror stories flacking rockers, stalling, reserve tanks cracking. Well once I rode her all the worries disapear. It is not a garage bike. Drive it and enjoy!

kwakanut · Jul 15th, 2010, 9:48 am

I've had no problems with 916 except the occasional loss of a reg/rec, which is common for my bike. I LOVE torque!! And it's so stable it gives me quite a bit of confidence. Enjoy!

surfguygrif · Jul 16th, 2010, 10:30 am

Yellow 748R....you have a reserve tank on your 748??

Ducati 748 Delaware · Jul 16th, 2010, 5:22 pm

I bought my 748 during a snow storm. The poor thing had been abused and was in rough shape.

Took it home after working a fire sale price. Took the bike apart, replaced all the broken and screwed up stuff, put it back together with the help of the service and parts manual.

No surprises. I love this bike,, its a sweet ride and I often get on it and leave my souped up Yamaha R1 parked.

THE 748 IS A DIFFERENT MACHINE, I CAN'T DESCRIBE IT. I THINK ONCE YOU GO ITALIAN YOU'LL NEVER GO BACK.

I've ridden since 1962 and this is my first Ducati. I just do not know why I did not do it earler in life. I guess it is never too late to rehab your childhood.

I was 63 last June 25, Now, has someone got a nice Street Fighter for sale?

Later, George in Delaware

Yellow 748R · Jul 19th, 2010, 4:59 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfguygrif

Yellow 748R....you have a reserve tank on your 748??

No reserve tank, why you asking?

surfguygrif · Jul 19th, 2010, 5:59 pm

"reserve tanks cracking"

Desmo_Demon · Jul 19th, 2010, 7:34 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfguygrif

"reserve tanks cracking"

I think he meant "reservoir"....for the coolant.

SD 999S · Jul 19th, 2010, 8:20 pm

I honestly don't see why you have to be one or the other. I have 3 bikes by 3 different makes, and love them all. My 999S, Buell 1125R, and Suzuki SV650S. I enjoy all 3 pretty much equally.