[wayon]

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum. Came over from the Sport Classic forum as I sold my SC1000. There are a couple of 748's near me that I'm somewhat interested in. One is a '00 the other an '01. Similar mileage ~9000 mi. Can anyone tell me if there are any differences between the model years that I should be aware of, or anything specific I should look for before buying? Thanks for your help!

 

[tye1138]

On any bike, the newer the better. In 2001, Ducati finally got the rocker issues figured out with the 748's and they were BETTER on wear. I had an 01 and never had a flaky rocker, even after lots of track abuse. My 2000 748R motor had bad rockers, so that 1 year difference seemed to make a considerable difference in rockers alone.

I say get an 01.

 

[wayon]

Thanks for the tip, that's kind of the way I was leaning. The only problem is that that particular bike is 3 hours away, and it's yellow. If it were red it would probably be sitting in my garage right now!

 

[94CobraR]

I would definitely go with the newer...just because it's newer. I would also make sure they have service records.

I think the rocker issue is a matter of luck. Can't necessarily say any year was better then the other when it comes to a 748.

 

[ducmonkey]

For the most part your right they have had better luck with the newer one's 2001 and 2002, but they all have the possibility of rocker arm issues. Just tuned up a 2001 748S and had two bad rockers on two different cams don't assume anything. Some times you would be better off with one that has higher miles usually the rockers have settled. I do tune ups for a living take my word on it. My 916 has 24,000+ no rocker issue and its a 1996.

 

[tye1138]

The rocker issues didn't start until roughly 1998 and it was seen less on the bigger bore bikes due to the lower redline. The 748 is really the bike where the rocker issues shined through. If you set up the clearances well and maintain them, the later rockers 2001+ usually don't fall apart as quickly. The 1998-2000 rockers fall apart very quickly if not maintained. I believe Ian Falloon's Desmoqattro history book has some explanation on this, something to do with manufacturers and chrome type.

 

[Desmo_Demon]

Rockers, again?

Just for the record, I had four rockers flake on my '02 748 at 5600 miles. I replaced those four with factory replacements in 2006 when they were only $45 each. By 18k, I had more flaking rockers, including at least one of the 2006 replacements. I now have all my openers replaced with Megacycled rockers. Just an FYI.

 

[DukeDesmo]

I'd choose on condition/mileage/service history, colour etc either way it's an old bike and I doubt 1 year +/- would make much difference and they should both have the later 3-phase electrics.

IMO you're just as likely to have rocker issues on either but servicing, condition and luck will be a factor in this.

 

[Cattivo]

+1

I'd choose on condition/mileage/service history, colour etc either way it's an old bike and I doubt 1 year +/- would make much difference and they should both have the later 3-phase electrics.

IMO you're just as likely to have rocker issues on either but servicing, condition and luck will be a factor in this.

There's the answer right there. All things being equal, newer is better. Otherwise, look for the best maintained.

 

[wayon]

As an addendum to my original post, should I be afraid of a 2000 748 with 21,000 mi? What should I look for? Cost is biggest factor for me, but I don't want to buy an inexpensive bike only to have to dump $$ into repairs / maintenance.

I'm also considering a 749 as it seems that I may be able to source one for around 6K. I do love the SSSA on the XX8 bikes, however!

 

[rtzx9r]

I'd personally keep looking for a lower mileage bike. I ended up looking for 5-6 months for my 996, and had to travel 800 miles to get it. Condition and mileage were critical for me. the 10 year old bike has 4,200 on the odo.

I am in no way associated with this bike, but just an example of year and mileage

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/1438055361.html

2002 748 BiP with 2,xxx miles.

 

[davy.j]

My 2000 748 has 49000 km on the clock and has no issues.
It has had a couple of rockers replaced a few years ago, but that's no big deal.
Is long as the machine has been correctly serviced & not flogged to death
on the track, go on overall condition.
A low mileage bike has spent most of it's time sitting around deteriorating.

 

[Janusamare87]

My '01 748R, 6K miles - ALL opening rocker arms went bad. Now with Megacycle rocker arms...

Any desmoquattro motor is prone. Maybe a 998 is within your reach?

 

[nine16]

I'm with you. A ten year old bike with 2,000 miles may be nice for a collection, but as a rider, give me an impecably maintained bike with 15K miles over that any day.

 

[madmortimer]

A bike with 2k on the clock has yet to see any issues, change all filters and oil and it's as good as new, that last post I really don't understand. You can't teach and old dog new tricks but a pup is yours for life if you look after it
My 02' 748s has had not one issue since new.