Im looking to buy a used (1997-now) Ducati 748. I like them cause 1) they are dead sexy, 2) i love the single swingarm and the wheels, 3) insurance rates are considerably lower on them.

Anyone have any dislikes of Ducati?

Thanks!

-Nick-

 

How much can one of those be had for?

If the price is hot then I don't see why not, maintenance might be a bitch too.

 

you r damn right its a sweet bike, there is one around where i live that i see ridin around here sometimes, its sexy...

 

am I correct in that Ducatti still has the reverse style for pedals and handlebars? Like, everything is switched?

 

huh? i never heard of that.

the only issue with Ducs is their need for frequent valve adjustments that i hear are a real pain in the *** to do by yourself.

 

Around here (Midwest) they are going for 7-8k for a 98+ 748.

 

i do

 

They are way down on power compared to a jap 750.
There parts are very pricey and can take a while to get.
Mods are expensive and don't give you that much of a power increase per $$ spent.
They are 996,916,748's are not very comfortable for riding anawhere except around town.
They do look and sound great though.



[Modified by busa1300, 5:41 PM 6/27/2002]

 

ahh i liked that reply!

 

About the only downfall I can think of to Ducatis is that they are priced out of my range . I've ridden a friend's 748 and a race-prepped 900SS and love the bikes. Plenty of power/torque and the handling is very good. Valve adjustment is not that hard on the 2-valve motors (900SS), but takes quite a while on the 4-valve ones, mainly because you have to take most of the bike apart to get to them and you have 4 valves etc. to adjust instead of 2.

 

My cousin has a 95 900SS CR that he recently told me had a cracked frame. Supposedly there was a recall from the factory that they wanted to keep DL. I think he said they replace the frame with the newer, stiffer 98 chassis. That's the only thing I can see that sucks with the only ducati i've ridden on.

 

Damn sexy...

 

The riding position is like searching for a rabbit down a hole! They are very sensitive to belt changes, ignore that one at your peril. I used an SPS for a track bike and it burned an alarming amount of oil. Dont keep the front wheel up too long either because oil will spray all over your rear tyre! Amazing handling. Neutral and very stable. The 748 needs its neck wringing to get the best from it, surprising really. Clutches make alot of noise (but with some Termi's fitted you cant hear much!) and have a wooden feel, brakes good, er thats about it. Full history essential, be wary of chips and tunes, and check for signs of racing (lockwires etc)


[Modified by luke, 11:44 PM 7/5/2002]

 

just like anyother V-Twin you dont have a powerband. Since you are on the H-T forum you should understand, do you like the torqie feeling like an LS or do you like the feeling when the power kicks in like a **** on VTEC.... DUC's have a beautiful ride.... in my opinion get a 98 R1 for cheap, get a sinle sided swing arm, powder coat the frame black, highmount exhaust(no rear seat), marchesini rims and you got one sick looking bike

 

any of the newer Jap 600's are faster and handle just the same if not better than the 748.
they're cheaper to run.
they don't require constant maintenance like the ducati.
and they're all a hell of alot more comfortable to ride than the ducati.

...plus I really don't see whats so sexy about the ducati. yes they do look nice but not worth all the 'hype'.

 

my dad bought a S4 monster "foggy" today, the bike is amazing, it is the most comfortably sport bike i have ever ridden, an it handles amazingly... it also has quite a bit of power i'll take some pics

oh yeah, this one was modded by the shop he got it from, 135 hp and it weighs 15 lbs less than stock


[Modified by dmotoguy, 2:57 AM 7/7/2002]

 

See, id either get a Kawi ZX6-R (no i dont want a gixxer and no i dont want a R6...), F4i, or the 748... all about the same price except the 748 would be a few years old.... so torn... dont know what to do...

 

I dont have the money for that

 

A Ducati flew by me on the freeway at about 150 miles per hour the other night. On the shoulder. Right up against a big cement blockade. Then swerved through four lanes of traffic and continued on to an exit. I almost shat myself.

 

Ducatis own j00

 

i just rode my dad's.... and it owns all, but i am still gonna get a gsx-r

 

hehe.... not if you have a 3 year full waranty with the option to extend it

 

Duc's are good bikes...if you can get past the high maintenance. I believe valve adjustments are pretty much as often as oil changes.

And parts are expensive.

I don't think that they are meant for daily riding. More of a race only setup. Suspension is what makes these bikes faster (track times not power/speed).

I would personally ride a Japanese bike with more power. Handling isn't that far off to justify the thousands of $ you pay for the Duc.

My $.02.