Amid the super-exotica and ultra rare rides that grace the pages of RSBFS, it is sometimes important to realize that rare and exotic need not always break the bank. Take this ’03 Ducati 749S, for example. With a characteristic booming twin sound, striking design by Terblanche – including the stacked headlight look of the 999 – and a bright yellow livery that really sets it all off, this is a pretty rare machine that looks great. This can be in your garage (or living room) for well under $10k, which seems to hardly buy a ratty smoker these days.
The 749 was offered in three variants: The base model, the 749S, and the all-potent R model. The S model was differentiated from the base via fully adjustable Showa suspension components, TiN surface-coated fork tubes, and some additional carbon fiber. On the engine side, an increased compression ratio and a 500 RPM bump in redline boosted output from 108 HP to 116 HP.
From the seller:
2003 Ducati 749S
Full of Carbon Fiber Options
Yellow
Termignoni Exhaust
Recently Serviced by Ducati Dealer
Pristine Condition
The 749 models were not tremendously popular, and thus tend to be somewhat rare due to lack of sales. While this is not the vaunted R model – which will always command a higher price – this bike is one of the S models, which makes it more rare than the base 749 models. There was a great outcry when this generation of Ducati styling was first released, but time has been relatively kind to the Terblance-era superbikes. Prices have been kind too: You can buy this bike right now for $8,200 or best offer. That is not bad for a rare, exotic performer like this one. Enjoy!
MI
I have no idea why this is considered a “rare” or unique sportbike. Even more, I have no idea why $8,200 for a 10 year old 749 with over 8K miles is considered even remotely in the ballpark of reasonable.