Update 8.2.2017: SOLD!
Update 7.21.2017: Price dropped to $10,500 OBO. Additional pictures added in the gallery below. Thank you to Jay for supporting the site and good luck to potential buyers! -dc
The Ducati 748 was built from 1994-2002, in three variants – E, S, and R ( with factory racers identified as SP or SPS ). Though the E can be a biposto, and the S a base model with upgraded components, the R is a single-seat homolagation special for World SuperSports racing, with parts the race team wanted to be able to use that year. In the case of the 748, special parts include the frame, engine, suspension, airbox, and slipper clutch. The 748 presented here has been lightly updated and very lightly used, and its time on display has left it looking excellent and ready to ride or display.
Interestly, the desmoquattro engine as requested by the Cagiva brothers in 1985 was a mid-size 748cc’s, though Ducati’s bike had to wait until Tamburini had styled the 916 Superbike, with now-classic trellis frame and single-sided swingarm.
The 748R has a much different engine than the base or S, 106 hp available thanks to high-lift cams, titanium connecting rods and valves, and fuel injectors centered in the 54 mm intake horns. The frame was lightened and altered to accommodate the large carbon fiber airbox. The suspension was up-spec’ed to Öhlins front and rear, 43mm front forks and fully adjustable. Wheels are cast Marchesini 17’s. The underseat exhaust has been upgraded to an Arrow system.
Here are the owner’s comments :
This rare example is nearly stock with a full Arrow exhaust, Yoyodyne slave cylinder and a few carbon bits. I bought this bike about 13 months ago from a dealership in outside of San Francisco. Right before I bought her a major service including valves, belts, all fluids, chain, brake pads, tires and a few things I forgot were done (the bill was over $3000). I cleaned her up, rode her 100 miles then I drained the tank, pulled the battery and stuck her in my buddy’s office for a year. I pulled her out of the office a week ago, added some 100 octane to wake her up with a kick, installed a new battery and cleaned and polished every bit of her. she runs GREAT. She needs nothing, she is ready to be ridden or she can be display piece like she was for me.
Number 817 of the required 1000, the 748R is a rare sight here since only 100 or so made it to the states. Rare also that it hasn’t been raced or damaged, and has only 1796 miles on the clock. After a long display career, the previous owner treated this bike to a full maintenance service. The present owner added only 100 of those miles before draining the fuel and bringing the bike indoors again.
748’s reviewed as diminutive knife-sharp handlers, and though the -S was said to be better for the road than the 996, the 748R may be better suited to the track. Maybe your office manager will turn up their nose and your “new” 748R will have to live in the garage and drive on the street. Or it could resume being a rare collector machine. The owner asks $12,000 $10,500
-donn
