Made since 1994 as a kid brother to the 916, 996, and 998, the Ducati 748 has generally been the more streetable member of the Ducati Superbike family. No denying its fraternal relationship with the top of the Ducati line, though the shorter stroke and lower gearing made the bike more fun under 100 mph. Ducati has made several models in the metallic gray with red wheels commemorating the life of Ayrton Senna, the Formula One legend killed at Imola in 1994. This final-year 748S is one of the most beautiful.
2002 Ducati 748S Senna for sale on eBay
The 748’s bore and stroke are slightly smaller than the 998, making it a little easier revving and delivering 97 hp. The silver trellis frame encloses the Desmoquattro with dry clutch and 6-speed transmission. Two-into-two exhaust is under the seat with Termignoni mufflers. Adjustable forks and monoshock are made by Showa. Twin 320mm floating disks with Brembo 4-piston calipers are at the front, with 220mm rear brake.
One of the final iterations of Tamburini’s iconic superbike design, the fairing has air intakes under the headlights and vents behind the monoposto seat, which has a white accent similar to a number plate. Quarter-turn fasteners ease access to the engine room. Wheels on the -S are lightweight Marchesini alloys.
The 748S offered here appears substantially stock, with a few updates – carbon mufflers, open clutch cover, adjustable footpegs, aftermarket turn signals and grips. No word on maintenance or damage history, though the matte gray bodywork looks excellent. The owner also lists additional modifications in the eBay auction:
Sought after gray (senna) 748s in great condition.
Termignoni exhaust
Speedymoto clutch
Carbon intakes
An oddity in 2002, the matte paint is mainstream these days, the gray over red now a classic Ducati color scheme. Though available in 2003, 748’s from that year were likely built before the tooling change for the 999/749, making 2002 the final year of 748 production. Ducatisti have made many dedicated track machines out of 748’s, but this one appears too nice for that…
-donn
Buy It Now price of only $8K! That’s only 1K more than the Fogarty signed upper fairing- either this 748 is a relative bargain, or the fairing is ridiculously over priced. Which is it?
I’d say it’s overpriced – the Senna edition looks cool as the other side of a pillow, but that doesn’t change the fact that it will almost certainly need 2-3 new valve rockers at the next 6k service interval.
Very good point- this Ducati was manufactured right in the middle of the era of the rocker arm plating failures. I’d still get more enjoyment and pleasure out of owning this 748 than an upper fairing.
I absolutely agree!