Sticker Shock – 2003 Ducati 749S

As unlikely as it would be to ever see a yellow Ducati racebike, this owner has a pretty good visual play going on the factory WSBK livery from the early oughts.  Looking excellent and reporting recent maintenance, this 749S might go for less due to the salvage title.

2003 Ducati 749S for sale on eBay

A tidy mark-up from the base model, the 749S used a higher compression engine and reported 110 hp, pretty good ponies from 3/4 of a liter.  Other upgrades included better Showa suspension, and the headstock, footpegs and seat are all adjustable to suit, though comfort was never its strong suit.  The 749 gives up 10mm of rear tire to the 999, but shares a lot with the superbike.  The skinny package carries just 4.1 gallons of fuel, so the right wrist might make the reserve light a regular presence.

This 749S has low miles, some racy graphics and a neat take on the front turn signals.  A close look is required with the salvage title, but the owner might drop it by a shop of your choosing if you’re not SoCal.  Stickers come and go with relative ease.  Comments from the eBay auction:

Very Rare Bike! Lots of Carbon Fiber Extras! Only 12,000 Miles! Title in hand, registered in California through 02/22.

Very recently fully serviced. New Battery, New Pirelli Tires, New Fairings. The original fairings are included with some minor damage. The bike was given a “Salvage Title” due to insurance not wanting/unable to get replacement fairings. It was never wrecked, simply fell over cracking the left side fairings and mirror.

Runs Great!  Gets a lot of looks!

The big twin’s advantage in superbikes didn’t translate into supersports, and Ducati ‘s entry was a marketing exercise if not a contender.  But in amateur hands or on the road, the 749S might be a better choice.  If the buyer were to be a rider hoping for miles, rather than a collector focused on re-sale, this might be a great option.

-donn