Track-Bred: 2005 Ducati 749R for Sale

We generally try to feature pristine, all-original bikes here on RareSportBikesforSale whenever possible. But although it looks like the fairing and paint on this Ducati 749R aren’t original and the bike includes none of the standard road equipment, it seems a shame to exclude a bike simply for being used as Ducati intended. Because although the 749R may not be considered the beauty its older sibling was, it was a highly effective track tool, with plenty of details aimed at racers and track-day riders not found on even the up-spec’d S-model bikes.

Italian manufacturers have become famous/notorious for slinging expensive Öhlins suspension and a few carbon-fiber bits at a bike, slapping a numbered plaque on the top triple clamp and calling it a “special edition,” but Ducati’s R-model bikes are a different breed entirely. Often featuring significantly revised engine internals, bore and stroke that differ from production models, and adjustable suspension geometry, they are homologation specials designed to compete in various race classes, or at least allow specific parts to be used by race teams.

The 749R certainly fits that description, with liberal use of titanium parts inside the engine, a larger bore and shorter stroke, and magnesium bits designed to keep weight in check. The bike finally included a slipper clutch, radial brakes up front, and even the gas tank is different [larger]. The changes resulted in a 121 claimed horses, up from 108 in the standard 749.

In a massive change in philosophy from the 916-derived bikes, the 749 was designed with the rider in mind, and the monoposto bikes even featured an adjustable seat that moved fore and aft to suit riders of different sizes. Interestingly, the R had slightly less adjustability in the footpegs than the standard bike, since they needed to clear the larger-diameter exhaust as it snaked up to the underseat muffler.

From the original eBay listing: 2005 Ducati 749R for Sale

You are looking at a track ready 749R, less than 1200 were made, this bike was custom made for AMA, lightweight swing arm, Leo Vince Exhaust, Ohlins suspension, race fairings, carbon fiber bits, the bike looks and runs amazing, I bought from a local dealer and have a title that says 1500 miles. It was recently serviced by a reputable Ducati shop here in town. The bike is ready to go track , racing or to look pretty in any collection. 

The Buy It Now is set at $9,950 which, while pricey for a 749, is much less than folks have been looking at for more pristine examples. Really, unless you’re a collector just planning to store your 749R away for posterity, the 749R makes little sense as a roadbike anyway: the performance benefits over the 749S aren’t likely to be noticeable at remotely legal speeds and the more highly-strung engine and increased service costs don’t seem worth it, unless you’re a Ducatisti with a serious contrarian streak.

But if you’re not a fan of the Terblanche-designed looks, then this 749R might be the perfect race or track day machine: the traditional Ducati virtues are still there, you can’t really see the bodywork when you’re riding it, and you won’t feel like you’re violating priceless art if you crash!

-tad