748 748e Vs 748bp

IIRC, neither the 748 base model nor the end of line ‘e’ model had an adjustable steering angle. On the 748S and 748R which did, the steering damper rose joint could be attached to the bracket on the frame in one of two adjacent threaded holes and on the side of the headstock, there is a circular, knurled knob about 1cm in diameter that pins the headstock inner tube which rotates to give you the adjustment. From a practical view point, the quicker, steeper steering angle is better suited to the nice, smooth tarmac of the track as the shorter wheelbase makes the handling skittish on UK roads. The racing 916, 748 and 996 overcame this skittishness by introducing a longer swing arm. IMO, if you are looking for quicker steering, get an adjustable rear ride height rod and raise the rear ride height (or drop the front by 5mm). Andy

 

Simplest way is the adjustable headstock has 2 steering damper mounting points on the frame like this;



Also, the headstock is smaller diameter and without the adjustment nut plus the bottom yoke is different and the steering tube thinner.

 

To add, very few people actually use the adjustment and so leave it in the 'road' position.

 

Point B is a locking bolt. Loosen A and B turn C 180 degrees then tighten.

 

My 1999 748 gold frame, has adjustable steering,

 

Same here! Mine is an early '99 gold frame with adjustable headstock.

 

Looks like it Cossy Mike.

 

As said above, standard set up is good enough for UK public roads. They still turn in well enough.

 

Didn't know that, interesting! Another one for my I- Spy book.

 

Yes definitely and AFAIK, only the 748e was made this way, all other 748/916/996/998 had the adjustable headstock.

Actually, I can see why Ducati did this for the budget model as it would likely save a reasonable amount plus, almost no-one ever adjusts it anyway so not really a big deal.

Whereas replacing Dzus fasteners with screws really couldn't have saved much...

 

The e also has the heads from the ST4 with dropped exhaust cams and the Sachs rear damper rather than the Showa. The frames and wheels were bronze like the earlier 916 too.

 

Texas Pacific take over era?

 

without going down another ‘they never made a yellow one’ discussion again, the 748e is the only one without the adjustable headstock, the 748BP had adjustable headstock, my mates is a 1997 and has it. Whether they removed it in the post Texas pacific era I’m not sure but either way the BP had it.

 

IIRC 748e differences from previous 748 models, most already mentioned above;

'Dropped' exhaust valve cylinder heads



Compare to original Desmoquattro heads;



This head was designed for use in S4/ST4 which had clearance issues if using the standard desmoquattro heads so the exhaust camshaft was lowered for more clearance, it then uses shorter exhaust valves and cambelts, I'm not aware of any difference in power or tunability?

Non-adjustable steering angle meaning the eccentric tube and adjusting mechanism is eliminated, frame only has one damper mount and a different bottom yoke and steering tube are then fitted.

Screws rather than Dzus fasteners holding the fairing panels in place.

Sachs rear shock rather than Showa.

3-spoke wheels (rather than the lighter 5 spoke fitted by this time) in gold with gold frame as per older models.

I think all were Biposto but not sure if any other differences?

Whilst the above were to save money for the 'Economy' version, I suspect that the heads and 3-spoke wheels (and maybe even the gold paint?) may also have been in order to use up some old stock left over from earlier models?

As the 'e' version cost less it, presumably is likely to be cheaper to buy used? if so, maybe a good buy as it's not really much of a lesser bike, the only things from the above list that may detract from it's potential are the 3-spoke wheels (as were fitted to 916 and early 748) and the 'budget' rear shock which in all likelihood is plenty good enough for most and both of these could easily be upgraded.

 

No problem Phil, I did preface my post with as far as I remember. I don’t recall my 748sp having the adjustable headstock. Always happy to be enlightened when I’m wrong Andy

 

The 748e had a very budget sachs rear shock rather than a showa unit as per the 748BP.

here’s my 748E, ironically depending on where you looked it was often shown as a 748BP (like on insurance) but the V5 said 748E. Mine had a single seat fitted but was a 2002 so the silver frame model. Sorry about the mudguard, wasn’t me that fitted it!!

 

Still a lovely bike, Phill, and much prettier than my tatty-looking thing! I've had two 748E's, one from new, and done big mileages on both.