Hi all, I'm after a very good/mint condition 748e sub 12k miles - the lower the better red comprehensive service history I'm a serious and discreet buyer so if anyone has/knows of one looking for a good home Many thanks Edward.
I I know of a good 4k mile red one that was for sale(In Kent) It was being sold by a friend but don't know if it is still available. I have left him a voicemail and wait his reply.
Didn't the last of the E's come with the nicer (IMO) smooth fairings? The headstock is set yes, but not in a bad position and who turns it for road use anywho? Only thing that would discourage me from owning one is the the cheap(er) fairing fastners, which I guess is an easy fix. Oh yeah - and no quick release fuel pump.
As above, yes, slab side panels from later 748R and 998 (Not S\R) were fitted to all the later E models from 2002 onwards I believe. The earlier "E" before it also had a non adjustable headstock, screw fastenings for the fairings and no quick release petrol pump fittings, this came in for the 2000 model year when it was just named as a 748 Biposto. The 2002 E has the stepped head engine the earlier one doesn't.
well, there the last of the line ones, spoke to a main dealer and they recommended this one, apparently some had problems with the con rods. i like the S version but in the real world does it really matter.......... when you see these bike in the flesh.... they are lovely.
It's a decent choice and they're still a lovely ride with very useable performance. Bags of character
Italia Moto at Lincoln had a red 748 in the showroom on Friday I'm sure it was low miles. I couldn't tell you anything more about it and it's not on their website.
2002 was a bad year for Rockers as most google searches will reveal. I had a 2002 748E, it did not have the adjustable head, and had 'Vents' in the side fairing, my suspicion is that it was a 2001 bike but the V5 said 2002 and it had the newer 'grey' frame and wheels so I think there was some crossover. Also the 'E' model comes with standard Sachs rear shock but the 'S' models all had Showa rear shocks.
748's are not known for con rod problems whether they be steel or the Pankl rods used on the SPS\R models. Like others in the 748-996 family they have suffered rocker flaking and main and sometimes big end wear or failure. But many of these bikes have had those issues addressed by previous owners. My 748SPS had 5 rockers replaced quite some time ago and my 748R engined 748S had a complete rebuild with new mains and big ends and I doubt that is atypical of 748 ownership over the years.
So what is the best bet? I say a 2003 E version from my research - I like the minimalistic graphics, last of the line model, main dealers have told me its the most sorted of them all. I accept the maintenance on the belts/valve clearances - that's to be expected. What I don't want is a machine that has known problems. I argued with the fact that E is the base model but is there ultimately such thing as a BASE model Ducati! I would rather have a fully sorted E over a rough S. I found an E for sale at a dealer with 4300 mile on it with a years worth of belts on it. He said if I paid the 5k asking price they would do the belts - early I know but at least I'd have 2 years cost free (with in reason- fingers crossed). Part of me feels like a 10k mile model might be better on the basis that any manufacturing problems would have occurred by now? I've not actually rode one yet - I reckon it'll be as fast as my FZR600R? Feed back is much appreciated gents.
Remember the big services are 6k and 12k as that's when the shims get checked. If your like me that will come far quicker than you expect. That's when they find out the state of your rockers to. 6k or 12 k machine with the big service just done would be my choice of I were to buy again.
Not all Ducati's were\are created equal, some are more desirable than others. I was lucky enough to buy a 1999 748SPS which still has just 10,000 odd miles on the clock. Only 100 of these were ever imported into this country as UK models from 1997 to 1999, In 1999 only just 20 were imported and mine was registered in October 1999 making it one of the last models to be registered. I have full provenance to back this up. It cost £12,250 then!!! A 748E in 2002 was about £8,500, I rode one as I was in the market for a new Ducati. I was not impressed and ended up buying a brand new 998 at £10,500 plus alarm etc and I still have it with just 4,000 on the clock. An E is a base model, it is not sought after and sadly is slightly inferior to any pre 2000 748 both in performance and equipment. It is not going to hold it's value over time I don't think, I know mine will and has already risen over the 5 odd years I have owned it as I have all the original equipment and accessories that came with that model. You may wish to consider a 748SP, 748SPS or a 748R. The best 748 model to have is the 2002 748R with full Ohlins. They cost (a lot!!) more but are very sought after and they have decent performance. They are not as limited as the SP\SPS but they will hold their price. Another option is a 916, in my opinion, and others may disagree, no 748E is going to be as popular and as easy to sell as the above models I have mentioned. Members here have paid high money for original SPS's but they can feel sure that the money they have spent will get them a better return and in the mean time a much more rewarding bike to ride. I appreciate it is each to his own but sometimes it's not just about a newer low mileage bike with some models, it's about heritage\rarity which will bring a better return on your investment. That's of course if you ever want to part with it!!!! Others I appreciate will disagree, but having two 748's and knowing what they are like I do feel they are a real world bike and lovely to ride on the road. Sorry to say this but an E is more crude by comparison and it has that faint smell of budget bike about it. That was the reason I never bought a 748E when they were new. Just might take, that's all.
For £5k you can have mine! You need to ride one, they're a beautiful machine and nothing like an inline four to ride. Many say the riding position and ergonomics are torturous but mine fits me like a glove and I never had a bike I felt more connected to... They're an elegant thing to ride and really flatter a rider, loads of ground clearance and feel like they'll lean forever with stability once cranked over. I bought mine privately with partial history, bit the bullet and stuck it into Italia for a full inspection and service and it came back with a clean bill of health. Terry at Italia mentioned that the later engines are an evolved version of the earlier 748 motor and although prone to some of the failings mentioned above (the rocker flaking in particular) they are a bit hardier. Love mine, and on second thoughts... £5k? Nah, I'll keep it!
2001 748s with @ 11k on the clock (and in the second fastest colour, I'd have loved one in the faster hue). It's great, always loved the shape and sound of them... even now I look at it and there isn't an ugly angle on it. It's a beautifully resolved design, get one and you'll be hooked!
hmm, That's put me on a downer. I see where your coming from and tend to agree to an extent. In all honesty a 748r to my criteria/standard would probably be about 10k - I just couldn't see the money in it. I'll think on - I remember a while ago a mate asked me if I'd have a Ducati and my response was "if I wanted that type of bike id get a Honda SP1" swearing to you boys I know...........
