This is my 748. Despite loving riding it, I've never bothered to learn much about the models and the differences between them. I'm looking to get an 848 or 899 so I'm going to put it up for Sale but don't want to mislead anyone on the adverts. Its T reg, 18k miles, full service history, belts and rockers done last April. From what I learnt its a bit of a hybrid. It started as a 748 Biposto then took on some upgrades. Its never been crashed and repaired under insurance, just modified. From what I can tell the front forks, Brembo calipers, Remus cans, Ohlins rear suspension and the single seat unit are all upgrades, is this correct? I'm hoping you good folks can keep be straight and let me know if this is right or wrong or if you can see any other modifications. Also can you let me know an asking price, its all too complicated for my small brain
Forks & brakes are standard kit, the monoposto seat, cans and Ohlins shock are upgrades and I would say that the white number board on the front fairing has also been added to match the seat, (is it painted or a sticker?) and are the air intake tubes carbon fibre? - hard to see from the pic. Otherwise (gold bar ends aside) it looks pretty standard and nice condition.
The brake discs are incorrect for the year, the brake calipers should be 40 mm spacing so If they are 65 mm it's likely someone has changed the front end or the fork bottoms, calipers and discs.
'T' reg is 1999 - I think the 65mm calipers came in, along with 3-phase electrics, for '99 with the intro of the 996? (916 era were 40mm) If so then they're standard kit - not really a worthwhile 'upgrade' either in braking or suspension terms so if they have been changed it might indicate crash repair? Not sure about the discs but at 16 years old it's likely they've been replaced due to wear. My guess is it's one of the early 65mm caliper models...
Not all 1999 models had 65 mm calipers I have a 1999 (V Reg.) 748 Biposto and that has 40 mm calipers although it does have three phase electrics. I also have a 1999 748SPS and that has 65 mm calipers but single phase electrics. All 1999 748SPS were built in 1998 and were sold in 1998 and 1999 making way for the early 748R. The front discs could be from a 748E which had that style of disc or they could be aftermarket. So it's quite possibly a typical Ducati parts bin situation where they fitted what was in stock at the time.
Agreed, they wouldn't have left any 40mm setups lying around on the shelf, despite speccing the 65mm. Funny thing with my 916, as a 916 it obviously had 40mm calipers and single-phase electrics as they all did but the owners manual for 916/748 states it has a 3-phase alternator?
Sadly this then becomes even more difficult if you are trying to follow a wiring diagram that supposedly covers your bike and then you realise it doesn't quite. I have had problems in the past following both the Ducati and Haynes wiring diagrams for a chosen bike only to find that some wiring doesn't relate to the loom that has been fitted. The machinations of Ducati!! you love them or hate them at times.
Cheers folks. Appreciate the advice. Its bizarre to think that at times Ducati may have used odd parts on different bikes though. Lets just put it down to Italian flair and resourcefulness. I'll just say its the cans, seat and rear suspension as definite mods. Prices seem to vary so much, what do think its worth, it's not mint but in very good condition. £3000?
