748 748e Vs 748bp

I don't believe there's any reason not to buy an E if the alternative is a BP. I personally prefer the gold frame and wheels. You won't use the steering angle feature if you use the bike on the road. Set to the steeper angle the steering lock doesn't work for a start. I'd buy the bike that's in the best condition for the money.

 

Your choice entirely Cossy Mike.

 

Condition is key, get the best cared for and maintained.

In the 27 years I've had my 916 I've only ever adjusted the steering angle when I had it apart to change the bearings and then, only out of curiosity to see how it worked. I've never ridden it with the steeper angle and don't see any need to do so.

If the sachs shock or lack of Dzus bothers you or you really need 5-spoke (or other) wheels then these are easy to change.

 

The post Texas bikes IMO are the better ones, better charging system etc (3 wire and better heat management of the reg rec) but then around 2002 had some issues with flaking rockers which tbh are probably all replaced by now.

I liked my 748, it was a dream bike bur I was 23 and coming off a 400cc IL4 and I just never got used to using the revs of the twin and I was still stretched affording it so a cambelt service was something I saved up 6 months for, let alone finding it needed 4 new rockers, and then mine had issues with damp getting into the fuel pump relay and ECU, I just lost my nerve with it

 

As far as I remember you only need the headstock adjusted with different yoke offsets and longer swingarm

 

Sounds correct early ones 2 phase alternator 350w and later 3 phase 500w. I heard about the chrome on the rockers issue, couldn't remember what year. Thanks for reminding me.

 

Clean looking bike . Low mileage for 25 year old bike. Most with two seats will be advertised as a BP. Stuff with single seat will be advertised as S/SP/SPS/ R that is where the trouble starts.

 

3 phase alternator is an improvement, that said my single-phase has been fine you just need to keep an eye on the wiring and connectors.

As for rockers, they say early bikes were not affected? but it could happen to any, though some years seemed more prone. There is a solution from Newman cams who grind the face off and weld on a stellite pad - it's obviously quite labour intensive to change them but the repair is cheaper than buying new and you won't need to do it again.

 

Agreed, looks a tidy and well cared for (or at least prepared) 748e, certainly tidier than my 916 and the mileage is low.

I don't really know about pricing though I would say it's high IMO but then dealer premium adds a bit. Though, I assume some sort of warranty?

A few years back you could pick up a 916/996 for £3-4k (I was offered a 996S for £3.5k which I should have bought if only as an investment) but, I suppose rarity of a good one and being more collectible rather than just an old bike makes them more expensive, plus if it was recently and properly serviced that makes a difference a full service; valves/belts etc is not cheap.

 

That looks OK, I spent ages looking for mine earlier in the year, price wise that isn't crazy from a dealer.

I can't for the life of me find it, but there was either a post or an article about a survey of owners that had experienced the the flaky rocker cam issue. As already mentioned it can happen to all years, but there was a period with a supplier change which made the problem more likely, I *think* it was bikes built late 2000 & early 2001 but not 100%.

When bike hunting I did find some mention that the last of the BP's having non adjustable headstock & steering damper, before the official name changed to 'E', I guess this could be one of those?

 

I prefer the gold frame/wheels with the red, but then also think silver looks better with yellow, which is of course the best colour

 

Well its make your mind up time. Come spring early summer dealers will be bumping their prices up.

 

Ducati are very quick and helpful when you ask them. They'll be able to tell you exactly what spec the bike was when it left the factory. There is a caveat; only the owner can ask for the info and they ask for proof of ownership.

 

I'd say the only thing you're gaining by doing that is getting a rather better rear shock. That said, I don't rememmber replacing my Sachs shock. And on the second-hand 748E I bought, the shock had already been replaced with an Ohlins unit. I don't think the steering head changes (or the different head, for that matter) make any real-world difference. Others more knowledgeable than me will confirm. but IIRC, 748E belts are different to the earlier ones. But overall condition, service history, etc, are probably more important factors.

 

Agreed the sachs shock was still fine tbh, it’s not like it wasn’t adjustable etc. I could be wrong as well, but from those that have adjusted it, they hated it on the road.

oh, and run a 70 profile front tyre, the 748 came with a 60 originally and it makes them feel horrible, I’d be surprised if there are any bikes left on 60 tyres now