Looks like the frame number is consistent age with the registration and would put the construction date into the latter half of 2001, the engine number looks suspiciously like a standard 748 motor from the late 90s but I cannot be 100% certain. If you email Ducati customer service the numbers they will be able to confirm the frame, engine, age and match them. The seat has been recovered but that is not what is odd about it. If you get to see the bike it is obvious what are oem panels and they will have date stamps on the underside.
Thanks again Denzil... I have emailed Ducati and await their response... However, with all the brilliant info and advise that's been provided on here, I think I'll give this one a miss....Enrico
Frame number is a 2002 748R....... Japan spec. Had a few warranty claims up to 2004 by Ducati Japan Ltd. so may have a been a press bike over there?
It's certainly not worth paying any more than standard 748 money, you wouldn't be able to sell it on as an 'R' as it simply isn't. And unless people are completely stupid they will come on a forum and ask the question just as you quite rightly have. I had a standard 748E though on a 2002 plate and it did have the vented fairings, I do agree though that when I had mine, all the 2002's were slab sided for the 'R' model, but they deffo had the upgraded brakes, not the old 'Goldline' ones.
Just to confuse the discussions I have a bona fide 2001my 748R verified by Ducati and my engine number starts ZDM748W4B and the frame number starts ZDMH300AA. Andy
Thanks Andy, Yes this 748 could well have been a 2002 R Frame with an R engine,, but it has a steel seat frame,, a front end from another model, and fairing and seat unit from a mk1 ish.... It left Ducati IT as the real Mcoy but has become a mish mash since then....and with just 6300 miles of running....!!
I feel for your disappointment, I know I was fortunate to be in a position having found my bike to be able to do all the verification before I was able to see it in the flesh although I was prepared to walk if it didn't stack up. Andy
18 months ago I bought this one for £2050. OK it needed £400 spending to bring it to it's current condition. If you would like to see it I live in the Oxford area and take it to the Bike Club in Cassington most Mondays.
