748s arriving next week :)
Discussion
Well I went and did it!
2002 model Ducati 748s in red with 4.5k miles arriving next week. Got geared up today and insurance arranged, so will be waiting with baited breath for it to arrive...and for the first thing to fall off (I also have a TVR so know the pleasure/pain thing)
Looks like I'm back to school soon for some advanced training, once I get to grips with the front forward riding position of a sports bike!
Will have to do some stretches and excercises to stop me getting cramp on the thing, but hey, it's sexy, red, quick enough, and all MINE
How smug am I?
2002 model Ducati 748s in red with 4.5k miles arriving next week. Got geared up today and insurance arranged, so will be waiting with baited breath for it to arrive...and for the first thing to fall off (I also have a TVR so know the pleasure/pain thing)
Looks like I'm back to school soon for some advanced training, once I get to grips with the front forward riding position of a sports bike!
Will have to do some stretches and excercises to stop me getting cramp on the thing, but hey, it's sexy, red, quick enough, and all MINE
How smug am I?
Rawwr said:
A TVR and a Ducati? You have a layby fetish of some description? 
Actually and an Alfa...and before that a Range Rover...
catso said:
maybe get a bulk discount on RAC membership 
But yes the best looking bike ever and no slouch either
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here's a pic of mine to keep you going 'till monday.
Actually did check with RAC and they were quite happy to cover it too!
But also get roadside cover with insurance, so one way or the other I should be covered!
Agree on the looks...it's only a sunny day blast toy, so an "ultimate everything" machine does not matter, it's just for fun!
Will have to arrange a ride and a lemonade with a few of you south east essex folk...once I get used to it
Hi virgil,
Nice one! Welcome on board as a Ducatisi
Good plan. As I mentioned, I personally recommend Rapid Training for 'real world' expert coaching. Although Rapid get booked up rapidly in advance - usually by returning clients like me!
However, regular riding and investing in some advanced training would give you the tools to get the most out of a 748/749. I've done various race schools and advanced training, from which I'd highly recommend 1-2 days with the like of www.ridedrive.co.uk/motorcycle-onp or ideally www.rapidtraining.co.uk
My suggestion would be to do a day soon - to minimise the chance of new rider error - and another day during the summer to get the most out of the 748. Although less professional, your local IAM or RoADAR motorcycle group would be worth trying out, not least for the social rides on offer.
I wouldn't worry overly about reliability. My Ducati's been largely fine and actually more reliable than my Suzuki. For a trouble-free life I recommend riding it regularly, keep the servicing up to date, keep the battery fully charged (ideally on an Optimate or equivalent), and use ACF50 or similar to keep moisture at bay.
Have fun
Nice one! Welcome on board as a Ducatisi
virgil said:
Looks like I'm back to school soon for some advanced training, once I get to grips with the front forward riding position of a sports bike!
Good plan. As I mentioned, I personally recommend Rapid Training for 'real world' expert coaching. Although Rapid get booked up rapidly in advance - usually by returning clients like me!
SVS said:
However, regular riding and investing in some advanced training would give you the tools to get the most out of a 748/749. I've done various race schools and advanced training, from which I'd highly recommend 1-2 days with the like of www.ridedrive.co.uk/motorcycle-onp or ideally www.rapidtraining.co.uk
My suggestion would be to do a day soon - to minimise the chance of new rider error
- and another day during the summer to get the most out of the 748. Although less professional, your local IAM or RoADAR motorcycle group would be worth trying out, not least for the social rides on offer. I wouldn't worry overly about reliability. My Ducati's been largely fine and actually more reliable than my Suzuki. For a trouble-free life I recommend riding it regularly, keep the servicing up to date, keep the battery fully charged (ideally on an Optimate or equivalent), and use ACF50 or similar to keep moisture at bay.
Have fun
For every good 'un theres a few bad 'uns...... In the 2 1/2 years I had mine it cost £1 a mile in running costs not including fuel.... I only did 3k..
Still have to admit it was the coolest bike I owned and got so much attention...
Seems like youre aware that things may go wrong so no point in going into what went wrong with mine. Basically its a race bike on the road and so needs to be treated as such, dont assume its like a jap bike that you can leave in the garage, like a baby it needs constant attention!
Still have to admit it was the coolest bike I owned and got so much attention...
Seems like youre aware that things may go wrong so no point in going into what went wrong with mine. Basically its a race bike on the road and so needs to be treated as such, dont assume its like a jap bike that you can leave in the garage, like a baby it needs constant attention!
aeropilot said:
Err...has it got standard exhausts...?
If so, first thing you need to do is get a set of Sil's or if you can afford them Termi's.
You do know that it's an offence to ride a Duke with standard exhausts......
If so, first thing you need to do is get a set of Sil's or if you can afford them Termi's.
You do know that it's an offence to ride a Duke with standard exhausts......
Fraid it does have standards on it!
Will hide in the shadows until I can afford termis... £600!! thought this biking lark would be cheaper than cars...
virgil said:
Will hide in the shadows until I can afford termis... £600!! thought this biking lark would be cheaper than cars...
Forget the Termi's and go for Sil-Motor.....they look the same, sound the same, but are almost half the price of Termi's......
Call Stuart at Spareshack.
www.spareshack.com
virgil said:
Will hide in the shadows until I can afford termis... £600!! thought this biking lark would be cheaper than cars...
Often on ebay much cheaper, in fact if you like Titanium here's some; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ducati-748-916-
anglia said:
I had a new 748 in 2001, after 1100 miles the chain snapped and wrapped itself round the rear wheel as I was entering a roundabout, managed to get the clutch in and stayed on. Yes the chain was lubed regularly, all fixed under warranty, still a brilliant bike tho.
Must have been a dodgy chain to go in 1100 miles but it is worth fitting a chain case protector, as a broken chain can punch a hole in the crankcase which would land you with a huge repair bill.
Mine was an "R" reg but in the time I had it it....
blew both headgaskets - gasket set/new belts
destroyed a clutch (less than 3k on the bike)
clutch pushrod bearing seized/ rod damaged
Cush drives disintergrated machining nice groove out of the chain adjuster - while changing these I noticed the rear sprocket had a tooth missing so new chain and sprockets
oil light flashed when it felt like it
picked up a nail on a nearly new rear tyre (I know its not really the bikes fault but it did pee me off!)
blew both headgaskets - gasket set/new belts
destroyed a clutch (less than 3k on the bike)
clutch pushrod bearing seized/ rod damaged
Cush drives disintergrated machining nice groove out of the chain adjuster - while changing these I noticed the rear sprocket had a tooth missing so new chain and sprockets
oil light flashed when it felt like it
picked up a nail on a nearly new rear tyre (I know its not really the bikes fault but it did pee me off!)
Well, got the bike bang on 5pm. Had a cup of tea to calm down a bit then got on and went for a tentative ride. SO surprised. It was actually easier to ride (though very different position) than my mates Triumph bonniville I had a quick spin on Saturday!
The steering just seems planted and holds a bend until you correct or move the bars. The brakes are good - though the back is less effective than I remember on the learner bikes...still perfect for balancing it round a tight bend though, or holding it at the lights.
Filled it up with fuel - first time ever done this and...eleven quid...are you sure? Not sure it'll last that long, but beats filling up my old Range Rover!
Basically - HUGE grin factor...
The steering just seems planted and holds a bend until you correct or move the bars. The brakes are good - though the back is less effective than I remember on the learner bikes...still perfect for balancing it round a tight bend though, or holding it at the lights.
Filled it up with fuel - first time ever done this and...eleven quid...are you sure? Not sure it'll last that long, but beats filling up my old Range Rover!
Basically - HUGE grin factor...
aeropilot said:
Err...has it got standard exhausts...?
If so, first thing you need to do is get a set of Sil's or if you can afford them Termi's.
You do know that it's an offence to ride a Duke with standard exhausts......
If so, first thing you need to do is get a set of Sil's or if you can afford them Termi's.
You do know that it's an offence to ride a Duke with standard exhausts......
Had a look last night - It has cans stamped Termgnoni AND Ducati - are they std factory fit, or a Termi upgrade? Sounds pretty cool as it is!
virgil said:
Had a look last night - It has cans stamped Termgnoni AND Ducati - are they std factory fit, or a Termi upgrade? Sounds pretty cool as it is!
Standard exhausts are made by Termignoni, on the later models they had the brand on them but they're still the standard cans with baffles etc.
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