Ducati 748

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Ducati 748
Ducati 748 with carbon fiber fenders and exhaust.
Manufacturer Ducati
Production 1994–2004
Successor Ducati 749
Class Sport bike
Engine 748 cc (45.6 cu in) desmodromic liquid cooled L-twin
Bore x stroke: 88 mm x 61.5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Power 71 kW (95 hp) @ 11,000 rpm[citation needed]
Torque 73 N·m (54 lb·ft) @ 9,000 rpm[citation needed]
Transmission 6 speed
Wheelbase 1,410 mm (56 in)
Seat height 790 mm (31 in)
Weight 196 kg (432 lb)[citation needed] (dry)
Related Ducati 916
Ducati 996
Ducati 998

The Ducati 748 was a Ducati sport bike made from 1994 to 2002. The 748 was the smaller version of the 916, and was succeeded in 2003 by the 749. There was also a similar model, the 996, which was a higher horsepower model.



Ducati 748R


Ducati produced several variations of the 748, starting with the basic 748 Biposto (meaning "twin seat") in 1994 and then the 1995–96 748SP and 1996–99 748SPS followed as more powerful options. The different variations of the engine (weighing close to 120 pounds each) produced at least 95 Horse Power. The SP and SPS engines were in a higher state of tune and also came only as Monoposto (meaning "single seat"), although it was possible to order the base 748 with a monoposto option, and were intended as homologation machines for World Supersport racing. Other extras over the base model included Ohlins rear shock and fully floating cast-iron Brembo brake disks. The engines also came with an oil cooler.

The Ducati 748L, also known as the Neiman Marcus edition, is a limited edition model produced by Ducati Motors. One hundred were produced in 1998 and sold exclusively through the Neiman Marcus catalog. The 748L features Mercury metallic paint, carbon fiber front fender and chain guard.

In 2000, Ducati revamped their 748 model line to include a third variation:





Ducati also produced a very limited run of 748RS machines, which were intended as full racing machines and as such came with no road-going equipment. The engine internals and components were vastly different from any road-based Ducati, using a variety of light-weight, high-strength materials making them extremely expensive to purchase, run and maintain. The RS came with a 54mm exhaust system and a slightly smaller size and gauge of Chromoly tubing was used on the frame to reduce weight even further.

Production of the Ducati 748 officially ended in 2003. It was available for purchase alongside the 749 until dealer stocks were exhausted.