748 Reliability
 

I have recently bought a 748 Monoposto and I have to say its the best bike I've ever ridden and thats coming from previously owning a 2004 Yamaha R1.

I have always wanted a Ducati and my main concern was that of reliability.

I still have this concern but I have already now bought one anyway just because of how it made me feel.

What's everyones opinion on reliability of these bikes? I'm not a thrasher and never red line a bike, currently the highest I've taken the revs is between 8-9k.

I also always let a bike warm up properly without revving it as I have done with all my bikes, I don't consider revving or pulling away until on the 748 the temp is 100 Degrees F.

Currently the bikes mileage is 6900 and the year is 2001. Its in immaculate condition and I have been told it has had a full service.

What sort of problems may I expect and how can you tell when there is a problem?

For instance I have read about rocker problems? How can you tell if you have such a problem without looking?

What about cam belts?

I also notice a bit of clutch slip on pulling away, not so much that the revs go up but if I give it a bit too many revs I feel it slip under me (if that makes sense? a slight quick squeek).

Is that normal or something to bother about?

Thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions just always wanted one but nervous of problems.

I had a 748 between 1997 and 2000 covering 9000 miles.

Had not one iota of trouble with it.

Nothing. Nada. Niente.

Hope you have the same !

had 1 only for 18m but never missed a beat. Just get it serviced (or do it yerself if you're handy) and change oil regularly.

And take it over 8k - thats when the fun starts!! ;)

The clutch problem sounds typical of Ducati dry clutches, it probably just needs a clean, it'll take you less than an hour to strip and remove the plates etc, even for the less mechanically minded it's a simple task, sounds like dust build up, getting an open/vented cover will help alleviate this to a degree as the dust will disperse all over your right foot rather than stay within the clutch assembly :D

Rockers are a problem, and it really does depend on the bike and how it's ridden, warmed up and how regularly it's used and serviced, the only way you can really tell if you might have rocker wear is to drain the oil and check the screening filter for chrome flakes, otherwise it's a big job with pulling the heads etc.

Personally just get riding it and enjoy

My 748s destroyed its engine at 4300 miles when a grub screw came out of the crank, it was rebuilt under waranty and has been perfect for the last 10,000 miles.

Lots of service history is required and do not take any risks with the cambelts. A full service at 6000 miles would/may not have inluded the belts.

If you are in any doubt about the history of the belts have them replaced.

The clutch may just need stripping and cleaning, there are loads of threads about the clutch on here.

I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles

Enjoy:bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::boun cy:

Have had mine for 3 years and no problems at all....even the electrics have not missed a beat, which was my initial concern with a Ducati.

Nope, you dont need to take the heads off to check the rockers, just take the cams out.

on my second 748 - no problems, regular use and good maintenance is all that is required - clutch sound is normal - it needs the dust cleaned out. and the 748 loves to be revved so go over 8k and have fun.

Thanks guys for all the posts, I think I'll be on here more regularly you all sound a top bunch.

Certainly inspired with more confidence with it, thanks.

That's just us lulling you into a false sense of security ;)

Welcome to the site! Hopefully you'll hang around and see what a bunch of lunatics there are around. I am completely sane of course.

Now, to important matters, you've made it this far without getting to the bar! I'll have a Crown Lager please mate.

Ta.

:D