Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > 748 Reliability

[finncoyle]

Hi,
I'm in the market for a 748. I have been led to believe that reliabilty issues were sorted in the later models. Anyone got any suggestions as to which is the minimum age of bike to get - i have been looking at some 1997 bikes

[Manch]

Weeksy's correct but most of the earlier bikes would have been fitted with new reg/rectifiers by now as the origionals were hopeless. I've a 97 and it's always taken a fair amount of "enthusiasm" to keep it going (but I still love it). For people with smaller toolboxes I'd advise a '98 onwards model.

[Nigel C]

I gotta 99 748bp i've done 8000mls on it no problems find someone who services them properly and your sorted ! the only thing i've done is change the oil twice in that 8000mls (I know other people on here haven't been quite so lucky )

[Nigel Booker]

I had a 1997 model 748 bip for 3 years and as mentioned the regulators are very dodgy. The regulator on mine expired at just on 16K and I had the rear brake caliper seize at 19K. Other than that it was 3 years and 24K of pure joy, just make sure it has a full service history by a dealer or specialist.

[bradders]

had 1 for a year now, no problems at all with reliability, although servicing and running costs can be a challenge

Still - wouldn't swap it for anything....well maybe a 998
Paul

[pguenet]

I had a 1998 748 and did not have any problem with her. But I was only doing very little mileage though...

I believe later models around 99 or 2000 or even better because they feature the modified rockers which are supposed to not have any chrome pealing issues ... well in fact they still have the issue and just last that little longer though!

Generally speaking don't necessarily try and get the cheapest possible bike or the latest possible one... just a bike that has been very well looked after is what you should aim for. Just expect that a Ducati requires more looking after than a basic Japanese bike, but then the reward riding her is also something very different. So you'll get over it!!

[Gordy]

Welcome to the board matey. there is a 748 for sale on the FOR SALE. section. but it is the slow colour. LOL. but seriously, i have a 2000 748bp, the only problem i have is i don't get the time to ride it enough.




[Edited on 15-10-2003 by Gordy]

[TopiToo]

hello finncoyle

I have a 748Bip on a p reg and although I don't think I would sell it I have had a few problems that would drive most normal people up the wall.
I bought the bike 3rd hand with FDSH with 8000 miles on the clock.
to list but a few. . . which I now understand to be normal for the age (some).

expansion tank cracked leaking coolant down the rad.
bulbs popping in tail light
breather leaking oil
oil switch
3 rockers replaced
alarm system blowing relays.
and last May just before Mallory main bearings went.

So after that I bought a 2001 engine on 4000miles and stayed in the good books for what seemed a life time with the lady in doors.

Would I sell it nope . . and half the fun has been learning about these bikes, along with lots of overtime at work. (sorry that part was not fun)

get a maintenance book first you will save the pennies.

welcome . .and good luck.

regards

TopiToo

[rcgbob44]

Finncoyle

Part of the joy of owning a Ducati is knowing that you have something quite unique and unlike any Japanese product, don`t get me wrong Jap bike are excelent but do not have the heart and sole of an Italian machine.

The need for more frquent maintenance and mechanical dabling is all part of it.

Buy, ride, dable & enjoy!

Welcom to the club.

[DAVE HARRIS]

I have a 1998 916 aprox 30,000 miles after 1000 miles the neutral light switch packed up, ducati sent me a new one which is still in the packet as the old one started working again after a week or two. The bike has been thrashed, crashed done numerous track days and apart from warping the front discs(EBC HH pads caused this, if you use them make sure they are a loose sliding fit in the caliper!) new steering head bearings this year(cack handed wheelies), and I have had to replace the connecter where the alternator wires join the regulator. The engine still has the same compresion it had at the first major service (after 4 months) all the rockers are ok, (inspected this year) the only signs of age are the rear shock is just starting to lose its damping and a multitude of cosmetic problems due to my childish delight in running it with the bodywork held together with gaffer tape! In my experience these engines tend to have less problems if used regulaly.

Dont believe all the stories of ducati reliability but do be prepared to spend a lot more on servicing etc than on a japanese 4 cyl bike. I would also reccomend cam belt changes at 1 year/6000 miles regardless (I work in the motor trade and see far too many belts snap before thier reccomended replacement mileage/age.

good luck
dave