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

[Norbert]

looking at a few bikes and wondering if there is any real world difference between the E & S 748's.
I know what the spec sheets say but do the differences have real value?

Been looking at an 00 S version against an 02 E, tempted to go for the newer bike obviously

[antonye]

5 spoke wheels - so much better than 3 spokes

[Ian 748]

Wasn’t really fussed when I bought mine, E or S would have been fine at the time. A few years on and to be honest I’m really glad I got the S. Not that it performs any better but like Antonye I much prefer the 5 spokes and with the other differences It just feels like I got a better deal somehow.

[raykay748R]

5 spokes, Showa all round, adjustable head angle, Nitrided forks, the S is the better bike and it feels and looks like it.
Go on listen to your heart, it's what this is all about

[m1keyp]

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Jon]

Its only other duke riders that will know the difference. When you come to sell or buy you won't find that much difference in price. If you get into the ducati bug, you will wished you had got the 'S'. If you really get the bug it won't make much difference because you will junk the showa's for Ohlins.

There is a slight difference with the engine, but you will need to ask Nelly what the reall defferences are.

[misterpink]

i am on my second E (748) and would go for an R next, but that is only because i wouldn't use it as my everyday bike-which the E does very well. I'm not sure i would notice the difference between E and S, though the 5 spoke wheels do look nice. The adjustable steering head compromises the lock(already limited) and you can adjust rear ride height on the E to do the same. Go for the best service history, condition etc etc as that is far more important at the end of the day. good choice though 748's are great.

[MarkyMark76]

U have u2u

[moto748]

I think it was Shazaam who posted the actual weight of 3-spoke, 5-spoke and mag wheels a while back. IIRC, the diff between 3-spoke and 5-spoke ali's was pretty minimal.
Personally I like the 3-spokes - nice and easy to clean.

That said, I think I'd prefer a bip engine to a 'E' engine. I believe them to be better built. But, just to complicate matters, my 'E' hasn't got a 'E' engine, it's got a bip one!

Nitrided forks are nice, though, and worth having.

But a test-ride and service history would be the determining factors for me.

There's always plenty of siren voices in Ducati circles telling you that you 'really need' Ohlins forks and shocks, mag wheels, etc etc....

[multi600]

My BP has adjustable head angle and five spoke wheels and a single seat
I'd go for the S save you having to buy all the extra bits you will want later


Mike