Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Advice on 748s - should I buy one?

[hogfisch]

Hi all,

I am after a bit of advice. I currently have a M600 and have decided to sell her for another Duke. I envisage a bit of commuting, mostly cross country and a bit of mway.

I have been considering a post 98 900ss or a 748s I have seen advertised (both are similar money). I have ridden a 916 Foggy Rep before so am a little bit familiar with what to expect.

Really I just want peoples opinion on what would be a better bike. I say commuting but I would only envisage 10% of my work journeys ever being on the bike so if a 748 is not such a good commuter, I am not overly bothered. I am 6ft1 and about 15 stone. Anyone on here of similar build? How comfortable is the bike on a day to day basis?

The 748s in question has done 14k miles with the 12k mile service carried out. Anything particular to look out for?

Thanks in advance everyone. Experience shows that owners club members are ALWAYS the best people to ask (very much a better bet than any dealer!).

Best regards

Hogfisch

[gasmanrus]

hi hog, welcome aboard

have you considered a multitarter? could be a practical option which you could chuck about on your day off

[hogfisch]

I quite like the look of the stradas but are out of my price range unfortunately.

My head says 900ss but my heart says 748. Ever since I saw first saw a 916 my heart missed a bit (sad, I know.....!)

[Brent]

Hi HogF,

I have a (newer model) 750ss and a 748s. I'm 5ft 11, and less than 15 stone, (but not much).

To be honest, I don't find much difference in comfort between the two. The 748 does have better suspension though. Neither would be my no.1 choice for commuting, but if only 1 in 10 rides is commuting then they can both do it. I use the SS if I commute, but the 748 can do it as well. The real point is what you will be happy with on the other 9 out of 10 rides! You really have to try them both. I have to say though that I am really happy with the 748.


Has the 748 got a full service history prior to the 12k service? That's important.

Good luck.

[Lee1980]

Hi Hog,

I have a 748s and love the looks and the feeling of riding a duke, a commuter it ai'nt though maybe just me got used to the wrists but find my legs get numb like pins/needles some times and on motorways to where youre not moving for corners.

I'm about 5'9" and 12st, I still love it though just the usual high servicing and stuff to watch out for, cant wait to get some cans to and lower the gearing to

[ali]

Hi Hog,

Welcome to the board.

I'm same build as you and have had both 900ss and 916 for both hooning and commuting. The 916 was fine as long as I didn't commute on it every day or my wrists we mincemeat. Not sure I'd want to do a long commute on one unless it was all over 70mph!

I've currently got a 900SL and love it to bits. If I had the cash I'd still get a 998 as it was, is, and will always be, one of the best bits of design ever penned. Buy the 748 for the design and the bills, or the 900 for the soul, torque and laugh.

Have fun either way.

Cheers,

ali

[hogfisch]

Thanks for all the replies thus far guys. The bike is FDucSH so has been looked after. I am leaning towards the 748 in that I if I got the 900ss I wonder if I would always be thinking I should have gone for the 748. On top of this the 748 is only 100 quid more than the 900ss I have been looking at but 4 years newer (although the 748 has done 10k more).

I am resigned to the service costs being more, although I did much of the servicing on my M600 (except valves and belts) so things like regular oil changes do not bother me.

[Lee1980]

U wont regret it hog but what colour is???

Grey ones are fasted then yellow then red slowest !!

[Edited on 5-1-2005 by Lee1980]

[rcgbob44]

Hog
I know exactly wot you mean! When I saw the first picture of a 916 in MCN I wanted one, and don`t anyone tell me that there not one of the most beautiful machines ever built................ along with the Vincent Black Lightening.

[Festa748]

i wanted a 916 ( or 748- 9** ) since i first saw one when i was 13 my dream bike and now i have one and it will take something just as special to make me part with it. Well the badge will have to be the same too