Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > 748R v's 748S

[ChrisG]

Folks,

As a potential new Ducati owner I'm looking for some advice.

I'm currently looking at a couple of bikes i.e. a 748S and a 748R. Both same year and similar mileage and very good condition.

I'm an average rider so I'm not too sure if I would benefit from the Ohlins etc in the real world???

I'm aware of all the tech spec differences so to be honest the bottom line is the R model is £1500 more exensive. Are they worth the extra £££?

Would a 749S be any better an option?

Any advice appreciated.
Chris

for info I'm coming from a K3 GSXR600

[Edited on 14-1-2006 by ChrisG]

[Michael J]

You''ll find previous threads on this very subject if you search them out. I went from an '03 R6 to an '02 748R and it was a mistake. I should have bought an "S" which, for me, would have made a much better road bike. I found the R agricultural and after all, its a race bike with mirrors. On the other hand, I'm sure others will have an opposite view. One thing though, when I first set eyes on the R, I thought it was the most beautiful bike I'd ever seen and that hasn't changed!

[MarkyMark76]

You have u2u

[twpd]

R's are wonderful devices but, do require committment and they're not particularly user-friendly. Normal 748's are hardly renowned for being easy to live with for many people - an R is the same but, more again imo. Mind you, if you're in the mood, the roads are good, there's little traffic etc then they are motorycling nirvana.

Is it worth £1500 extra? Yes imo. You get all the bling, the exclusivity and a lot of extra performance. They are special bits of kit.

[Edited on 14-1-2006 by twpd]

[hogfisch]

Guess it depends on what you think you will get out of the bike. I have a 748s and the performance and handling are waaaaay beyond my abilities. Would I benefit from the improvements in the 748R? Probably not. Would I notice another £1,500 in my pocket? Most definately!

The 748R is as sexy as hell though. But I can't say I am disappointed by the looks of the 748s either!

[Edited on 14-1-2006 by hogfisch]

[Tinkler]

got a 748r as my first bike so carnt comment on the s version , but the r is a fine pice of machinary. It doen't like been below 3000 - 3500rpm but once its clears that rev area my god does it go and the handeling is something elce .
Im very pleased i got the R version and it brings a great smile everytime i see it
hope this helps a little
Jamie

[m1keyp]

I have a 748S and have ridden a 748R, no way that I would swap

[Gaz 748]

I went from a 748 S to a 748 R NO way would I swop back :P

748 R is a great bike

[Chrisiball]

R anyday! but if your not bothered about riding it hard 90% of the time the S is probably the better option!!

Gaz 748, are you the same Gaz 748 that did me on the Ultimap chip last weekend! LOL

[Twinfan]

I rode a 749S and a 748R on the same day, back to back.

The 749S was for me the better bike, more of the time.

Move with the times, get the 749