I commuted 15 miles each way through London for 6mths on my 996. The 749 should be a doddle - you'll be fine.

JFDI, you know you want to ;)

Hi AK,

Welcome to the house of fun

When I lived in London, i used to commute on a daily basis on both a 748 and then a 996S and I didn't have any trouble (that's taking into account a badly broken wrist) apart from those gents that drive around in black cabs!

Go buy it you know you want to.

I'm commuting on my 749S at the moment - 10 miles each way - and it's fine on the wrists and backside. The cold is more of a problem! You can get a thicker seat from Ducati if it's that bad for you.

If you want Termis, I would get either an '03 or '04 749S in the colour you want. I wouldn't bother about the supposed extra power of the '04 as I don't think there's that much difference. I'd find the best example you can and enjoy it.

( By the way, the rare monoposto yellow 749S is the one to go for ;) )

That is good do know that there is little, noticable difference in the power.
If only I didn't like red so much as ducati Aylesbury have a yellow one with termigs for 7.2K

I take it that's an '03? Good price too.

it is an 03, mileage is a bit higher than I wanted, 6-7K....

Is there anything that I might need to expect to pay at that mileage, belts, chain?????

They should have done the one year/6000m service by now. That's a smallish one with fluid changes and lots of checks. Next year is the 12,000m or 2 year service that includes a belt change. You're looking at £550ish for that one.

Check that the services were done on time and stamped up so that the warranty is intact. They're time AND mileage dependent.

I tested a 749 at the time I bought the 999 and one of the things I found (specially if you're commuting) is be careul when you go to turn the lights on when at part throttle. Any brief movement of right hand and the front wheel paws the air - it's very very responsive.:D

The assymetrical system costs around £850-£1000 fitted.(depending where you go).The CPU and high flow air filters come in the box.
Most have a stainless steel can although some are Ti.The carbon fibre is just a shroud for the can.
As khu996 said,they sound fantastic.:D

much cheaper than I had been led to believe!! Brilliant!
I'm off to look, this weekend, at a few.
Thanks Everyone for your help, I'll let you know what I turn up with!