as you said,best bike youve ridden. whats a few problems its all worth it its part of the ducati experience. my 748 bp is 1998 and has done 15,500 km its over cared for,oil change every 3000km always babied till warm, yet still at 15000km decided to do a major service early in the winter as i do it all myself found still needed two opening rockers. horiz cylinder exh opener l/h side, vert cylinder exh opener belt side. but what the hell i love it. after years of racing rgv 250's its lets maintenance. oh and i forget about the regulator fire at 6000 km. apart from that i can lap oulton park at track days faster than on the rgv race bike, it handles like a bike half its weight and i'll never buy anything else. all you need is super corsa's sc1 fr sc2 r an ohlins damper and your away,oh and rev it ten+ mate or your missing out.clean out the clutch, fit an open cover,dont slip it like a jap bike you dont need to use the torque.

sorry forgot to say,get yourself a slipper clutch and change the belts regular and you won't have many problems. i'm lucky and do it all myself would hate to have to pay some of the dealer prices.

Bought my 2001 748s mono last December, 5500 miles.

Had a 6000 service with belts (damn needed them too) back in April. Also needed one new rocker, two cam oil seals and a new clutch basket plus plates.

Took it all that is was caused by the previous owner, now its done its all down to me to look after it properley.

Enjoy the experience and ride with your arse and nose high in the air !!!

Delooney

I've done 46,000 miles on my 2001 748!

Use a 15/50 fully synth oil. Have to keep an eye on rockers; I've only changed one; some here have fared much worse. I think regular use helps here.

Replace the connector behind the battery tray on the yellow wires (you should have 3, right, on a 2001 bike?)with bullets or screw-type block connectors, so they can handle the high AC current from the alternator.

Enjoy your bike!:)

With that mileage you must ride it a lot?

Do you ride most days what ever the weather or stick to dry days? Have you toured on it?

Also could you elaborate about the battery connectors, whats wrong with the current ones?

Thanks

I had a 748 for four years changed the regulator and thats about it, liked it so much, bought a 748R, two years no probs. :D :D :D

What I'm trying to work out is how come some people talk about £700 services etc?

I've had bikes for 11 years all Jap bikes and the services at most cost me £200.

Is it really going to be that more expensive for me to keep the 748?

It`s always best to ring around different stores, some are cheaper than others !
Last service = £340.00

For my 748s I paid 420 for the minor 6000/yearly one and the 12000/2 yr one would be about 600 if i still had it, now got a s4r which will be about the same as its a 4valve still.

Just paid 240 for the first 600 service:puzzled:

Might add that mine was still under warranty and was at an official dealer, once out of warranty the independent dealers like corner speed are cheaper:D:D:D

[Edited on 3-7-2005 by Lee1980]

Just as a quick follow on and I apologise for asking all these questions but it just helps me put my mind at rest.

I notice and have noticed since I bought it that at 4000rpm it makes a sort of clattering sound which then dies away the nearer you get to 7000rpm when the real induction roar of the ducati comes in.

I assume this is just a normal ducati noise?