748 Reliability
 

I have recently bought a 748 Monoposto and I have to say its the best bike I've ever ridden and thats coming from previously owning a 2004 Yamaha R1.

I have always wanted a Ducati and my main concern was that of reliability.

I still have this concern but I have already now bought one anyway just because of how it made me feel.

What's everyones opinion on reliability of these bikes? I'm not a thrasher and never red line a bike, currently the highest I've taken the revs is between 8-9k.

I also always let a bike warm up properly without revving it as I have done with all my bikes, I don't consider revving or pulling away until on the 748 the temp is 100 Degrees F.

Currently the bikes mileage is 6900 and the year is 2001. Its in immaculate condition and I have been told it has had a full service.

What sort of problems may I expect and how can you tell when there is a problem?

For instance I have read about rocker problems? How can you tell if you have such a problem without looking?

What about cam belts?

I also notice a bit of clutch slip on pulling away, not so much that the revs go up but if I give it a bit too many revs I feel it slip under me (if that makes sense? a slight quick squeek).

Is that normal or something to bother about?

Thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions just always wanted one but nervous of problems.

I had a 748 between 1997 and 2000 covering 9000 miles.

Had not one iota of trouble with it.

Nothing. Nada. Niente.

Hope you have the same !

had 1 only for 18m but never missed a beat. Just get it serviced (or do it yerself if you're handy) and change oil regularly.

And take it over 8k - thats when the fun starts!! ;)

The clutch problem sounds typical of Ducati dry clutches, it probably just needs a clean, it'll take you less than an hour to strip and remove the plates etc, even for the less mechanically minded it's a simple task, sounds like dust build up, getting an open/vented cover will help alleviate this to a degree as the dust will disperse all over your right foot rather than stay within the clutch assembly :D

Rockers are a problem, and it really does depend on the bike and how it's ridden, warmed up and how regularly it's used and serviced, the only way you can really tell if you might have rocker wear is to drain the oil and check the screening filter for chrome flakes, otherwise it's a big job with pulling the heads etc.

Personally just get riding it and enjoy

My 748s destroyed its engine at 4300 miles when a grub screw came out of the crank, it was rebuilt under waranty and has been perfect for the last 10,000 miles.

Lots of service history is required and do not take any risks with the cambelts. A full service at 6000 miles would/may not have inluded the belts.

If you are in any doubt about the history of the belts have them replaced.

The clutch may just need stripping and cleaning, there are loads of threads about the clutch on here.

I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles

Enjoy:bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::boun cy:

Have had mine for 3 years and no problems at all....even the electrics have not missed a beat, which was my initial concern with a Ducati.

Nope, you dont need to take the heads off to check the rockers, just take the cams out.

on my second 748 - no problems, regular use and good maintenance is all that is required - clutch sound is normal - it needs the dust cleaned out. and the 748 loves to be revved so go over 8k and have fun.

Thanks guys for all the posts, I think I'll be on here more regularly you all sound a top bunch.

Certainly inspired with more confidence with it, thanks.

That's just us lulling you into a false sense of security ;)

Welcome to the site! Hopefully you'll hang around and see what a bunch of lunatics there are around. I am completely sane of course.

Now, to important matters, you've made it this far without getting to the bar! I'll have a Crown Lager please mate.

Ta.

:D

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?

Anybody able to help with this question and I have also been told there is no rev limiter on the 748? Is this true?

it has a rev limiter.

Where are you? More location specific advice regarding servicing may be available.

Mike

[Edited on 4-7-2005 by m1keyp]

Powers dropping off after 10800 way before the limiter,just making more noise.Max torque at around 9000,more usable on the road.

The only problem you'll ever have with the748 is falling in love again with anything else .But do as i do by gently warming both the engine and tyres up. Hee hee

I live on the Isle of Man, I went to the Ducati dealership to gain a bit more info on the bike and it was there I was told there was no rev limiter, which I thought odd for a road bike.

I've always been cautious of damaging my bikes ever since I started 11 years ago, this went away as I got onto four strokes and the build quality got better. Now I'm on a Ducati I guess I'm more nervous of doing damage again, more so as I have come from owning an 04 R1 and I feel I have to rev this thing harder to get the sort of performance I want from it.

I'm not the fastest of riders but I do like to go quick in certain stretches of road and so as I have progressively increased in bike capacity I've found I've not had to try as hard, now getting the Duke for all I love it for everything it does I do feel its performance is down a bit but I'm sure its something I can get used to.

Just out of interest what is it about the 748 that people love about it over and above other bikes and would you own one instead of a top of the range jap bike such as the R1?

The R1 is a washing machine/fridge /dishwasher/tumble drier/vectra/mondeo. It does the job it's designed for.

A Ducati is .............. Ooooh just ride it and find out for yourself.

:D

The 748/9-- series are the best looking bikes ever made for my money,add the sound and away you go.Performance wise a Jap 600 will run rings round it never mind an R1.For better comparison against the R1 you really need to try 996/998,the torque will drag you round the IOM roads,but will still lack the power of the R1,but then again John McGuiness would be quicker than most people on a Honda Super Dream!.Depends on how fast you want to go.I would not buy another Ducati,I dont like the 749/999 series,the nearest dealer to me has no idea of customer service,parts take forever,probably the dealer,the rocker issue has been disgusting.You get to feel like you pay more to own a Ducati, then they take the p-ss.

Most things are down on performance to an r1 especially a 748 twin, but for me that’s not what a 748 is about. Leave the straight bits for those that know no better and spend your time in the corners, because corners is something a 748 really does do.:devil:

just noticed you live on the iom and I know you have a few good corners I saw it on the telly. :roll:

yeah plenty of decent corners and fantastic roads in general.

I'm just interested to know why people stick with Ducati even though they're expensive and prone to technical problems. I get some people telling me there are no problems with them any more and then others with costly horror stories.

Suppose you get addicted to the looks and the sound,dont know how much it costs to service an R1, but Ducati prices-6k or yearly £346.00,12kor 2year £653,plus any problems.A 12k service cost me £1200 last year,with rockers even though the bikes been well looked after.The rocker problem has existed for years,and still exists no matter what you do.Some last well others wear out in an instant.

I have spoken to quite a few people who have had dukes, some will have them forever and some never again. I think with a duke you either get it (as in soul/character/feeling) or you don’t .If someone doesn’t you can’t talk them round and if they do then everything else is a compromise.
Having said that I can see why some of the bad repair bills have changed more than a few minds, so until then I’ll take it for all I can (looking for a fingers crossed smiley). ;)

I love the whole feel of the bike and knowing you're part of something very special with a whole lot of heritage.

To me Dukes are more of a "real" bike as in they have a proper character rather than just being a Superbike Magazine statistic of 0-60's and top speeds that most of us mortals would never use anyway.

The only thing that bothers me and has ever bothered me is the maintenance costs, I know its a you have to cross that bridge when you come to it, but hearing of a £1200 service is one hell of a lot of money, its like buying a cheap run around.

I can't even comprehend how it could possibly cost that much, thats more like something you'd claim on the insurance for if you ditched your bike.

Take the cost of a 12k service,add on the rockers at £80-90 EACH,and the bill soon looks like the national debt.£1200 is the worst service cost Ive had,but its not uncommon.Changing bike every 2 years is an option,always under warranty,but depreciation comes into play.Main thing is enjoy the bike,think of all the tax your saving by living in the IOM,as the Ducati fund:)

True but I've still sent an email to Ducati to see their views on the subject, I think if its a recognised defect then you can't expect the customer to foot the bill.

As a follow on I have come across the following article which highlights Ducati's obligation to foot the repair of failing rockers which are recognised as a defective component.

http://www.ducati.net/faq.cfm?id=45

Had my 748e from new about 2 years ago. Please to be able to report absolutely nothing wrong with her.

Although still under warranty I have mine serviced by Richard at Louigi Moto, as he has had a shed load of positive feedback on this site, plus he's so much cheaper than the main dealer in Bristol where I live.

The only thing I've done is to fit some Hellibars (imported from the USA) which help with the riding position. The mine is superb as it is and I've resisted any temptation to add "bling" bits to it...Ride it, service it ,clean it and enjoy!

don't worry-just ride it.. if you take a trip to the factory and museum you will see that ducati are interested in making machines to ride, the starting point is something that is track(wsbk) biased, rather than the japanese who start with a production machine and turn it into a track missile. but all in all the ride factor is the thing. Problems...well they may happen, but the 748 is very well screwed together especially the later ones. Perfomance?? they are not the fastest kid on the block and a 748R putting out around 105hp would be the best of the bunch - if you need more power a 996/998 has it, the 748 is a revvy kind of v-twin compared to the bigger displacement engines..so you do have to try harder.

Interesting that he quotes Neil Spalding's (Sigma Performance) article on rockers at the bottom. It's a pretty good article and that, plus his advice, is why I've never ridden or rev'd my 996 until it's warm and wouldn't dream of it before 90 seconds was up. Even though I use Neil's recommended oil!

Worth bearing in mind.

[Edited on 5-7-2005 by TP]

I think Ducati will only honour out of warranty period claims if the bike has been dealer serviced from new.

hmm but a second hand owner cannot be held to ransom for a bikes history which is out of their control.

In my case however it has been officially dealer serviced for its lifetime but I think that its Ducatis legal obligation to honour all out of warranty claims for parts which are known to be defective.

If they couldn't build it right in the first place then they should cover the costs.