748R v\'s 748S
 

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]

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!

You have u2u

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]

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]

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:biaggi:

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

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

748 R is a great bike :cool: :cool: :cool:

748R
 

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

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 ;)

Stand well back and light the blue touch paper;)

748R power:



749 power:



Nuff said.

Nice Graph
 

NIce graphs mate, says it all. 749s might be the better bike for smoothness and ease of use depending on what people want but for me you cant beat the looks, the handling, the power delivery of the 748R, dont think id swop mine for anything!

Power isn't everything...

>>Move with the times, get the 749

It's hardly moved forward with the times, has it? ;)

[Edited on 16-1-2006 by twpd]

Certainly has - it's a better handling bike with a smoother engine.

Some people just like old stuff though, so ride them both and see what's best for you.

Thanks for all the replies guys. I prefer the shape of the 748 to the 749 (each to their own) but I really am torn between the S and R!

It's one of those heart or head decisions.....

I had a 748S and upgraded to a 748R 2002 model and its awseome..would not swap it for anything ...... it has everything looks power suspenders brakes everything you could want and more.....get the gearing sorted and it becomes a mid range missle...................

748R all the way....you will never look back.............

748R has better suspension Ohlins all round ( 2002 ) model....better brakes..slipper clutch....tit conrods....all the juicy bits.....its faster, handles better, brakes better than a 748s....................AWESOME..........

Both are great bikes .....the R is more focused for sure and if you ride it hard is very very rewarding...................

do it..LOL

Phil

What fil2 said, spot on. :cool:

...but a 748s is ample of a machine.


It will will not be looked upon as inferior to an 'r' nor viewed as anything less beautiful.

It will also offer the same level of discomfort as an 'r' for a lot less money !

Delooney

[Edited on 16-1-2006 by Delooney]

correct the 748 is a great bike, I had one for four years with no problems.
the 748 R is a bit special, try to get a go on one, your face will look like this :D

I've had a 2001 748R from new and done 25k miles on it.

Despite a few probs mechanically which have kicked me in the nads, I still love it....

Tis an awesome piece of kit. I traded up from a 748Bip (did 25k miles on that too) and boy would I not go back. There's is something undeniably sweet about looking down and seeing that '748R' plate on the yokes. Get it above 9k rpm and you'll feel why you made the decision.

Servicing costs are naturally higher on a race rep machine but in my opinion, it's worth it. The looks are only part of the story.

Do it..........You know you want to :devil::devil::devil::devil::devil::devil::devil:

Guy

[Edited on 16-1-2006 by Guido]

the 748 r in the dyno graph has been ported and bored out throttle bodies. do the same to the 749 and a beast will be born.

or you could build a 853 hey chris ??

will post up my dyno maps as soon as its done !!!

This is an R.........U know you want one..............

Wot Fil said

even for everyday riding I would pick the R over the S on a 748

If you were considering a 998s to the 748r its might be different, but for the money difference of the 748s to 748r I would always pick the R... well i did anyway :D

748R
 

Another tempter!!

I had a 748R and it's the one bike I really regret selling even though the fueling was a pig (cut out when stopped at lights etc) but a PC3 sorts that apparently. Decided to go back to a sportsbike after having a Monster for a bit and test rode a 748E which didn't feel right and brought a 996S instead but if I'd found another R at the right money I'd have brought one :D

Darren

Well, I've done it... went for the R model in the end and I'm chuffed to bits with it. I managed to get a pristine 03 plate with just over 3000 miles. It's an absolute credit to the last owner who obviously cherished it and was gutted to see it go.

Thanks to all of you who posted advice.

Roll on spring time!!!



:burn:

[Edited on 25-1-2006 by ChrisG]

well pleased that you went for the r great pice of machinary , looks a great toy, enjoy polishing it as much as you dou riding it , i do
jamie:biaggi:

well done enjoy :roll:

Very nice :cool: :cool: :cool:

good man.........u wont regret it.....


where in the uk are you.?

very nice looking bike! as you say looks a credit to the previous owner
enjoy

Nice machine, very desirable indeed. Happy riding.

Is there just a 2001 & 2002 version of the 748R? What are the differences?