Best Used Bikes Ducati 749s
BEST USED BIKES DUCATI 749S
SERVICE
YEARS SOLD: 2003-2006 MSRP NEW: $14,795 (’03) to $14,995 (’06) BLUE BOOK RETAIL VALUE: $4,810 (’03) to $6,370 (’06)
BASIC SPECS: Introduced alongside the 999 superbike, the 749S is essentially a 999 with downsized bore and stroke dimensions that yield 748cc of displacement. The 90-degree V-twin, a belt-drive DOHC design with four valves per cylinder, has Ducati’s signature desmodromic valve actuation. The 749S shares many parts with the 999, including a fully adjustable Showa 43mm inverted fork with TiNcoated stanchions and shock with progressive linkage. The tubular steel-trellis frame has an adjustable steering head, which allows a choice of 24.5 or 23.5 degrees of rake, a three-position tank/seat/tail adjustment, and five footrest locations.
WHY IT’S DESIRABLE: Ducati’s 749 was produced in a trio of flavors. The Dark version, priced most affordably, had lowerspec suspension and none of the S’s added chassis adjustability. The 749R homologation special featured race-quality Ohlins suspension along with a race engine tune that featured a shorter stroke, a larger bore, and bigger valves for improved highrpm output. The S hits the sweet spot for sporting street use and club racing, thanks to its broader spread of power and superb chassis stability.
THE COMPETITION: Ducati held the upper hand for mid-displacement V-twin performance over the Buell XB9R, but the usual cast of 600cc Japanese inlinefour supersports offered near equivalent performances at an enticing price. Triumph introduced its Daytona 675 in 2006, giving buyers and race fans yet another alternative in this increasingly crowded category.
