The Ducati 748 is a sport bike produced from 1994 to 2002. It was the smaller-displacement version of the 916, and it was succeeded by the 749 in 2003.
Ducati 748 at a glance
| Maker | Ducati Motor Holding, Borgo Panigale |
|---|---|
| Production | 1994–2002 |
| Engine | 748 cc Desmoquattro, 90° L-twin, desmodromic four valves |
| Bore × stroke | 88 × 61.5 mm |
| Redline | 11,500 rpm |
| Rear tyre | 180/55-17 (the 916 used 190/50-17) |
| Frame | steel trellis, single-sided swingarm |
| Designer | Massimo Tamburini |
| Successor | Ducati 749 |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the facts were not cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Ducati 748
The Desmoquattro engine began life with 748 cc and cylinder heads that were originally meant for a smaller bore than the 916’s, so a smaller version of the 916 was always likely. The 748 was almost identical to the 916 in every way: both were the work of Ducati’s in-house designer Massimo Tamburini and both shared design elements with the Supermono. The differences were the rear tyre size and the engine capacity.
The shorter piston stroke gave a higher rev ceiling of 11,500 rpm, and the smaller pistons helped the engine accelerate more quickly. The engine weighed close to 54 kg and produced at least 71 kW (95 hp) in all its forms, with the SP and SPS versions in a higher state of tune.
Production ended in 2002. The 748 stayed on sale alongside its successor, the 749, until dealer stocks were exhausted.
Design and features
- Tamburini bodywork: the 916 shape, including the single-sided swingarm and under-seat exhausts.
- Short stroke: 61.5 mm against the 916’s longer stroke, for a 11,500 rpm redline.
- Racing versions: the SP and SPS were built as homologation machines for World Supersport.
- 748R: shower injectors, titanium con-rods and valves, and a basic slipper clutch.
Ducati 748 versions
- 748 Biposto (1994): the two-seat base model.
- 748SP (1995–96) and 748SPS (1996–99): more powerful monoposto homologation bikes with Öhlins rear shock and floating cast-iron Brembo discs.
- 748E (2000): the revamped base model with three-spoke gold wheels, a gold frame, Sachs-Boge shock and Showa forks.
- 748S (2000): five-spoke Marchesini wheels, adjustable steering head and Showa suspension with TiN-coated fork stanchions.
- 748R (2000): the racing homologation model with a two-part airbox, titanium internals and Öhlins suspension.
- 748RS: fewer than 20 full racing machines with no road equipment.
- 748S Titanium Grey (2002): flat grey bodywork, grey frame and red wheels, in monoposto and biposto form.
The 748 was the smaller sister of the 916 and was replaced by the 749, which in turn gave way to the 848. More Ducatis are in the Ducati collection.
Video: 1999 Ducati 748 Review
Video by Men and Motors on YouTube.
Sources
- Ducati 748, English Wikipedia: design, engine, versions, end of production
