The Ducati 749 is a sport bike with a 90-degree V-twin desmodromic engine that Ducati built between 2003 and 2007. Designed by Pierre Terblanche, it was the smaller-engined companion of the 999 and shared most of its bodywork.
Ducati 749 at a glance
| Maker | Ducati Motor Holding, Borgo Panigale |
|---|---|
| Production | 2003–2007 |
| Designer | Pierre Terblanche |
| Engine | 748 cc 90° V-twin, desmodromic four valves |
| Versions | 749, 749 Dark, 749S, 749R |
| Front suspension | Showa 43 mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock |
| Rear tyre | 180/55-17 (the 999 used 190/50) |
| Gearbox | six-speed, dry multiplate clutch |
| Successor | Ducati 848 |
History of the Ducati 749
The 749 was built from 2003 to 2007 and was closely related to the 999, whose bodywork it kept almost unchanged. Its engine was smaller in capacity and different in its cylinder heads, so it revved higher and made less peak power than the 999 unit. In Italy the model is dated from 2002, when it went on sale.
The S version, like the 999, carried features rarely found on production motorcycles, including adjustable rake at 23.5 or 24.5 degrees and five-position adjustable rearset mounts.
A limited number of 749s were built as the racing 749R, each with its production number stamped on the triple clamp and initially costing almost twice the base bike. It was lighter and had a shorter stroke, a larger bore and bigger valves so it could breathe better at high revs, with a larger 18.3-litre tank, slipper clutch, Öhlins forks, shock and steering damper, racing camshafts, titanium valves, guides and con-rods, magnesium head covers and carbon belt covers. The 2004 version also had carbon fibre fairings. The 749 was replaced by the 848 for 2008.
Design and features
- Shared with the 999: bodywork, chassis layout and the same family of V-twin engine.
- Higher revving: the smaller engine produced less peak power but revved more freely.
- Adjustable geometry: the S offered two rake settings and five rearset positions.
- 749R racing parts: titanium internals, Öhlins suspension, slipper clutch and a bigger tank.
Ducati 749 versions
- 749 (2003): the main version, available as biposto or monoposto.
- 749 Dark (2004): the cheapest version, black only, with simpler suspension and no steering damper.
- 749S (2003): better equipment and a more powerful engine.
- 749R (2004): the limited racing homologation model with a heavily revised engine.
The 749 replaced the 748 and shared its bodywork with the 999; it was replaced by the 848. More Ducatis are in the Ducati collection.
Video: DNM Probefahrt mit Ducati 749 – ist zu verkaufen
Video by Dirk Neugebauer on YouTube.
Sources
- Ducati 749, English Wikipedia: design, versions, 749R, chassis
- Ducati 749, Italian Wikipedia: production years, version list
