[kermita]

The Ducati superbikes have always been "dream bikes" for me....super sexy for both the eyes and the ears but out of my price range and abilities. Well, without getting into the details, the last couple of months have made me acutely aware of how short life is and that you must live each day to the fullest. As such, I'm going to go for my dream bike and am hoping for some input from you Ducati gurus out there.

I've decided (or more accurately *accepted*) that even though I'm jumping into the Ducati pool, I've still got to pay the mortgage, so there is a budget. This bike will be 75% track and 25% street. Since I don't want to pay more than $10k and NHIS is my "home track" (where liter bikes are not necessary), my decision is to go for a pre-owned 748/9. So....is there a reason to do one or the other? Yes, the 748 is less expensive but should I worry about the age? Are there features of the 749 that would make for a better track ride? Does anyone have any good sources for comparisons of the 2 models? I've been unable to find any online.

TIA

[akira700]

You sure you're gonna like a 749 better than your 636?

You should ride one first before you bail on your 636.
Just my 2 cents.

[pasta-rocket]

I have ridden both bikes.... and motor is close in comparison, looks go to the 748, but i like the way the 749 handles. I have both models used for sale at Home Page for Hobbs Automotive

[Wishbone]

Nakid super bike http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...tastretta.html

996

this guy just came buy to sell his s2r http://www.nestreetriders.com/classi...duct=162&cat=2 I know You said super bike but Monsters are niiice

Degsy was selling his 999s I think it is

Some other guy was selling a 998 matrix wich is a cool collectors edition

But I can't find links to either post

[l3uddha]

the 748 is a damn sexy bike; regardless of age.

[DaSpence]

Sigh

One day hopefully I will own a Ducati...

[DucDave]

I have been led to believe that the 749 is easeier/less expensive to service. Wouldn't want to testify to that in court however! If you are talking 75% track do you plan to include 'track clothes'? If so the 'looks go to the 748' arguement is moot. If not, my preference is indeed the looks of the 748.

I hope that your realization that 'life is short' isn't a realization that your life, in particular, is short. And if it is, I hope that whatever you decide fulfills you in all the ways you hope!

It was nice meeting you on the ride to NHIS earlier this season. I hope to see you out there again! (I will be at the Oct.1 track day!)

Best,

Dave

[ahtune69]

Kim I had a 996 and I'll tell ya its not an easy bike to ride compared to your 636. The twin is totally diff from your inline and its less forgiving than your 636. The riding position is uncomfortable on longer rides and the heat from the exhuast will keep your ass HOT. Other than that it's a sexy looking bike with character and lots of rattle,vibrating music from the twin. Good luck.

[Wishbone]

Originally Posted by DaSpence

Sigh

One day hopefully I will own a Ducati...

Sigh...don't get me started

My first bike ever was a 02 m620 I rode the piss out of it...for 6166 miles but I digress

Dude you have an Aprilla, you could swap that for a duc no problem

[Stupidhawk007]

The 748 is a damn good looking bike. Kinda lethargic, but will pull better down low and handle better than the 636(at least in my experience).

[DaSpence]

Originally Posted by fasterthanu

Sigh...don't get me started

My first bike ever was a 02 m620 I rode the piss out of it...for 6166 miles but I digress

Dude you have an Aprilla, you could swap that for a duc no problem

I'll never get rid of the aprilia NEVER...Too meaningful to me.


Once I re-enlist for another 4 years Im thinking of using some of the money to get myself a little somethin somethin

either a 996 or a 998

[ku996r]

nice call kim.

I don't own a duc, but planning to get a monster next year as my street ride and turn the 636 into track tool.

i've heard the same as mike said. but if you want it that bad, then you should have it.

[hessogood]

Have you ridden the Ducati's yet? If not, I recommend you do.

They used to be my dream bike as well for a long long time, until I put a leg over a couple of them. Now, if one was given to me the first thing I would likely do is sell it or trade it in.

[Doc]

Catalog Page for Hobbs Automotive - 2005 DUCATI 800SS

Get the 800ss... Cheaper, easier to work on, LWSB and ULSB capable and more comfy than the 748/9. unno:

Don't let the haters steer you clear... Ducati is an aqquired taste. Just like pussy.

[97BladeRider]

Originally Posted by Doc

Catalog Page for Hobbs Automotive - 2005 DUCATI 800SS

Get the 800ss... Cheaper, easier to work on, LWSB and ULSB capable and more comfy than the 748/9. unno:

Everyone....

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Manny]

The 748 had a lot of rocker problems, but i dont know how significant those are to deal with. This question would be better researched on ducati.ms where there about 100 threads in the last year with the same title.

[Doc]

Originally Posted by 97BladeRider

Everyone....

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I'm SO smart.

[a13x]

The 749 is a great bike on the track. I think you'll enjoy it. Or you could wait like... few more months and see what's coming

[akira700]

Originally Posted by a13x

The 749 is a great bike on the track. I think you'll enjoy it. Or you could wait like... few more months and see what's coming

Lemme guess a 698 cc bike that competes with 600s... ?

[Doc]

859?

[Kurlon]

Go with whatever calls to you, tech specs and ride reports be damned.

[LuvDog]

I'd have to say the 748... but that's based on looks alone... I'm kind of partial to that style.

But to be honest... the 749 is probably an overall better bike and more reliable.

[kermita]

Originally Posted by a13x

The 749 is a great bike on the track. I think you'll enjoy it. Or you could wait like... few more months and see what's coming

You wouldn't be saying that the 848 is a reality would you???

[Manny]

Originally Posted by kermita

You wouldn't be saying that the 848 is a reality would you???

Its not a secret. Dealers are taking deposits and "848" is stamped all over the 1098 tank and other parts.

[Honclfibr]

I don't know shit about ducatis, so I can't help you with your decision. But I wanted to offer a different perspective...

Life is short, definitely. But to me at least, material purchases always seem short-lived. I enjoy new things as much as the next person, but they always seem to lose their shininess after a month or so.

My advice would be to keep the bike you've got, and use the money you were planning on putting towards a new one to enjoy what you have to the fullest, however that means to you. Trackdays at different tracks. Time off work to explore new roads and meet new people. When I look back at my riding career it's where I was and who I was riding with, not what I was riding, that makes me nostalgic.