Ducati 748 reviews

I owned a bevel drive 750 years ago and bought the 748 with a little trepidation. The older bike had been nice but severely unreliable. The new bike with over 13k miles, two trips to California and daily commutes has exceeded all expectations. Fast, reliable as a toaster, beautiful and reasonably comfortable with a Pro Italia bar riser kit. I love the bike. I have owned many bikes and this the one I will keep until I am too old to ride. Ducati seems to have produced a work of art without any warts. Show less

In six years, I've owned nine total bikes, the Ducati 748 being the current and only non-Japanese. All I have to say is that there is nothing like owning a Ducati. Sure there are faster and lighter bikes out there now, sure I have thought about trading it in for a newer faster, lighter Japanese bike. But time and time again, I throw the idea right out. Japanese bikes are great, don't get me wrong, I've owned eight, but there is no comparison with the way a Ducati 748 makes you feel and makes you look. Ride on Ducs!!! Show less

I just got back into sport bikes after riding Harleys for a number of years. I've looked at everything out there and narrowed it down to the Aprilia, BMW R1100S, and Ducati. I ended up settling for a 900SS instead of the 748 I really wanted. Of course this is my first Ducati and I wasn't sure how I would like these bikes. After putting 1100 miles on the SS, I fell in love with Ducatis. But I wasn't satisfied so I traded the SS in for the 748 and let me tell you, nothing beats a Ducati! I know that power is down compared to the inline 4, but what it lacks in power it rips in handling! I haven't ridden canyon roads since the 80's on a VF500 Interceptor. It's hard to explain how awesome the handling and how easy the 748 is to ride. And yes I do commute to work on it, 100 mile round trip. And I actually find it more comfortable than the SS. I'm 41 years old 5'8" 175 lbs., and the whole setup fits me like a glove. No tired wrists, back, or neck. My next move is to install carbon fibre slip-ons and a chip. Other than that, it will remain stock. If you can afford one, definitely a good choice. It may be a little pricey, but you will keep this bike. Plus all the great compliments you get, especially from the opposite sex. You will not be disappointed. Show less

In the 20 years I have been riding I have never ridden a bike or owned a bike that delivers so much fun and confidence building. In my eyes no one has ridden a real motorcycle until they have ridden this one. I fully recommend if you get the chance ride with the Ducati experience. Show less

I have had other Ducati's, as well as Jap bikes and different engines (I4,V2, singles, two strokes). I have nothing but praise for the handling, fun factor, and motor of this bike. Sure, you could nit-pick HP ratings, 748 vs. 996, cost vs. Jap bikes, etc. But if having fun, Sunday rides, showing off in town, and having a sharp looking bike with a sweet sounding motor are your game, this is the bike to have. You already know if you can afford it... if you can, then get it! But beware. Aside from my praises, don't be ignorant. Maintenance is a must: frequent and expensive. Ergonomics afford good riding only in the twisties or on track days, NOT a commuter or for plodding around. don't get stuck in traffic with its oven bake exhausts under your rump, and hellacious pull dry clutch (though the clutch will feel awesome on twisty roads and track days). If you want to expand your rides beyond 200-400 mile days, get a Sargent seat ($270), Helibar bar risers ($270, but they make the bike tougher to fall into a corner... a little extra effort is needed, but once in the corner, kick back and relax) and a Pro Italia slave cylinder ($225, makes that dry clutch a little more bearable). I have gone thru nine bikes in eight years. The 748 is the only one I've kept. Not a primary bike, but an awesome second bike for those wicked days you want to go scuff off your tires while hoping you don't get a speeding ticket! Get it if you can, or lust for one anyway! don't try to justify this bike to another one... it never ads up by numbers alone. If you don't FEEL you want this bike, then you're not ready. And a good rider on this bike can hang with any other scoot out there. Period. Good luck! Show less

Although the 748 lacks the low down power of the torquey 2 valve Ducks, they can neither match its handling nor the song that she sings at full throttle with the tach sweeping toward 11,000 rpms. "Why didn't you get the 916/996?" Sick of hearing that question. If you have to ask you wouldn't understand. Yes, the 916 has more power and torque, but the 748 is lighter and more fun to bang through the gears. I know because I had a 916. Show less

In the past few years I have owned an FZR600, CBRF3, YZF600R and a Supersport900. My 1999 748 has changed my outlook, desire, need and enjoyment levels. All I want to do is ride, lean, lean some more, etc, etc, etc. The most fun you can have on two-wheels - you feel like you are about to go out and race. And the look of the bike...what can be said that already hasn't? Get off you 4cyl, generic jap. and get on a real bike. Show less