Ducati 748

Last updated
Ducati 748
Ducati 748 Studio.jpg
Manufacturer Ducati
Production1994–2003
Successor Ducati 749
Class Sport bike
Engine 748 cc (45.6 cu in) desmodromic liquid cooled 90° V-twin
Bore / stroke 88 mm × 61.5 mm (3.46 in × 2.42 in)
Compression ratio 11.5:1
11.6:1 (SP, SPS)
Top speed240 km/h (150 mph) (Economy, Biposto)
250 km/h (155 mph) (SP, SPS)
255 km/h (158 mph) (R) [1]
Power 87 hp (65 kW) @ 10,400 rpm [2]
73 kW (98 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (Strada, Biposto, Economy 1995–1999)
72 kW (97 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (748 2000–2007)
78 kW (104 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (SP, SPS)
79 kW (106 hp) @ 11,000 rpm (R) [1]
Transmission Dry multiplate clutch, 6 speed, chain drive
Suspension Front: 43 mm telescopic fork, all Showa exc. R, Ohlins
Rear: Swingarm, rising rate shock, all Showa exc. R, Ohlins, and Economy, Sachs-Boge
Brakes Front: 2 × 320 mm disc
Rear: 220 mm disc
Rake, trail 24.5°
Wheelbase 1,410 mm (56 in)
DimensionsL: 2,050 mm (81 in) (1995–1996)
2,030 mm (80 in) (1997–2002)
W: 685 mm (27.0 in) (1995–1996)
780 mm (31 in) (1997–2002)
H: 1,090 mm (43 in) (1995–1996)
1,080 mm (43 in) (1997–2002)
Seat height790 mm (31 in)
Weight200 kg (440 lb) (Strada)
202 kg (445 lb) (Biposto)
198 kg (437 lb) (SP)
194 kg (428 lb) (SPS)
196 kg (432 lb) (Economy)
192 kg (423 lb) (R) [1]  (dry)
203 kg (448 lb) (unfueled) [2]  (wet)
Related Ducati 916

The Ducati 748 is a Ducati sport bike, produced from 1994 to 2002. The 748 was the smaller displacement version of the 916, and was succeeded in 2003 by the 749.

Contents

Design

Ducati 748R Ducati 748 R.jpg
Ducati 748R

The Ducati Desmoquattro engine began as 748 cc (45.6 cu in) displacement engine, with cylinder heads that were originally meant for a smaller bore than the 916, so the introduction of a smaller version of the 916 was to be expected. [1]

The Ducati 748 is identical in almost every way to the 916, both creations of Ducati in-house designer Massimo Tamburini, and both sharing some design elements with the Ducati Supermono. The only differences are rear tyre size (180/55/17 as opposed to the 916's 190/50/17) and engine capacity (88 mm bore and 61.5 mm stroke) of 748 cc (45.6 cu in). The engine's shorter piston stroke gives a higher rev ceiling of 11500 RPM, and the smaller pistons help the engine accelerate more quickly.

Variations

Ducati produced several variations of the 748, starting with the basic 748 Biposto (meaning "two seat") in 1994 and then the 1995–96 748SP and 1996–99 748SPS followed as more powerful options. The different variations of the engine (weighing close to 54 kilograms (119 lb) each, produced at least 71 kilowatts (95 hp).[ citation needed ] The SP and SPS engines were in a higher state of tune and also came only as monoposto (meaning "single seat"), although it was possible to order the base 748 with a monoposto option, and were intended as homologation machines for World Supersport racing. Other extras over the base model included Ohlins rear shock and fully floating cast-iron Brembo brake disks. The engines also came with an oil cooler.[ citation needed ]

In 2000, Ducati revamped their 748 model line to include a third variation.[ citation needed ] The base model was now known as the 748E, available as Biposto or Monoposto, with 3-spoke gold wheels and gold frame. Gone were the quick-release Dzus fasteners on the fairing, replaced with plain fairing fasteners, and the frame also had a fixed steering head angle. The rear shock was a Sachs-Boge unit with Showa forks. This helped to keep costs down.[ citation needed ]

The intermediate model was known as the 748S. This had lighter 5-spoke Marchesini wheels in grey to match the grey frame, also retaining the earlier adjustable steering head. The rear shock was now a Showa unit with Showa forks at the front, making use of Titanium-Nitride (TiN) coating on the fork stanchions to "reduce stiction", which also gave it a gold coloring. The engine was the same as the 748 SP/SPS.[ citation needed ]

The top of the range model was now the 748R, Ducati's racing homologation model produced only in very limited numbers. This engine was again a derivative of the SPS model but with more tuning. The main difference is that the R model has an overhead shower-injector arrangement compared to the 748E and S model's traditional throttle bodies, titanium connecting rods, titanium valves and more extreme valve timing.[ citation needed ]

As such, the 748R has a larger, two-part airbox and thus the frame was also different in order to accommodate this. The suspension choice was Ohlins for both the rear shock and front forks, although the very first models in 2000 used Showa titanium nitride (TiN) front forks and a Showa shock absorber. The engine included a very basic slipper clutch to ensure that this would then be homologated for use in racing, as well as an oil cooler.[ citation needed ]

Ducati also produced a very limited run (fewer than 20) of 748RS machines, which were intended as full racing machines and as such came with no road-going equipment (lights, odometer, mirrors). The engine internals and components were vastly different from any road-based Ducati, using a variety of light-weight, high-strength materials making them extremely expensive to purchase, run and maintain. The RS came with a 54 mm exhaust system and a slightly smaller size and gauge of Chromoly tubing was used on the frame to reduce weight even further.[ citation needed ]

In 2002, Ducati also produced the limited edition 748S Titanium Grey (commonly, but not officially, known as Senna), which used the same components as the 748S but had flat grey body work, grey frame, and red Marchesini 5 spoke wheels. It came in both Monoposto and Biposto versions.[ citation needed ]

End of production and successor

Production of the Ducati 748 ended in 2002. It was available for purchase alongside its successor, the 749, until dealer stocks were exhausted.[ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Monster</span> Type of motorcycle

The Ducati Monster is a standard, or naked bike, motorcycle designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi and produced by Ducati in Bologna, Italy, since 1993. In 2005, Monster sales accounted for over half of Ducati's worldwide sales. Like most modern Ducati motorcycles, it has a 90° V-twin engine, called an L-twin by Ducati, with desmodromic valves, and tubular steel trellis frame, designed by Fabio Taglioni (1920–2001).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 916</span> Sport bike

The Ducati 916 is a fully faired sport bike made by Ducati from 1994 to 1998. Featuring a 916 cc (56 cu in) fuel injected, 4-valve, desmo, liquid-cooled, 90° V-twin engine in a trellis frame with a single-sided swingarm and USD forks, the 916 is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 996</span> Type of motorcycle

The Ducati 996 is a Ducati sport bike motorcycle made from 1999 to 2002, based upon the earlier 916.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Multistrada</span> Series of touring motorcycles

First introduced in 2003, the Ducati Multistrada is a series of V-twin and V4 touring focused motorcycles. Essentially a hybrid of a supermoto and a sport-tourer, the Multistrada competes in the market with other dual-sport motorcycles such as the BMW GS. The first iteration of the Multistrada was, like the Yamaha TDM850, neither intended nor suitable for off-road use. Subsequent models were more suited to a proper dual-sport role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suzuki GSX-R750</span> Sports motorcycle

The Suzuki GSX-R750 is a sports motorcycle made by Suzuki since 1984. It was introduced at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in October 1984 as a motorcycle of the GSX-R series for the 1985 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 998</span> Type of motorcycle

The Ducati 998 is a sport bike made by Ducati from 2002 to 2004. It was the successor to the Ducati 996 and the final variation on the Ducati 916. The new Testastretta engine shared many similarities with the previous Desmoquattro engine in the 996, although it was completely new from the crankshaft up. Testastretta means narrow head and refers to a complete redesign of the cylinder heads. The desmodromic valve actuation method was retained.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 749</span> Type of motorcycle

The Ducati 749 is a 90° V-twin Desmodromic valve actuated engine sport bike built by Ducati Motor Holding between 2003 and 2006. Designed by Pierre Terblanche, the 749 was available as the 749, 749 Dark, 749S, and 749R. It shared many of its parts with the 999, with the exception of a slightly smaller 180/55 profile rear tire, smaller cylinders, and different cylinder heads, giving it a smaller displacement of 748 cc. This smaller engine is higher revving and produces a lower peak horsepower than the larger engine used in the 999. The 749S model, like the 999, incorporates features rarely found on production motorcycles, including adjustable rake and five-position adjustable rearset mounts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta F4 series</span> Four-cylinder sport bike

The MV Agusta F4 is an inline four-cylinder sport bike made by MV Agusta from 1999 until 2018. It was the motorcycle that launched the resurrection of the brand in 1998. The F4 was created by motorcycle designer Massimo Tamburini at CRC, following his work on the Ducati 916. The F4 has a single-sided swingarm, large diameter front forks and traditional MV Agusta red and silver livery. The F4 engine is also one of the few production superbikes to have a hemi-spherical cylinder head chamber design with 4 valves per cylinder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati L-twin engine</span>

The L-twin is a naturally aspirated two-cylinder petrol engine by Ducati. It uses a 90-degree layout and 270-degree firing order and is mounted with one cylinder horizontal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Desmoquattro engine</span>

The Ducati Desmoquattro are water-cooled, four-valve engines from Ducati. They have been produced since 1985 in capacities from 748 to 1,198 cc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Hypermotard</span> Motorcycle model

The Ducati Hypermotard is a supermotard Ducati motorcycle designed by Pierre Terblanche and was first seen at the November 2005 EICMA trade show in Milan. The Hypermotard was awarded "Best of Show" at EICMA and has since won other show awards. The Hypermotard has a 937 cc (57.2 cu in) dual-spark 'Desmo' or 'Desmodromic' liquid-cooled four-valve-per-cylinder 90° V-twin engine with fuel injection and weighs under 180 kg (400 lb). The Hypermotard is capable of speeds in the region of 125 mph (201 km/h).

The Ducati SportClassics are a range of retro styled motorcycles introduced by Ducati at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, and put on sale in 2005 for the 2006 model year. The Paul Smart version was made for the 2006 model year only, while the Sport1000 ran from 2006 through the 2009 model years, and the GT1000 ran from the 2007 through 2010 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Supersport</span> Italian air-cooled 4 stroke desmodromic 2-valve 90° L-twin motorcycle

The Ducati Supersport and SS are a series of air-cooled four stroke desmodromic 2-valve 90° L-twin motorcycles made by Ducati since 1988. A limited edition Supersport called the SuperLight was sold in 1992. The name harked back to the round case 1973 Ducati 750 Super Sport, and the 1975 square case 750 and 900 Super Sport. The appellation 'SS' was applied only to the later belt drive (Pantah) based models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Supermono</span> Type of motorcycle

The Ducati Supermono is a lightweight, single-cylinder racing motorcycle made by Ducati and named after the Supermono racing class. 65 Supermonos were built by Ducati between 1993 and 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aprilia Tuono</span> Motorcycle

The Aprilia Tuono is a naked motorcycle manufactured by Aprilia from 2002. It is based on the Aprilia RSV Mille. Its successor, the Aprilia RSV1000R superbike shares its engine, gearbox, frame and, partly, its suspension. The Tuono was succeeded by the Aprilia Tuono V4 R for model year 2011, though the V2 model continued in production into the 2011 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati ST series</span> Type of motorcycle

The Ducati ST series is a set of Italian sport touring motorcycles manufactured by Ducati from 1997 through 2007. In order of release, the series comprised five distinct models: the ST2, ST4, ST4S, ST3, and ST3S. Intended to compete with other sport-tourers such as the Honda VFR, the ST Ducatis had a full fairing, a large dual seat and a relaxed riding position for both rider and pillion. The ST bikes had a centre-stand, and could be fitted with optional matching luggage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Panigale V4</span> Type of motorcycle

The Ducati Panigale V4 is a sport bike with a 1,103 cc (67.3 cu in) desmodromic 90° V4 engine introduced by Ducati in 2018 as the successor to the V-twin engined 1299. A smaller engine displacement version complies with the Superbike category competition regulations which state "Over 750 cc up to 1000 cc" for three and four cylinder 4-stroke engines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 350 Mark 3</span> SOHC motorcycle by Ducati

The Ducati 350 Mark 3 is a 340 cc (21 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1968 to 1974. It was one of the first 'wide case' Ducati singles produced. A higher performance version, the Ducati 350 Mark 3D, which used desmodromic valves was also available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 250 Mark 3</span> SOHC motorcycle by Ducati

The Ducati 250 Mark 3 is a 249 cc (15.2 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1967 to 1974. Initially produced using the 'narrow case' engine, the newly introduced 'wide case' engine was used from 1968. A higher performance version, the Ducati 250 Mark 3D, which used desmodromic valves was also available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 250 Scrambler</span> SOHC motorcycle by Ducati

The Ducati 250 Scrambler, known in Europe as the Ducati 250 SCR is an on/off road 249 cc (15.2 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1962 to 1974. Originally produced for the American Market at the request of the US importers, Berliner Motor Corporation, the model was offered in Europe from 1968. Total production was around 12,000 machines.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Falloon, Ian (2004), Standard Catalog of Ducati Motorcycles 1946-2005, Iola, WI: KP Books, pp. 223–229, ISBN   978-0873497145
  2. 1 2 Don Canet (April 1997), "Guilt by Association—Ducati 748: The Bike Without a Class", Cycle World : 49–50

Further reading