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Ducati 748- History and Specification

Ducati 748 Model
Basically a smaller-displacement version of the 916 is Ducati 748 is an Italian sports motorcycle manufactured by Ducati from 1994 to 2002. It was succeeded by the Ducati 749.

Ducati 748

The 748 made a surprise debut at the International Bike Show in 1997. Identical in every way to the 916, only the bore and stroke of the engine is different at 88 x 61.5 to create the 748cc that gives the name. Ducati showed up with one screaming-yellow single-seater, a price tag, and that’s it. The shorter stroke of the engine compared to the 916 gave a much higher rev ceiling of 11,500rpm and the smaller pistons help the engine to spin up quicker.

Ducati-748 in Yellow

Ducati 748 History
Ducati produced several variations of the 748, starting with the basic 748 twin seat in 1994 and then the 1995-96 748SP and 1996-99 748SPS followed as more powerful options. Engine mods are to allow engine tuning within the supersport rules. High Compression Pistons fitted as standard (although if you check the specs they only list at 0.2:1 different, the hi-comp pistons mean with the squish set correctly (factory is always out) you get a far better CR, (just under 12:1). In 1997-1999 Ducati launches the new 748 model with new changes that is Replaced SP in 1998. Now get twin pin Brembo calipers, 98 style graphics with just ‘DUCATI‘ on the side fairing and no tank graphics. SP Steel rods replaced by SPS Titanium rods (NOT race rods, the same design as the BP rod but made from ti.) IMO not as good as the SP Rods but this allowed the crank to be very slightly lighter to balance.

Ducati in Black

Ducati 748E (2000-2003)
• 2002 – Fairing design change (now without the side vents, like 998 ) and new exhaust system for E and S models – the exhaust is the same size but without link pipe (all in one) so if you wanted to fit anything other than just 45mm termis (45mm to 50mm for example) then you needed to replace the full system.
• 2001 - Fitted with the Testa-Basa motor (not testastretta!) difference is simply the stepped heads on the exhaust cams side- allowing the same head casting to be used for S4 monster and 748 (exhaust cam is lower in the head to miss the front wheel of the monster). E chassis same as 2000 BIP model but now with grey 3 spoke wheels and grey frame.
• The BIP was replaced by the E model, actually downgrading the Showa rear shock with a cheaper unit and also losing the adjustable steering head on the BP, which had both road and track settings.
Production of the 748 officially ended in 2003 and it was available to purchase alongside the 749 which replaced it, until dealer stocks were exhausted.

Ducati 748 in Action

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