2003 Ducati 749 - good or dog?

[5150]

Hi

I am just looking at a 03 Ducati 749. Being 6ft 2 inch with a 95kg beer keg :facepalm: I was wandering if I might break the poor thing while sitting / riding on it? What is the power like on these? I am comming off a Z1000 so I am prepared that it is not probably going to be as mental as the Zed, but are these things still pretty quick? What's it like to live with one (for those that know)? Anything I need to watchout for before handing the cash over?

[SPman]

The 749 R has more room for a beer gut.

[DrunkenMistake]

Hi

I am just looking at a 03 Ducati 749. Being 6ft 2 inch with a 95kg beer keg :facepalm: I was wandering if I might break the poor thing while sitting / riding on it? What is the power like on these? I am comming off a Z1000 so I am prepared that it is not probably going to be as mental as the Zed, but are these things still pretty quick? What's it like to live with one (for those that know)? Anything I need to watchout for before handing the cash over?


Bah! i wish I was tall enough and made enough per year to have one! haha

[willytheekid]

Hi

I am just looking at a 03 Ducati 749. Being 6ft 2 inch with a 95kg beer keg :facepalm: I was wandering if I might break the poor thing while sitting / riding on it? What is the power like on these? I am comming off a Z1000 so I am prepared that it is not probably going to be as mental as the Zed, but are these things still pretty quick? What's it like to live with one (for those that know)? Anything I need to watchout for before handing the cash over?

I think there bloody sexy!, except I'd go for the 999 as they weigh roughly the same but the power difference is rather large! (999 would suit your..ahhem..."comfortable shape" :innocent:)
You can actually find a 999 for about the same price if you hunt around :yes:
The only problem I have heard with them is the CAM electrical system can be a bugger to fix $$$ if they have an issue....but they are usually very reliable.

[Ender EnZed]

....but they are usually very reliable.

Says the man riding a Guzzi. :innocent:

[\m/]

Selling the Z already?

[Edbear]

Fast but focussed! A literal pain to ride around town and not much better on the road. Great on a track, there're few, (if any), bikes that will give you more satisfaction on a race track! Keep it under 24hr guard...

[5150]

Selling the Z already?

Maybe hopefully not. Might have enough coin to have both

[5150]

Fast but focussed! A literal pain to ride around town and not much better on the road. Great on a track, there're few, (if any), bikes that will give you more satisfaction on a race track! Keep it under 24hr guard...

I did read that the early ones had a stalling problem. This one came up at the right price so I am in two minds about it. Always liked the look of them, but liking one and owning one might be two totally different things

[Edbear]

I did read that the early ones had a stalling problem. This one came up at the right price so I am in two minds about it. Always liked the look of them, but liking one and owning one might be two totally different things

I'm referring to the riding position, mate. Best take it for a ride before you make up your mind.

[5150]

I'm referring to the riding position, mate. Best take it for a ride before you make up your mind.

I am going to take it out this weekend to see if I like it.

[Edbear]

I am going to take it out this weekend to see if I like it.

Let us all know how you like it! You'll either fall in love with it or hate it, albeit somewhat reluctantly..

[Marmoot]

If you like 749, you should try 848 as well.
They're not tooooo much different in price, unless you're going for that $10.5k red one on trademe at the moment.

[5150]

If you like 749, you should try 848 as well.
They're not tooooo much different in price, unless you're going for that $10.5k red one on trademe at the moment.

Thats the one. It's at Cyclespot. It looks clean and tidy. They also have a 999 for 2 grand extra, but thats way past my price range

[supa.m]

Thats the one. It's at Cyclespot. It looks clean and tidy. They also have a 999 for 2 grand extra, but thats way past my price range

Mortgage the cat, go for the 999:yes:

[748south]

247209

Shit thats a good price, personally i think they look shit hot with front white number panel, rear monoposta seat fairing with white panels, just breaks all the red, i did that to my 748 and it totally modernised the look of the bike, i dont think you would find a cheaper 749 ay.

[5150]

Mortgage the cat, go for the 999:yes:

You forgot to mention, organize divorce as well :facepalm:

[5150]

One thing that is interesting regarding the one at Cyclespot is that they say it is NZ new, yet speedo is in miles. Does anyone know if NZ got the 749 new with speedos in miles rather then kph? Or is there something fishy with this bike? :blink:

[BAY CITY MOTORCYCLES]

Ensure that you have its service records etc. Wicked nice bikes to ride in the twisties, a little "wristy" in town though.
Adjust the brake and clutch levers to make sure you don't have to 'reach' for them which will take some weight off your wrists in town.
Being a lil' fulla :sunny: and coming from the Zed, you may find it a lil' 'gutless' unless you choose your gear before giving it a handful. The Zed's do have a smoother delivery and can produce its torque 'kinder'.

IMO...you'll absolutely love it...in the twisties :yes:

[Edbear]

One thing that is interesting regarding the one at Cyclespot is that they say it is NZ new, yet speedo is in miles. Does anyone know if NZ got the 749 new with speedos in miles rather then kph? Or is there something fishy with this bike? :blink:

Depends where they were imported from. Suzuki got a lot of stock from the US and the speedos were in miles. UK is in miles as well. It's not always cost effective for the small NZ market to specify Km/h speedos.

It's quite possible it is NZ new, but never be afraid to ask the question.

[5150]

Depends where they were imported from. Suzuki got a lot of stock from the US and the speedos were in miles. UK is in miles as well. It's not always cost effective for the small NZ market to specify Km/h speedos.

It's quite possible it is NZ new, but never be afraid to ask the question.

I thought this might be the case, but wanted to be sure. I will ask the dealer about this. From the add, the bike just had it's full service, but I will be sure asking for all the service records / receipts.

[Edbear]

I thought this might be the case, but wanted to be sure. I will ask the dealer about this. From the add, the bike just had it's full service, but I will be sure asking for all the service records / receipts.

Very important to get the service records for any high performance bike. It has likely been used as a track day bike as that was what they were intended to be. Best thing if poss would be to speak to the previous owner. If you feel like you are being fobbed off by the dealer, be cautious and be prepared to walk away. Grant should be okay to deal with though.

All said and done, the 748 is a limited edition special high performance track bike and should be looked upon as such, not a "daily driver". If you're after a fun bike to play with and don't intend clocking up commuting/touring miles on it, it will fit the bill nicely. It will cost more to run, though.

[nudemetalz]

We look forward to the pics of the new owner with smiley face and sexy red Italian exotica :)

[NZsarge]

Maybe hopefully not. Might have enough coin to have both
That'll most probably come to a sudden stop if you do buy the Ducati, meh, i'm a bit anti-most things Italian except Monica Bellucci, she scorches the earth around her where ever she walks she's that hot! Really though Italian machinery in my experience and for what tales i've heard.... they don't do realiability all that well.
Another words... enter at your own risk.

[5150]

That'll most probably come to a sudden stop if you do buy the Ducati, meh, i'm a bit anti-most things Italian except Monica Bellucci, she scorches the earth around her where ever she walks she's that hot! Really though Italian machinery in my experience and for what tales i've heard.... they don't do realiability all that well.
Another words... enter at your own risk.

So are you saying that Monica Bellucci is high maintenance? :shit:

[NZsarge]

So are you saying that Monica Bellucci is high maintenance? :shit:

I'd almost go as far as to say without doubt... But one Italian that might just be worth it if ya know what i mean...:yes:

[5150]

I'd almost go as far as to say without doubt... But one Italian that might just be worth it if ya know what i mean...:yes:

Ahem... Yes :innocent:

[nudemetalz]

What's all the fuss about?

[5150]

What's all the fuss about?

Would you not want to test-ride that? :drool::innocent:

[nudemetalz]

ha...me actually being facetious !!
Of course I would !!
...err then I'd ask her for a loan to buy an 1199...

[5150]

ha...me actually being facetious !!
Of course I would !!
...err then I'd ask her for a loan to buy an 1199...

Ha. I knew there was something sinister in that statement. An alterior motive perhaps. And here it is...

If you performed well, I guess she would just give you 1199, right before her husband cuts your balls off......:corn:

[nudemetalz]

hahahaha

Now, back to your bike.

I've always liked the twin swingarm look of the 749/999 Dukes that were so bagged in their time. I guess people that buy Italian bikes like evolution rather than revolution ..(says him that owns a pushrod v-twin from Italia...)

[5150]

hahahaha

Now, back to your bike.

I've always liked the twin swingarm look of the 749/999 Dukes that were so bagged in their time. I guess people that buy Italian bikes like evolution rather than revolution ..(says him that owns a pushrod v-twin from Italia...)

The 749/999 shape had the biggest impression on me. It was way overdue. Personally I think Ducati run the 916/748 shape to the ground. So seeing the next models was a breath of fresh air. I too like the look of twin swingarm. Even Karl Fogarty said the single sided swing arm was too flexible. Aparently he begged Ducati for the double sided swingarm to no avail.

If I get this one , It will be a special day ride / track day machine. :yes:

[NZsarge]

What's all the fuss about?

Super milf!

[Marmoot]

All said and done, the 748 is a limited edition special high performance track bike and should be looked upon as such, not a "daily driver".

My 848 is a daily.
But yes, you are right, expect to pay more.
Service is not cheap, and parts do fall off from time to time (screws mostly, plus 2 voltage regulators so far)
Plus tyres.....sticky tyres are not cheap.

If you can get 999 for another $2000, I'd take the $2000 on finance. It would be worth it.

[supa.m]

My 848 is a daily.
But yes, you are right, expect to pay more.
Service is not cheap, and parts do fall off from time to time (screws mostly, plus 2 voltage regulators so far)
Plus tyres.....sticky tyres are not cheap.

If you can get 999 for another $2000, I'd take the $2000 on finance. It would be worth it.

Mortgage of the cat plus divorce = 999

Of course you could look for an Aprilia?:gob:

[nudemetalz]

Mortgage of the cat plus divorce = 999

Of course you could look for an Aprilia?:gob:

Is that like selling the pussy?

[5150]

Is that like selling the pussy?

I think the 749 or 999 would qualify as a sex supliment if divorce was on the cards.....:shutup:

[nudemetalz]

A tempermental redhead that only turns on when she wants to and not you?

Now does that explain a Duke (or Guzzi..ahem) or the missus ?

[5150]

A tempermental redhead that only turns on when she wants to and not you?

Now does that explain a Duke (or Guzzi..ahem) or the missus ?

Oh, when you put it like that, ofcourse it makes sense :blink:

[nudemetalz]

Guzzi owners are well known for not making the slightest bit of sense.
Just look at Dangerous, or Willythekid..... :shutup:

[5150]

Well. Didn't even make it to Auckland this weekend. A friend of a friend has a 749S and let me take it for a short blast. I'd hate to say it but it wasn't for me. Just didn't feel right. Don't know if it was this example or because it was his bike and I was too scared to drop it, what ever it was I just couldn't get comfortable with it. It was twitchy with hard ride and I just wasn't getting the feedback from the suspension that I wanted. So that plus his comments regarding the maintenance costs etc made me walk away from owning a Duke.

However I also took an 07 Triumph 675 Daytona for a ride, and that put a huge grin on my mug. What a ride that was. The feedback through bars and the smooth power gave me lots of confidence. I didn't even miss the 400cc and extra cylinder of the Zed. :yes:I took it down my fave road and honestly on some corners I was going nearly 10-20 kms faster then I dare take my Zed to. Fell in love with it. Now, just have to convince the finance minister of the benefits of owning a Triumph:innocent:

[Edbear]

Well. Didn't even make it to Auckland this weekend. A friend of a friend has a 749S and let me take it for a short blast. I'd hate to say it but it wasn't for me. Just didn't feel right. Don't know if it was this example or because it was his bike and I was too scared to drop it, what ever it was I just couldn't get comfortable with it. It was twitchy with hard ride and I just wasn't getting the feedback from the suspension that I want it. So that plus his comments regarding the maintenance costs etc made me walk away from owning a Duke.

However I also took an 07 Triumph 675 Daytona for a ride, and that put a huge grin on my mug. What a ride that was. The feedback through bars and the smooth power gave me lots of confidence. I didn't even miss the 400cc and extra cylinder of the Zed. :yes:I took it down my fave road and honestly on some corners I was going nearly 10-20 kms faster then I dare take my Zed to. Fell in love with it. Now, just have to convince the finance minister of the benefits of owning a Triumph:innocent:

Not unexpected. Not sure about the long term ownership of the Triumph, but they certainly seem to be popular, esp. on the track.

[Marmoot]

Well. Didn't even make it to Auckland this weekend. A friend of a friend has a 749S and let me take it for a short blast. I'd hate to say it but it wasn't for me. Just didn't feel right. Don't know if it was this example or because it was his bike and I was too scared to drop it, what ever it was I just couldn't get comfortable with it. It was twitchy with hard ride and I just wasn't getting the feedback from the suspension that I want it. So that plus his comments regarding the maintenance costs etc made me walk away from owning a Duke.

You're spot on.
Ducatis take a long time to get used to. It took me about 2 months to get used to mine when I transitioned from my Fireblade(s). It normally comes as some sort of "enlightment" that you suddenly realised how you are meant to ride it.
However, once you get it, the satisfaction is just so great that you'd end up wanting to stick to Ducatis.

It's very different from inline 4 or 3 bikes. Suspensions are also much firmer, steering a bit confused and very committed (you need to turn it like you reallly want to, even just inside the city). Also, the faster you ride it the nicer it handles and feels. It struggles in the very-tight narrow twisty bits (like Auckland's Scenic Drive) but it is simply awesome in the more open areas.

You won't get to like Ducati just by test riding it. Like I always say, you buy Honda/Suzuki/etc for what they can do, but if you want to buy a Ducati you should only buy it for what it is (i.e., you like a Ducati).

Maintenance cost hovers around $800 for low service (every 12k) an $1.5k for big service (cam belt change, every 24k). It's the money you have to spend on carbon fiber bits that you need to worry about :) they are priced differently from Japanese bike parts.

[willytheekid]

Guzzi owners are well known for not making the slightest bit of sense.
Just look at Dangerous, or Willythekid..... :shutup:

HAY!!:blink:...I resemble that remark!:facepalm:
WIBBLE!..."Guzzi"...WIBBLE!....that is all.

[5150]

Not unexpected. Not sure about the long term ownership of the Triumph, but they certainly seem to be popular, esp. on the track.

From what I have heard and read, as long as servicing is kept up to date, then Triumphs (late model ones atleast) are a good buy. Plus they cost less to service when compared to the Duke. Please correct me if I'm wrong :shutup:

[Edbear]

From what I have heard and read, as long as servicing is kept up to date, then Triumphs (late model ones atleast) are a good buy. Plus they cost less to service when compared to the Duke. Please correct me if I'm wrong :shutup:

A Ferrari would cost less to service than a Duke... :innocent:

[nudemetalz]

Marmoot is spot on with the fact that pretty much any Italian bike takes more than just a test ride to get used to. Took me a good 3-4 months before I really started to enjoy the Guzzi, getting used to the way it handles etc.

But it's what takes your heart and good on you for finding that :woohoo:

[5150]

Marmoot is spot on with the fact that pretty much any Italian bike takes more than just a test ride to get used to. Took me a good 3-4 months before I really started to enjoy the Guzzi, getting used to the way it handles etc.

But it's what takes your heart and good on you for finding that :woohoo:

I think given more time I could like it. Probably would like to ride another one for comparison, and then not for 20-30 minutes but for a weekend or so. I do totally agree that any bike, and especially exotic race rep like a Duke will take more time to get acustom to. I mean, I been testriding the wife for 6 years now and still can't make my mind up :innocent::shutup:

Oh, and she is a firey redhead too. and good with knives... :facepalm:

[Edbear]

I think given more time I could like it. Probably would like to ride another one for comparison, and then not for 20-30 minutes but for a weekend or so. I do totally agree that any bike, and especially exotic race rep like a Duke will take more time to get acustom to. I mean, I been testriding the wife for 6 years now and still can't make my mind up :innocent::shutup:

Oh, and she is a firey redhead too. and good with knives... :facepalm:

After 34 years and a good few miles on the clock they settle into something very comfortable... :yes:


:shutup:

[nudemetalz]

From what I've read and people I've talked to the 675 Daytona is a fantastic bike but for it's extreme riding position that can get very uncomfortable.
But then how different is the 749 in that respect?

(and good on you guys for playing with fire....I ain't that brave)

[5150]

From what I've read and people I've talked to the 675 Daytona is a fantastic bike but for it's extreme riding position that can get very uncomfortable.
But then how different is the 749 in that respect?

(and good on you guys for playing with fire....I ain't that brave)

From my recent experience they are both the same when it comes to rider comfort, errr, or lack of it. In the end they are both race reps so weren't exactly built for comfort, especially not for a 6ft 2 inch tall, but more like a japanese dwarf jokey and his 4ft tall girlfriend. Still the Daytona was suprisingly good on my large statue, though yes, the bars can give your wrists hard time in slow traffic :shit:

Still I fell in love with it and decided to take the plunge Triumphs way...

[Marmoot]

At the risk of running this thread totally off track, I would recommend you try the recent Honda Fireblade (2005 - 2009) and any Suzuki GSXRs. They are nice bikes.

[saul]

The 675 is a brilliant bike. I have had 6 of them for one reason or another :love:

I have come from the litre bikes, TLs,R1,Gsxr and don't miss them at all.

I have done some fairly decent rides on them (south island) and track days and have never had an issue.

I am 6 foot and find the riding postion comfortable indeed. Its really about being ride fit really:yes:

Hope you find the right one for you:yes:

[bucket boy]

The 675 is a brilliant bike. I have had 6 of them for one reason or another :love:

I have come from the litre bikes, TLs,R1,Gsxr and don't miss them at all.

I have done some fairly decent rides on them (south island) and track days and have never had an issue.

I am 6 foot and find the riding postion comfortable indeed. Its really about being ride fit really:yes:

Hope you find the right one for you:yes:

You forgot to mention gosh, that your one happens to be on trade me at the moment if hes looking for a really flash one.

[5150]

Well, It's gold and it's curently residing in my man cave :yes:247491

[nudemetalz]

Well, It's gold and it's curently residing in my man cave :yes:247491

You bought it?
or you trying it out?

[5150]

You bought it?
or you trying it out?

Look at my bike info on the RH side :msn-wink:
Picked it up yesterday late arvo after taking for a morning testride. Dealer was kind enough to let me have it for as long as I needed it. So whole morning was spent riding it down my fave roads. And I fell in love with it. :love:

[nudemetalz]

oh...now I see !!! Big congrats, Dude !!!! :woohoo:

[willytheekid]

Look at my bike info on the RH side :msn-wink:
Picked it up yesterday late arvo after taking for a morning testride. Dealer was kind enough to let me have it for as long as I needed it. So whole morning was spent riding it down my fave roads. And I fell in love with it. :love:

:woohoo: congrats mate, very nice looking ride :yes:
enjoy the new ride.....that thing looks fast standing still (I don't see a oil puddle under it tho?...sure its a triumph? lol)

[5150]

(I don't see a oil puddle under it tho?...sure its a triumph? lol)

Give it a chance to cool down, sheesh :shit:

[saul]

Nice scorched yellow :yes:

[ynot slow]

Nice and enjoy,I was thinking along sprint or daytona 955,and no 675 around at time in my price range,but from the 1250 bandit to gixxer 750 am in heaven,don't matter what brand as long as you enjoy the ride.:woohoo::scooter:

[5150]

Nice scorched yellow :yes:

Yeah, I can't decide if it is Yellow or is it gold? Depends on light and angle you are looking from. But I like it

[5150]

Nice and enjoy,I was thinking along sprint or daytona 955,and no 675 around at time in my price range,but from the 1250 bandit to gixxer 750 am in heaven,don't matter what brand as long as you enjoy the ride.:woohoo::scooter:

I think sometimes you don't have to have a litre bike to enjoy your riding. I certainly don't miss the brutal punch of the Zed, when this bike makes up with cornerspeed and superb brakes. Plus it's not that much slower then the Zed either. :yes:

[\m/]

Saw that 675 at Boyds last week, nice bike. Wonder how long the Z will sit in the shop for this time?

[5150]

Saw that 675 at Boyds last week, nice bike. Wonder how long the Z will sit in the shop for this time?

HAHA, I think the Zed is turning out to be a bad Omen for Greg. It's the fourth time it is sitting for sale at Boyds. Don't know why people didn't want to buy it as it is nice and well sorted bike to ride. Still the 675 has changed my perspective on sub 600cc bikes. I like my new skooter alot :love: