Segment:
Sportbike, Supersport segment.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast riders, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and basic repairs.
Competitors:
Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Unique Selling Points:
Ducati's characteristic L-twin engine with Desmodromic valve actuation, sharp Italian styling, superior handling dynamics.
Primary Coverage:
Operation and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Routine Servicing, Troubleshooting, Basic Repairs
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for this type of manual)
Type:
Service and Owner Information Manual
Format:
Likely a printed book, but digital versions (PDF) are common for older manuals.
Engine System:
Desmodromic valve operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust.
Transmission System:
Clutch operation, gearbox maintenance, final drive (chain and sprockets).
Chassis System:
Frame, suspension (front forks and rear shock), steering, wheels, tires.
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator/stator), starter motor, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, pressure regulator.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Removal and installation of body panels, seating.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, chain adjustment and lubrication, brake fluid flush, coolant checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common issues, symptom-based problem solving.
Basic Repairs:
Component replacement (e.g., levers, mirrors, fluid reservoirs), minor adjustments.
Suspension Adjustment:
Preload, compression, and rebound damping adjustments (if applicable).
Valve Clearance:
Inspection and adjustment of Desmodromic valve clearances (critical procedure).
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage for owners and independent workshops, suitable for routine maintenance and moderately complex repairs. May not cover full engine rebuilds or specialized ECU diagnostics.
Format:
If digital: Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams. If print: Durable paper stock, professional binding.
Quality:
High-quality reproductions with clear diagrams and legible text.
Type:
Staple-bound, saddle-stitched, or perfect bound for print versions.
Type:
Durable, potentially glossy or semi-gloss paper for diagrams and photographs.
Configuration:
L-twin (V-twin at 90 degrees), four-stroke, liquid-cooled, Desmodromic valvetrain.
Displacement:
748 cc (for the standard 749 model; variations exist like 749 Dark, S, R)
Bore X Stroke:
90 mm x 58 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.7:1 (typical for the 749)
Valve Train:
Desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder (driven by camshafts via belts).
Horsepower:
Approximately 108 hp @ 10,000 rpm (for the base 749).
Torque:
Approximately 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) @ 9,500 rpm (for the base 749).
Induction:
Fuel injection, typically Marelli electronic fuel injection with single injector per cylinder.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum Octane Rating 95 (RON).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (with filter change). Specific Ducati oil recommendation likely for wet clutch systems.
System:
Electronic ignition, Ducati CDI system.
System:
Liquid-cooled, with thermostatic fan control.
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh.
Clutch:
Wet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation.
Final Drive:
Chain drive, O-ring sealed, 525 pitch.
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, but typically geared for sporty performance.
Transmission Oil:
Specific motorcycle gear oil, likely SAE 75W-90 or similar, meeting API GL-4 or GL-5 standards. Manual will specify. Capacity typically around 1.5-2 liters.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 inches).
Length:
Approx. 2090 mm (82.3 inches).
Width:
Approx. 720 mm (28.3 inches) at handlebars.
Seat Height:
Approx. 800 mm (31.5 inches).
Dry Weight:
Approx. 180 kg (397 lbs).
Wet Weight:
Approx. 199 kg (439 lbs) (fully fueled and with all fluids).
Crash Test Information:
Motorcycles of this era typically do not undergo standardized crash testing like cars. Safety is paramount in design and rider education.
Braking System:
High-performance Brembo radial-mount calipers with dual discs front and single disc rear.
Suspension:
Fully adjustable front forks (e.g., Showa or Marzocchi, depending on variant) and rear monoshock for optimal handling and stability.
Tires:
Sport-oriented radial tires (e.g., Pirelli Diablo, Michelin Pilot Sport) for maximum grip.
Frame:
Strong and rigid Ducati Trellis frame provides excellent chassis integrity.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights and taillights for visibility.
Rider Ergonomics:
Designed for an aggressive riding posture, placing the rider in an optimal position for control.
Features:
Minimalistic by modern standards. Focus is on essential riding information.
Instrumentation:
Digital LCD display for speed, RPM, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature, clock. Analog tachometer.
Features:
No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control standard on the base 749. These features were typically introduced on later or higher-spec models.
Features:
No onboard connectivity or smartphone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Manual will specify precise interval and checks.
Desmo Service Interval:
Critical Desmodromic valve clearance check and adjustment typically every 24,000 km (15,000 miles). This is a significant maintenance item.
Belt Replacement Interval:
Timing belt replacement is crucial, typically every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 24 months. Manual will confirm exact interval.
Chain Maintenance:
Lubrication and adjustment every 1,000-1,500 km (600-1,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Synthetic motorcycle oil, typically SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 with JASO MA rating for wet clutches. Manual will specify exact viscosity and API rating (e.g., API SG or higher).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-temperature brake fluid. Manual will specify recommended type and replacement interval.
Fork Oil:
Specific suspension fork oil (e.g., Showa SS-01, Motul Factory Line) with a specified viscosity (e.g., 5W or 10W). Manual will detail type and fill level.
Desmo Service:
Valve clearance adjustment (Desmo service) is a complex but critical maintenance task that requires specialized knowledge and tools. Neglecting this can lead to poor performance or engine damage.
Belt Wear:
Timing belts can degrade over time and mileage; timely replacement is essential to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Electrical Connections:
As with many European bikes of this era, ensuring clean and secure electrical connections is vital for reliable operation.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Occasional reports of fuel pump issues, though not endemic.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Some models may benefit from an upgraded clutch slave cylinder for improved feel and reliability.
Legacy:
Ducati has a rich history in motorcycle racing and performance street bikes, renowned for its Desmodromic valve system and V-twin engines.
Predecessors:
The 749 was part of Ducati's lineage of sportbikes, often seen as a smaller-displacement sibling to the 916/996/998 series, and later the 999.
Positioning:
Introduced as a homologation special for racing in the Supersport World Championship, it offered a more accessible entry into Ducati's high-performance sportbike range.
Variants:
749 (standard), 749 Dark (basic styling), 749 S (upgraded suspension/brakes), 749 R (homologation special with higher spec engine).
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy.
Production Years:
2003-2006
