Market Segment:
Performance sportbike, entry-level superbike category.
Key Competitors:
Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha R6, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600.
Engine Configuration:
L-twin (Desmodromic), liquid-cooled, 4-stroke.
Design Philosophy:
Italian performance heritage, focus on handling and rider feedback.
Trim Variant:
'Dark' variant typically features a matte black finish and potentially slightly different component specifications compared to standard 749 models.
Engine Parts:
Crankshaft, pistons, cylinders, cylinder heads, valves, camshafts, timing components, oil pump, cooling system components.
Fuel System Parts:
Fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, throttle body assembly.
Transmission Parts:
Gearbox components, clutch assembly, clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, primary drive gears.
Chassis Parts:
Frame components, swingarm, rear shock absorber, linkages, bearings.
Suspension Parts:
Front fork components (internal seals, springs, stanchions), steering head bearings, triple clamps.
Braking System Parts:
Brake calipers (front and rear), brake discs, master cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, lever, pedal.
Electrical System Parts:
Wiring harness, battery, starter motor, alternator, ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU, sensors, lighting components (headlight, taillight, indicators), switches, relays.
Exhaust System Parts:
Exhaust headers, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, gaskets, clamps.
Bodywork And Fairing Parts:
Front fairing, side fairings, seat cowl, fuel tank, seat, tail section, belly pan, fasteners, mounting brackets.
Part Identification:
Detailed diagrams and exploded views to visually identify specific parts and their associated part numbers.
Part Number Reference:
Accurate Ducati OEM part numbers for ordering replacement components.
Assembly Orientation:
Illustrations showing how parts fit together and their correct orientation within the motorcycle assembly.
Technical Depth Level:
Component-level breakdown and part identification, essential for parts procurement and basic assembly/disassembly understanding.
Engine Type:
L-twin (V-twin at 90 degrees)
Valvetrain:
Desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
88 mm x 61.5 mm
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Compression Ratio:
11.7:1
Horsepower:
108 hp @ 9,750 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by region)
Torque:
77 Nm (56.8 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by region)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with elliptical throttle bodies
Throttle Body Size:
54 mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Length:
Approx. 2,090 mm (82.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 740 mm (29.1 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,170 mm (46.1 in) (at the highest point)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 186 kg (410 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 200 kg (441 lbs) (with all fluids)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.5 Liters (4.1 US gal)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety is rider-dependent and focused on engineering for performance and control, not standardized crash test ratings like cars).
Braking System:
Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 245 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).
Suspension System:
Adjustable front forks and rear monoshock for optimized handling and stability.
Frame Construction:
Steel trellis frame for rigidity and predictable handling.
Tire Specifications:
Front: 120/70 ZR17; Rear: 190/50 ZR17 (typical stock sizes, may vary).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Desmo Service Interval:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) for valve clearance adjustment (Desmodromic system).
Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 2 years or 24,000 km (15,000 miles), whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40, API SG, JASO MA certified synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives (e.g., Motul Motocool Expert or equivalent).
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (for hydraulic clutch system)
Desmo Valve Adjustment Frequency:
Requires diligent adherence to service intervals due to the desmodromic system's precision. Neglect can lead to valve damage.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Some owners have reported occasional issues with the fuel pump assembly, though not a widespread epidemic.
Wiring Harness Wear:
As with many Ducati models of this era, checking wiring harness integrity, particularly around the steering head and under the seat, is advisable.
Regulator Rectifier Heat:
Potential for heat-related failure; ensuring good airflow and connections is important.
Brand Origin:
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of motorcycles founded in 1926.
749 Introduction:
The 749 was introduced as a parallel-twin alternative to the 999 V-twin superbike, offering a more accessible performance package.
Design Influences:
Styled by Pierre Terblanche, the 749 shared design cues with its larger sibling, the 999, featuring distinctive sharp lines and twin underseat exhausts.
Production Period:
Produced from 2003 to 2006.
Production Plant:
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy.
Motorsport Heritage:
While the 749 itself wasn't a direct homologation special for racing, its engine architecture and chassis design are derived from Ducati's extensive MotoGP and World Superbike experience, particularly the 999's racing lineage.
Motorcycle Journal Reviews:
Generally praised for its agile handling, distinctive L-twin character, and user-friendly power delivery compared to the more aggressive 999. Criticisms often focused on its less powerful engine compared to Japanese inline-fours in the same class.
