Segment:
Sportbike / Superbike homologation special
Target Audience:
Enthusiast riders, track day participants, mechanics, Ducati owners
Competitors Circa 2003-2006:
Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki ZX-6R, Triumph Daytona 600/650
Design Philosophy:
V-twin engine, iconic Ducati trellis frame, advanced electronics for its era, race-derived technology
Handling Characteristics:
Renowned for sharp handling, rider feedback, and agility due to its chassis design and weight distribution
Engine Layout:
90-degree L-twin (Testastretta)
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear), exhaust system
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, sensors
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, seats, fuel tank, lighting covers, emblems, fasteners
Maintenance And Troubleshooting:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, common faults, diagnostic procedures, repair steps
Estimated Page Count:
~600-700 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Engine Internal:
Valve clearance adjustment, piston ring inspection, crankshaft and connecting rod checks, timing belt replacement (desmo service)
Fuel System Details:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body calibration, ECU fuel mapping parameters
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant type, bleeding procedures
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, ECU control, timing parameters
Brakes:
Brake fluid type, bleeding procedures, caliper maintenance, master cylinder servicing, rotor specifications
Suspension:
Fork oil type and level, damping adjustments, rear shock absorber service, linkage maintenance
Electrical Component Diag:
Sensor testing (TPS, IAT, MAP, etc.), starter motor, alternator, battery testing, wiring harness continuity checks
Major Repairs:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, complete electrical system troubleshooting
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, chain adjustment, brake pad replacement, air filter service, desmodromic valve clearance checks
Diagnostic Charts:
Flowcharts for common starting, running, and electrical issues
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Ducati-specific tools for engine and chassis work
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and components
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and chassis overhauls, including diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting
Engine Type:
L-Twin, four-stroke, desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder (Testastretta)
Bore X Stroke:
98 mm x 49.3 mm (approximate, check specific variant)
Compression Ratio:
11.7:1 (standard), higher for 'R' model
Horsepower Peak:
93.3 kW (125 hp) @ 9750 rpm (standard model, Europe)
Torque Peak:
76.5 Nm (56.4 lb-ft) @ 8000 rpm (standard model, Europe)
749 R Horsepower:
~110 kW (150 hp)
Fuel Delivery:
Weber Marelli Electronic Fuel Injection, phased twin injectors per cylinder
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Throttle Body Size:
54 mm (typical)
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, wet multi-plate clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual, optimized for performance
Final Drive:
O-ring sealed chain, 525 pitch
Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-4 (check manual for specific Ducati recommendation, often synthetic)
Length:
~2050 mm (approximate)
Width:
~750 mm (approximate, excluding mirrors)
Seat Height:
~810 mm (standard), adjustable on some models
Dry Weight:
~193 kg (standard)
Wet Weight:
~205 kg (approximate, with fluids)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.7 Liters (3.45 US gallons)
Crash Safety:
N/A (motorcycles not typically rated by automotive safety bodies like NHTSA/Euro NCAP)
Brakes Type:
Dual 320mm discs, radial calipers (front); Single 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper (rear)
Optional ABS:
Not typically available on this generation 749 models, check specific market variants
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light
Frame Design:
Steel Trellis frame for rigidity and controlled flex
Display Type:
Digital/Analog LCD instrument cluster
Features Display:
Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature, clock, lap timer (on some models)
Traction Control:
Not standard on most 749 models of this era
ABS:
Not standard on most 749 models of this era
Data Logging:
Optional data acquisition systems available (e.g., Ducati Corse Data Acquisition System - DDA)
ECU:
Weber Marelli ECU with programmable parameters (requires specialized tools/knowledge for tuning)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or annually
Desmo Service Interval:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or every two years (critical for valve adjustment)
Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or every two years (often done with desmo service)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years or as per manual recommendation (hygroscopic)
Engine Oil:
Fully synthetic, SAE 15W-50, JASO MA/MA2, API SG or higher (e.g., Motul 5100 15W-50 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5 Liters (3.7 US qt) with filter change
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (DOT 5.1 may be compatible, check manual)
Desmo Service Importance:
Failure to perform timely desmo service can lead to severe engine damage
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early models may experience occasional fuel pump issues, diagnosis is key
Stator Output:
Some owners report potential stator output degradation over time, check charging system
Cam Belt Wear:
Regular inspection and timely replacement are critical
Marque Specialty:
Italian manufacturer renowned for V-twin sportbikes, racing heritage, and distinctive design
Development Basis:
Developed alongside the 999 series, sharing significant chassis and engine architecture
Design Influence:
Styled by Pierre Terblanche, controversial but functional design
Production Period:
2003-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
Sportbike Reviews:
Consistently praised for its handling, braking, and unique V-twin character by major motorcycle publications.
Race Homologation:
Developed to homologate for racing series, particularly in World Superbike Championship (WSBK).
Emissions Standards:
Complies with Euro 2 emissions standards for the relevant model years.
