Category:
        
        
            Superbike / Sportbike
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Performance-oriented, lightweight chassis, V-twin engine, cutting-edge technology for its era.
        
     
    
        
            Unique Selling Points:
        
        
            Desmodromic valve actuation, distinctive Ducati L-twin sound and character, advanced electronics (for 2003).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Complete overhaul, cylinder head, cylinder block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve timing, lubrication system, cooling system.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Injection:
        
        
            ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, injector service, fuel pump, pressure regulator, throttle body.
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, ECU control.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear ratios, lubrication.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, wiring harness routing, diagnostic codes.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Front:
        
        
            Fork disassembly, servicing, seal replacement, oil viscosity, spring rates.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Rear:
        
        
            Monoshock absorber service, linkage maintenance, swingarm.
        
     
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, bleeding procedure, disc inspection, pad replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Wheel And Tire:
        
        
            Wheel bearing replacement, tire fitting and balancing, wheel specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Frame And Bodywork:
        
        
            Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, structural integrity checks.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil and filter changes, chain adjustment and lubrication, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks.
        
     
    
        
            Major Service:
        
        
            Valve clearance adjustment, timing belt replacement, fuel system cleaning, comprehensive inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Rebuild:
        
        
            Complete disassembly, inspection of internal components, part replacement, reassembly.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Rebuild:
        
        
            Fork seal replacement, damper servicing, spring replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Brake System Overhaul:
        
        
            Bleeding, caliper piston service, master cylinder rebuild.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Fault finding using wiring diagrams, diagnostic code interpretation, component testing.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System Diagnostics:
        
        
            Pressure testing, sensor calibration, injector flow testing.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Detailed steps for correct belt installation and tensioning for Desmodromic system.
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            All critical fasteners including engine, chassis, and suspension components.
        
     
    
    
        
            Level:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuild).
        
     
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Factory-level diagnostic procedures, detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions with clear diagrams.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Inclusion of specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting flowcharts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            L-Twin Cylinder, Four-Stroke, Desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
        
     
    
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            94 mm x 54.7 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            11.7:1
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Liquid-cooled
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            97 HP (71.3 kW) @ 9000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            75 Nm (55.3 lb-ft) @ 7000 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Induction:
        
        
            Marell electronic fuel injection, 50mm throttle body
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (API SG or higher, JASO MA)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            3.3 Liters (3.5 US qt)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            System:
        
        
            Basic digital display and analog tachometer.
        
     
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            Odometer, trip meter, clock, engine temperature, fuel level warning light.
        
     
    
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            ABS was an optional feature on some variants, not standard on all 2003 models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            None (This era of sportbike focused on raw performance, not digital connectivity).
        
     
    
    
        
            System:
        
        
            Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages fuel injection and ignition timing.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Filter Change:
        
        
            Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months.
        
     
    
        
            Valve Clearance Check:
        
        
            Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 24 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Chain And Sprockets Inspection:
        
        
            Inspect regularly, replace as needed (typically every 10,000-15,000 miles).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            SAE 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (API SG or higher, JASO MA)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50% mixture with distilled water).
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Fork Oil:
        
        
            Specify weight as per manual (e.g., SAE 7.5W or 10W), capacity per leg.
        
     
    
    
        
            Desmo Service:
        
        
            Valve clearance adjustments can be time-consuming and require specialized tools/knowledge.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Gremlins:
        
        
            Some Ducati models of this era can exhibit minor electrical issues; regular checks and clean connections are advised.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Pump Reliability:
        
        
            Occasional reports of fuel pump failures; monitor fuel delivery.
        
     
    
        
            Regulator Rectifier:
        
        
            While less common than on some Japanese bikes, it's a component to monitor for charging system issues.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Founding:
        
        
            Founded in Bologna, Italy, in 1926 by Antonio Cavalieri Ducati.
        
     
    
        
            Specialty:
        
        
            Known for its distinctive L-twin engines, Desmodromic valve actuation, and racing heritage.
        
     
    
    
        
            Predecessor:
        
        
            Ducati 916, 996, 998 series.
        
     
    
    
        
            Development Goal:
        
        
            To offer a more accessible, user-friendly, yet still highly performance-oriented sportbike compared to the flagship 999.
        
     
    
        
            Variants:
        
        
            749, 749 Dark, 749 S, 749 R.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2003-2006
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Bologna, Italy