Segment:
Sportbike / Superbike
Design Philosophy:
Performance-oriented, exotic Italian engineering, focus on rider connection.
Competitors:
Ducati 999, Honda CBR1000RR, Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Aprilia RSV Mille.
Engine Architecture:
Desmodromic L-Twin (90-degree V-twin)
Design Element:
Underseat exhaust, signature trellis frame.
Variants Distinction:
749 (base), 749S (improved suspension, lighter wheels), 749 DARK (blacked-out styling, often with base specs).
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, timing belts, valve adjustment, desmodromic system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (ECU, injectors, throttle bodies, fuel pump, pressure regulator), fuel tank, lines.
Ignition System:
ECU ignition control, spark plugs, coils, wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Clutch (dry), gearbox internals, shifting mechanism, chain drive, lubrication.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (calipers, discs, master cylinders, lines, fluid), bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front forks (Öhlins on some S models), rear shock absorber, linkages, adjustments, fork seals.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, horn, dashboard instrumentation, ECU diagnostics.
Chassis Frame:
Trellis frame inspection, steering head bearings, swingarm, subframe.
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, tail section removal and installation.
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, coolant, hoses, thermostat.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation (if applicable).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed procedures for component removal and installation.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for critical fasteners.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using diagnostic tools and software (e.g., Ducati's CDS).
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Testastretta, L-Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, Desmodromic valve actuation.
Bore X Stroke:
94 mm x 54.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.7:1
Valve Train:
2 desmodromic valves per cylinder
Timing Belt Type:
Belt-driven, 4 valves total
Horsepower 749:
108 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Horsepower 749S:
108 hp @ 10,000 rpm (identical to base 749 in this generation)
Torque 749:
77 Nm (56.8 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm
Torque 749S:
77 Nm (56.8 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection, sequential
Throttle Body Size:
50 mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Oil Type:
Fully synthetic, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 motorcycle specific oil
Oil Capacity W Filter:
3.6 liters (3.8 US qt)
Type:
6-speed constant mesh
Clutch:
Dry multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation
Final Drive:
Chain drive, 525 pitch
Gear Ratios:
1st: 37/15 (2.467), 2nd: 32/17 (1.882), 3rd: 30/19 (1.579), 4th: 28/21 (1.333), 5th: 26/22 (1.182), 6th: 24/23 (1.043)
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact specification)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
1.6 liters (1.69 US qt)
Crash Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific ratings are not comparable to automotive standards)
Braking System:
Dual 320mm discs with 4-piston radial calipers (front), Single 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear)
Optional ABS:
ABS was an option on some models/markets
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight
Ride Position:
Aggressive sportbike riding posture for performance.
Dashboard:
Digital and analog instrumentation: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, coolant temperature, fuel level warning light, oil pressure warning light, high beam indicator, neutral indicator, turn signal indicators.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on certain models/years.
Diagnostic Port:
Ducati's proprietary diagnostic connector for engine management and error code reading.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 km (4,500 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Desmo Valve Check Service:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 24 months. This is a critical and labor-intensive service.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 24 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles), whichever comes first. Early replacement is recommended for reliability.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Check every 7,500 km (4,500 miles), replace as needed. Clean more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush Replace:
Every 24 months
Engine Oil:
Fully synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (API SG/SH/SJ or higher, JASO MA)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50% mixture with distilled water
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 4 (shared with brake system)
Desmodromic Service:
Critical maintenance that can be expensive if neglected. Incorrect adjustment can lead to valve damage.
Timing Belts:
Belts require timely replacement to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Inspect for cracks regularly.
Electrical Connectors:
Some minor corrosion issues can occur on exposed connectors over time, particularly for bikes used in wet conditions.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Occasional leaks can occur from the clutch slave cylinder seal.
