Category:
Italian Superbike / Sportbike
Target Audience:
Ducati 749 owners, mechanics, restoration specialists, parts departments.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha YZF-R6, Suzuki GSX-R600/750, Kawasaki ZX-6R/RR, Triumph Daytona 600/650, Aprilia RSVR.
Unique Selling Proposition:
The 749 represents Ducati's foray into the middleweight supersport class, offering a distinctive Italian character and performance focus, often seen as a more accessible alternative to the flagship 999.
Engine Configuration:
Desmodromic valve actuation, L-Twin (90° V-Twin) engine.
Engine:
Full breakdown of the L-Twin Testastretta engine, including cylinder head, crankcase, pistons, valves, lubrication system, and cooling system components.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system components, injectors, throttle bodies, fuel pump, and fuel tank assemblies.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU, and related wiring components.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust headers, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, and mounting hardware.
Transmission:
Gearbox components, clutch assembly, primary drive, and final drive chain/sprockets.
Chassis Frame:
Main frame, subframe, steering head components, and swingarm assembly.
Suspension Front:
Front forks (e.g., Showa or Marzocchi depending on variant), internal components, seals, and triple clamps.
Suspension Rear:
Rear shock absorber, linkages, bearings, and swingarm pivot components.
Brakes Front:
Brake calipers (e.g., Brembo), brake discs, master cylinders, brake lines, and levers.
Brakes Rear:
Rear brake caliper, brake disc, master cylinder, brake line, and pedal assembly.
Wheels Tires:
Wheels (front and rear), wheel bearings, and valve stems.
Electrical System:
Wiring harness, battery, starter motor, alternator, lights (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, and switches.
Bodywork Fairings:
Fairings, fuel tank cover, seat, tail section, fenders, and all associated mounting hardware and fasteners.
Controls Levers:
Handlebars, grips, throttle controls, clutch lever, brake lever, and associated cables/linkages.
Fasteners Hardware:
Detailed listing of bolts, nuts, washers, clips, and other fasteners for various assemblies.
Part Identification:
Comprehensive visual identification of every component with exploded diagrams.
Part Number Reference:
Exact Ducati part numbers for ordering replacements.
Assembly Disassembly Guidance:
While not a full service manual, diagrams illustrate how parts fit together for correct reassembly.
Depth:
Detailed part-level breakdown, ideal for parts sourcing, inventory management, and understanding component relationships for repairs and restorations.
Engine Type:
L-Twin (90° V-twin), four-stroke, Desmodromic, liquid-cooled.
Bore X Stroke:
94 mm x 54.5 mm
Valvetrain:
2 Desmodromic valves per cylinder, belt-driven camshafts.
Horsepower Max:
Approx. 108 hp @ 10,000 rpm (for 749 standard)
Torque Max:
Approx. 75 Nm (55.3 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm (for 749 standard)
Fuel Delivery:
Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection with single injector per cylinder.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (Octane Rating).
Display Type:
Digital and analog instrument cluster.
Features:
Tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature, clock, diagnostic warning lights.
Traction Control:
Generally not equipped on this model generation.
ABS:
Generally not equipped on this model generation.
Connectivity Options:
N/A (No Bluetooth, smartphone integration, etc.)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific service manual for exact interval).
Desmo Service Interval:
Valve clearance adjustment (Desmo service) typically every 12,000 miles or 24 months.
Belt Replacement Interval:
Timing belts typically every 2 years or 12,000 miles, critical for engine integrity.
Engine Oil Type:
JASO MA/MA2 certified, SAE 15W-50 synthetic motorcycle oil (e.g., Motul 5100 or 7100 series).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 3.8 Liters (3.7 - 4.0 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid (ensure it's fresh and high quality).
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid (shared reservoir with front brake).
Timing Belts:
Critical component; regular replacement is paramount. Belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Electrical Connectors:
Some Ducati models of this era can have issues with corroded electrical connectors, particularly in damp environments.
Fuel Pump:
Occasional reports of fuel pump failure, often related to age or fuel quality.
Regulator Rectifier:
While not as notorious as some other brands, monitoring charging system health is always advised.
Manufacturer:
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Italy.
Philosophy:
Known for its L-twin engines, desmodromic valve actuation, distinctive styling, and racing heritage.
Introduction Era:
The 749 was introduced as part of the 'next generation' Ducati Superbike family, designed to be a homologation special and a more accessible supersport platform than the flagship 916/996/998 series and later the 999.
Variants:
749 (Base), 749 S (Sport), 749 R (Racing).
Production Period:
2003-2006. Replaced by the 848.
Manufacturing Location:
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy.
Motorcycle Press Reviews:
Consistently praised for its handling, braking, unique character, and the potent Testastretta engine, though often noted for its demanding maintenance requirements and slightly less tractable nature compared to Japanese rivals.
Racing Heritage Influence:
Directly influenced by Ducati's successful Superbike racing programs, particularly the 999 F03/F04, making it a homologated road-legal race bike.
Certification:
Compliant with European emissions standards for its model years.