🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ducati

Model:

749

Model Variants:

749, 749 Dark, 749 S, 749 R

Engine Family Code:

Testastretta

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Sportbike / Superbike

Target Audience:

Performance enthusiasts, track day riders, and experienced motorcycle owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge.

Competitors:

Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha YZF-R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Aprilia RSV Mille.

Design Philosophy:

Exotic Italian design, strong V-twin character, advanced electronics (for its time), focus on rider engagement and handling.

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive L-twin engine sound and power delivery, premium components (Ohlins suspension on S and R models), agile handling, iconic Ducati styling.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Page Count:

Approx. 500+

Manual Type:

Factory Authorized Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanics:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, throttle bodies, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, injectors, ECU mapping.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing.

Transmission And Clutch:

Clutch operation, gear selection mechanism, transmission case, bearings, seals, gear ratios, final drive (chain and sprockets).

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system, instrument cluster, ECU, sensors, actuators, fault diagnosis.

Chassis And Suspension:

Frame, swingarm, front fork (showa or ohlins depending on variant), rear shock absorber, steering system, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Brake caliper disassembly and assembly, master cylinders, brake lines, rotor specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS system (if equipped).

Bodywork And Fairings:

Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, tail section, component mounting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, chain adjustment and lubrication, brake fluid replacement, coolant flush.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine teardown, inspection, rebuild procedures, torque specifications, valve clearance adjustment.

Suspension Service:

Fork seal replacement, fork oil change, rear shock absorber service, linkage maintenance.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, multimeter usage, common electrical faults and their solutions.

Fuel System Diagnosis:

Fuel pressure testing, injector cleaning and flow testing, ECU diagnostics.

Brake System Maintenance:

Brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, brake fluid bleeding (front and rear).

Troubleshooting Guides:

Includes diagnostic trees and common fault finding for engine, electrical, and chassis systems.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive list of all critical torque values for engine, chassis, and bodywork components.

Alignment Procedures:

Wheel alignment, steering head alignment, chassis alignment checks.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and chassis component overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing for hard copy reference.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, L-twin (90-degree V-twin), desmodromic valve actuation.

Displacement:

748 cc (for standard and Dark models), 748 cc (for 749S), 748 cc (for 749R - though R models often had slight variations)

Bore X Stroke:

98 x 48.8 mm (typical for Testastretta)

Compression Ratio:

11.7:1 (standard/S), 12.7:1 (R model)

Valve Train:

2 desmodromic valves per cylinder (749/749S), 4 desmodromic valves per cylinder (749R).

Horsepower:

108 HP @ 10000 RPM (749/749S), 112 HP @ 10500 RPM (749R - estimates, may vary)

Torque:

76 Nm @ 8000 RPM (749/749S), 78 Nm @ 10000 RPM (749R - estimates, may vary)

Fuel Delivery:

Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection, sequential multi-point injection.

Throttle Body Size:

54 mm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (recommended)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 2.2 Liters

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated wet multi-plate clutch

Final Drive:

Chain drive, 525 pitch

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 80W/90 API GL-4 (check specific Ducati recommendations for precise grade)

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approx. 1.5 Liters (for gearbox and bevel drive)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2095 mm

Width:

Approx. 720 mm (at handlebars)

Height:

Approx. 1130 mm (at seat)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1420 mm

Seat Height:

Approx. 820 mm

Dry Weight:

Approx. 188 kg (749), 181 kg (749S), 177 kg (749R)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 207 kg (749), 200 kg (749S), 196 kg (749R) (estimated, with fluids)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

15.5 Liters (including 3.5 Liter reserve)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certification:

CE Marked (European Conformity)

Braking System:

Dual 320mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).

ABS:

Optional on some models/regions, not standard across all.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Digital LCD display with analog tachometer. Includes speed, RPM, odometer, trip meters, clock, coolant temperature, fuel level, and warning lights.

Traction Control:

Not available on standard models. Available on some very specific factory race kits or aftermarket conversions.

ECU Type:

Ducati Engine Control Unit (ECU) – provides fuel and ignition management. Diagnostic port allows for data retrieval and parameter adjustments (with appropriate tools/software).

Keyless Ignition:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Filter Change:

Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months.

Desmo Service:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 24 months (crucial for valve train integrity).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Belt Replacement:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 24 months (critical timing belt service).

Engine Oil Type:

Motul 3000 Plus 15W-50 (or equivalent fully synthetic motorcycle oil meeting API SG, JASO MA specifications).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.8 Liters (with filter change).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (high temperature racing fluid recommended for heavy use).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Shellcool RTU or equivalent).

Desmodromic Valve Adjustment:

Requires specialized tools and knowledge. Missed desmo services can lead to valve damage. The manual provides detailed procedures for this.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Early models could experience occasional fuel pump issues. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

Regulator Rectifier:

Some owners report premature failure. The manual details electrical system testing to identify these issues.

Fairing Fitment:

Can be intricate to remove and reinstall correctly. Manual offers step-by-step guidance.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

Country Of Origin:

Italy

Predecessor:

Ducati 750/900 SS series, Ducati 916 series.

Successor:

Ducati 848, Ducati 1098.

Design Influence:

Styled by Pierre Terblanche, heavily influenced by the aerodynamic principles and design language of the 916/996/998 series, but with a unique twin-cylinder focus.

Production Years:

2003 - 2006

Manufacturing Location:

Bologna, Italy

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While not specific awards for the 749, the Ducati 916 family (from which it draws design influence) received numerous accolades for its styling and performance.

Motorcycle Reviews:

Generally praised for its exceptional handling, unique V-twin character, and sharp styling. Criticisms often focused on the maintenance intensity compared to Japanese inline-fours and its high-strung nature.