🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ducati

Model:

749

Year:

2005

Engine Code Primary:

Testastretta Desmodromic L-Twin

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Ducati 749 was positioned as a more accessible, road-focused sportbike compared to its larger sibling, the 999, offering a potent blend of performance and handling in the middleweight superbike class.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other premium middleweight sportbikes such as the Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki ZX-6R, and Honda CBR600RR, differentiating itself with its unique V-twin character and Italian styling.

Key Features:

Testastretta engine, Desmodromic valve actuation, single-sided swingarm, Brembo braking system, adjustable suspension, premium componentry.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Electrical Systems, Engine Rebuild, Chassis, Bodywork, Accessories

Page Count:

Approx. 600+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (L-Twin, Desmodromic valve actuation), Fuel System (Injection), Ignition System, Exhaust System, Clutch (Dry), Transmission (6-Speed), Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Brakes (Brembo), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams), Cooling System, Chassis Components, Bodywork, Wheels & Tires, Diagnostic Codes, Special Tools

Procedures Included:

Engine Overhaul (Top & Bottom End), Valve Clearance Adjustment (Desmo Service), Fuel Injection System Servicing, Ignition Timing, Clutch Replacement, Transmission Servicing, Suspension Adjustments & Rebuilds, Brake Bleeding & Component Replacement, Electrical System Troubleshooting, Wiring Harness Repair, Routine Maintenance Tasks, Wheel Bearing Replacement, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Diagnostic Fault Finding & Rectification

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; Covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for all major components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

High-resolution PDF, Searchable Text, Bookmarked Chapters

Print Quality:

Designed for clear reproduction of diagrams and text when printed.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

90° V-twin, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, Desmodromic valve control

Displacement:

748 cc (45.6 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

88 mm x 61.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.7:1

Valve Actuation:

Desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower Peak:

97 hp (72 kW) @ 9,750 rpm

Torque Peak:

77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 8,000 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Weber electronic fuel injection with single injector per cylinder

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (91 AKI)

Throttle Body Size:

54 mm

Crankshaft:

Forged steel, 90° V-twin configuration

Pistons:

Forged aluminum

Cylinder Liners:

Silica-carbide coated

Lubrication:

Wet sump (specific models may vary)

Oil Type Recommendation:

Motul 5100 10W-40 or equivalent API SG/JASO MA

Oil Capacity:

3.2 Liters (3.4 US quarts) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed sequential

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios by gear

Clutch Type:

Dry, hydraulically actuated, multi-plate

Clutch Actuation:

Hydraulic

Final Drive:

Chain drive

Chain Pitch:

520

Sprocket Ratio:

15/38 teeth (typical)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2095 mm (82.5 in)

Width:

720 mm (28.3 in) at handlebars

Height:

1150 mm (45.3 in) at highest point of fairing

Wheelbase:

1410 mm (55.5 in)

Seat Height:

810 mm (31.9 in)

Ground Clearance:

130 mm (5.1 in)

Dry Weight:

193 kg (425.5 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 210 kg (463 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

15.5 Liters (4.1 US gal)

Reserve Fuel:

3 Liters (0.8 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed by rider skill and adherence to regulations)

Front Brakes:

Dual 320 mm discs, Brembo radial calipers (4-piston)

Rear Brakes:

Single 240 mm disc, Brembo caliper (2-piston)

Suspension Front:

Showa 43mm upside-down (USD) telescopic forks, fully adjustable (preload, compression, rebound)

Suspension Rear:

Showa monoshock with progressive linkage, fully adjustable (preload, compression, rebound)

Wheels:

Lightweight aluminum alloy

Tires Front:

120/70 ZR17

Tires Rear:

180/55 ZR17

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, LED taillight

Instrumentation:

Digital speedometer, analog tachometer, LCD display for fuel, temperature, clock, trip meters

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Primarily focused on performance and rider feedback)

Driver Assistance Features:

None (This era of sportbike did not feature electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control as standard.)

Engine Control Unit Type:

Ducati proprietary ECU (specific model variants may exist)

Diagnostic Ports:

Under seat diagnostic connector for ECU readout.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months

Desmo Service Interval:

Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months (valve clearance check/adjustment)

Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 24 months (timing belts)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50% mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1, check specific model variations)

Clutch Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1, shared with brake system)

Known Issues:

Desmo service frequency and cost, potential for fuel line degradation, stator reliability (early models), regulator/rectifier issues are common on many Ducati models of this era. Clutch slave cylinder leaks.

Common Upgrades:

Aftermarket clutch slave cylinders, improved regulator/rectifier units, ECU remapping for performance tuning.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Ducati has a rich racing heritage, renowned for its L-twin engines, Desmodromic valve actuation, and distinctive Italian design and performance. Founded in 1926, Ducati became synonymous with sportbike performance and racing success.

Model Evolution:

The 749 was part of Ducati's '99x' family, designed by Pierre Terblanche. It succeeded the 748 and was developed alongside the 999. It featured a more compact, user-friendly package for street riders, while retaining Ducati's core sporting DNA. Key variants included the 749, 749S, and the higher-spec 749R.

Production Years:

2003-2006

Manufacturing Location:

Bologna, Italy

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the 749 itself may not have specific 'awards' listed in the traditional sense, it was critically acclaimed for its handling, braking, and unique V-twin character within the sportbike community. It was often praised for being a more approachable Ducati sportbike.