Segment:
Sportbike / Superbike
Target Audience:
Enthusiast riders and independent workshops specializing in Ducati motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda CBR series, Yamaha R series, Suzuki GSX-R series, Kawasaki Ninja ZX series, Aprilia RSV series.
Unique Selling Points:
Ducati's signature V-twin engine, trellis frame, premium componentry (Öhlins suspension on some variants), and distinctive Italian styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical knowledge for owners and technicians to maintain and repair the Ducati 749 Dark, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of a premium Italian motorcycle.
Engine:
Desmodromic valve actuation, fuel injection (வாகும்), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine disassembly and reassembly, piston, cylinder, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train
Transmission:
Clutch (dry, multi-plate), gearbox, gear ratios, shift mechanism, final drive (chain)
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame (trellis), front forks (Öhlins or Showa variants), rear shock absorber, swingarm, steering head, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, caliper specifications, master cylinders, brake fluid type and bleeding procedures, ABS system (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ECU (Engine Control Unit), sensor diagnostics, fault codes
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emissions control systems
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank cover, minor bodywork repairs
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air), spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks (Desmo service), chain maintenance, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues
Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement, exhaust system work
Technical Adjustments:
Throttle cable adjustment, clutch cable adjustment, idle speed adjustment, suspension sag adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
L-Twin (90-degree V-twin), four-stroke, liquid-cooled
Desmodromic Actuation:
Desmodromic valve actuation (4 valves per cylinder)
Bore X Stroke:
94 mm x 53.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.7:1
Horsepower:
108 HP (approx. 80 kW) @ 9,000 RPM
Torque:
76 Nm (approx. 56 lb-ft) @ 7,000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-point injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95-98 RON recommended)
Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50
Oil Capacity:
3.2 Liters (3.4 US qt) with filter change
Length:
Approx. 2,095 mm (82.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 730 mm (28.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,160 mm (45.7 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 810 mm (31.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 186 kg (410 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 204 kg (450 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15 Liters (3.96 US gal), including a 3-liter reserve
Dashboard:
Digital LCD display with analog tachometer, providing speed, RPM, odometer, trip meter, fuel level, coolant temperature, clock, and warning lights.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/markets.
ECU Features:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and idle speed. Diagnostic port for accessing fault codes.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Desmo Service:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) - Critical for valve clearance adjustment and cam belt replacement. Highly recommended to be performed by experienced Ducati technicians.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific Ducati coolant type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 recommended.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 4 recommended (shares reservoir with front brake).
Common Wear Items:
Desmodromic valve shims, clutch plates (especially dry clutch), cam belts, wheel bearings, fuel pump components.
Potential Faults:
Electrical connector corrosion, fuel injector clogging, regulator/rectifier failure, premature cam belt wear if not replaced at intervals.
Founding:
Founded in Bologna, Italy, in 1926 by Antonio Ducati.
Legacy:
Renowned for its L-twin engines, Desmodromic valve actuation, racing success (especially in MotoGP and World Superbike), and iconic Italian design.
Development Context:
The 749 was introduced as a more accessible, albeit slightly less powerful, alternative to the 999 Superbike, sharing much of its chassis and design DNA.
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
Key Variants:
749, 749 Dark, 749 S, 749R (with higher-spec components and engine tuning).
Motorcycle Of The Year:
While the 749 itself may not have specific 'Motorcycle of the Year' awards, it was highly regarded in its class for performance and handling.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by motorcycle journalists for its sharp handling, communicative chassis, and the distinctive character of its L-twin engine.
Emission Standards:
Complies with relevant Euro emissions standards for its production years.