Market Niche:
Performance sportbike, successor to the 916/996 series, known for its distinctive design and handling.
Competitors:
Primarily competed against other European and Japanese twin-cylinder and inline-four sportbikes of its era, such as the Suzuki GSX-R 750, Yamaha R7 (limited), and some Aprilia models.
Engine Configuration:
V-twin (L-twin) Testastretta engine, renowned for its narrow angle and desmodromic valve actuation.
Design Philosophy:
Focused on agile handling, rider feedback, and distinct Italian styling.
Variants Covered:
Likely covers the base 749 model, potentially including information applicable to the 749S and 749R variants, though specific differences might be detailed separately.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Clutch, Transmission, Chassis, Suspension (Front and Rear), Brakes (Front and Rear), Electrical System, Bodywork, Instruments, Lubrication, Troubleshooting, Specifications.
Page Count:
Approx. 400-500 Pages (Estimated based on typical factory service manuals for this era and model complexity)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the Testastretta engine, including cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and valve train.
Fuel System Servicing:
Detailed procedures for fuel injection system (throttle bodies, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), fuel tank, and lines.
Ignition System Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting and repair of the electronic ignition system, including spark plugs, coils, and ECU interface.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Procedures for radiator, cooling fan, coolant hoses, thermostat, and bleeding the system.
Transmission Service:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, gear selection mechanism, and clutch assembly (dry clutch specific) maintenance.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing maintenance, and alignment checks.
Front Suspension Repair:
Servicing of the Showa upside-down forks, including oil changes, seal replacement, and internal component adjustments.
Rear Suspension Maintenance:
Adjustment and servicing of the Sachs rear shock absorber, swingarm bearings, and linkage system.
Brake System Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, fluid replacement, and bleeding.
Electrical System Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing (lights, starter, battery, charging system), and ECU diagnostics.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Removal and installation procedures for fairings, fuel tank, seat, and other body panels.
Instruments And Controls:
Servicing of the digital instrument cluster, switches, levers, and cables.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed schedules and procedures for routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, and valve clearance adjustments.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic trees and common problem identification for various issues.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners and components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and chassis rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Desmodromic, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 90° V-twin (L-twin) Testastretta Evoluzione
Bore X Stroke:
90 mm x 58 mm
Valve Actuation:
Desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 108 HP (80 kW) @ 10,000 rpm (subject to specific model tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm (subject to specific model tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI), Marelli IAW 5AM ECU
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Oil Type:
Fully synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-40, meeting Ducati specifications (e.g., API SG or higher, JASO MA)
Pistons:
Lightweight, forged aluminum
Crankshaft:
Forged, with plain bearings
Instrument Cluster:
Digital LCD display providing speed, RPM, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature, clock, and warning lights.
ABS:
Not standard on the 2006 749 base model, but may have been an option or present on later iterations/variants.
ECU Interface:
Diagnostic port for ECU reading and potential mapping adjustments (requires specialized Ducati diagnostic tools).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 12 months (refer to manual for exact Ducati recommendation).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 km or as specified in the manual due to Desmodromic system complexity.
Desmodromic Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or as per manual specification, critical for engine integrity.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Shellcool S2).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for specific recommendation and type of fluid for clutch system).
Clutch Fluid:
Mineral oil (typically Ducati's specified fluid for radial master cylinders) or DOT fluid depending on master cylinder type.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates (dry clutch), voltage regulator, stator, fuel pressure regulator, fork seals.
Maintenance Focus:
Proper and timely desmodromic valve adjustments and belt changes are crucial for engine longevity.
Brand Legacy:
Ducati has a rich racing heritage, particularly in MotoGP and World Superbike championships, known for its V-twin engines and Desmodromic valve system.
Predecessor:
Directly evolved from the highly successful 916, 996, and 998 series, adapting the platform for a smaller capacity and different market appeal.
Market Introduction:
Introduced as a more accessible, yet still high-performance, V-twin sportbike. The 749 served as an entry point into Ducati's V-twin superbike family.
Production Period:
Produced from 2003 to 2006.
