Ducati like to think of themselves as "the Ferrari of bikes". They are Italian, often red in colour and decidedly racy in looks and performance. John Wheeler and Adrian Small report.
For those who want exclusivity and race-bred heritage, Ducati has long been a name with which to conjure. Given their virtual stranglehold on many racing championships one expects something very special.
Recently we rode the Pierre Terblanche-designed 749S. A true sports bike in every sense of the word. It's more expensive at €14,850 for the standard model than any Japanese 600 or, for that matter, many 1,000 cc bikes, but is it worth it? We've tested the monoposto version (no pillion seat) with uprated suspension and performance.
The bike was fresh from the crate, and required a running-in period of 600 miles below 6,000 rpm. Only then could we open it up. Unfortunately, we still have not had the chance to test the bike on the track but, if the road test is anything to go by, we're in for something special.
In terms of looks this bike gets the sort of reaction from the general public that owners of a Ferrari or Lamborghini know well. Even to the uninitiated this machine exudes power, pedigree and performance.
Power comes from a V-twin Testastretta engine producing 106 bhp with the pistons having a shorter stroke of 58.8 mm with a larger 90 mm bore producing more power and improved reliability and gaining 9 bhp over its predecessor, the 748.
Usability is the key: power is more accessible than on the larger 999. The bike is also more comfortable than its predecessor. The seat height is 780 mm and is adjustable up to 20 mm for rider comfort. The foot pegs, brake and gear change lever pedal ends can be adjusted into five different positions, a feature last seen on Vincents, which should be an industry standard. We liked the fact that the alloy brake and clutch levers are designed to shear in the event of a spill rather than leave you with no control at all.
The riding position is quite far forward, putting a lot of weight on your wrists. This can get tiring especially after long periods forcing you take more frequent breaks. Relatively speaking, comfort is adequate as far as a sports bike is concerned.
There is no storage space on the bike, a problem if you need to carry a disc lock or chain. The instruments are clear and tell you all you need to know. The lights are excellent but we had a problem with the small, central light set into the screen. It can be a distraction when driving.
The mirrors are the most useless item on the bike. Although they look good with the integrated indicator lights they serve absolutely no purpose whatsoever unless you like looking at your elbows.
The fully adjustable suspension is excellent if a little hard for road riding. The bike uses a new two-sided swing arm which is lighter and stiffer than the old one and the trellis frame also gives greater rigidity and is still quite unique. Everything about this machine's build says "race bred".
Handling is superb, with a beautiful flow through corners and exciting pick up of power on exiting. A steering damper is fitted as standard to help soak up the bad Irish road conditions.
In the past Irish riders have been hesitant about owning an Italian machine, due to the lack of backup. Ducati's Dublin showrooms have what seems to be an excellent service department, customer service and after sales service.
Riding the bike is an experience to savour. It redefines the notion of performance. This bike has something most others don't, a soul. It feels alive. It gets your heart racing every time you see it. The anticipation of riding it could have you lying to your loved ones about the time you need to spend with it.
If you want exhilaration, cutting-edge, race-bred performance and you can afford it then this machine has it all. Just make sure you've the skill to handle it.
TechSpec: Ducati 749S
Engine: 90-degree twin cylinder, four-valve Desmodromic, liquid-cooled 748 cc, 11.7:1 compression. 103 bhp @ 10,000 rpm, 77Nm @ 8,500 rpm. Marelli 54 mm fuel injection, six-speed gearbox.
Frame: Tubular ALS 450 steel trellis. Showa 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable front forks, 125 mm travel. Rear: progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock, 128 mm travel. Front brake: twin 320 mm semi-floating disks, four-piston, four-pad callipers. Rear: 240 mm disk, two-piston calliper.
Dimensions: 1,420 mm wheelbase. Seat height 780 mm, fuel capacity 15.5 litres (include three litres reserve), weight 199 Kgs.
Warranty: Two years unlimited mileage.
Price: €14,850