Ducati 749 (2003-2007)

great bike, always end up going back to Ducatis.

great bike, always end up going back to Ducatis.

I brought my Ducati on a part exchange deal for my 52 plate blade. In short i much prefer the Ducati, of course the blade is a much faster machine in a straight line, i feel that if i were riding both machines at the same time through a twister country road the Ducati would come out tops. The other major bonus point is the looks, in my opinion you would struggle to find a better looking motorcycle (for the year it was manufactured)The design is so sleak and although the mirrors are almost impossible to use they do add to the looks. I purchased my bike complete with a full Termi exhaust system - which i would recommend to anyone buying a Ducati. The sound made by the bike with this system fitted is awesome. The bike also came with the biposto seat which is good as i can now interchange between carrying a pillion (rare) or the classier looks of the monoposto rear end. The engine in my opinion is more than adequate both in acceleration and top end. Of course there are faster bikes (my old blade for example) but how often do you get to push your bike to its limits - not very often is suspect. As with a previous review i can also confirm that it is the only bike i have owned where people in the street actually stare at when i ride around town, so the pose factor is definatly there. In summary, if you are after a motorcycle for just pure power and top end speed, stay clear of the Ducati as there are faster bikes outthere. However if you are after a bike with a great combintaion of sexy looks, decent performance and god like handling then opt for a Duke. Hope this was helpful! p.s i found that the alrm system i have fitted (Meta 357T) drains the battery very quikly (might be my dodgy battery) but it might be an idea to purchase an optimate or similar.

bought mine new a 55 plate just before the one with the black wheels came out.with a few other mods, had problems from day one never felt right on the road ever ! track was worse, brakes were for some reason on the soft side front end had a mind of its own. oil leak raidator leak, and lights failed and the problem could not be traced. number plate hanger fell off. bolts furred up after 8 months. my mate bought the version after mine with the black wheels and he still has it and loves it i have rode it many times and cant believe the difference it feels like a really good package and he has had only small problems , some make your own mind up. i was told there was a bad batch when i got mine ? so why the hell were they allowed to leave the factory ? in short i will not buy ducati again EVER!!! mine was a nightmare

Not had a twin before, bored with superbikes, I,m now 45 and looking for something more in a bike other than being ballistic.Takes a lot of getting used to always hitting the rev limiter due to you cannot tell when your thrashing it this can be a problem when you hit mid bend and the rev limiter kicks in, something I suppose I'll get used to intime. Love the kinky starter how you just touch it and the engine turns over till it starts. The whole bike looks like sex on wheels, so part of the enjoyment is just looking at it. Although the bike is heavier than its Jap counterparts its well balanced so you don't feel this. When your on the move it doesn,t feel like your going that fast until you clock your speedo and through the corners its confidence inspiring to say the least, Front brake feels pretty impressive but the rear brake will not lock the wheel I need to look at this. First impressions well pleased overall. not as quick as some but a lot more rewarding to ride. Strengths: Looks, Cornering ability. all the bling as standard. Requires more rider input. Weaknesses: Mirrors waste of time, Few neutrals in gearbox, Back brake at the mo,Uncomfortable unless dabbing on a bit.

Bought my 749 at the right price from Ducati Manchester just before Xmas. Was smitten straight after the test ride on how easy it is to ride slow or fast. Ok, it is a racing position in the saddle, but not as extreme as I expected it to be. And no other temperamental traits that I'd expected from an Italian twin either. Engine (smooth for a twin), ride (firm but not harsh) and handling (confidence inspiring) are so spot on that I'm riding 10 mph faster on the road than my last bike without even really trying - and it's not even run-in yet. Does get uncomfortable after about 90 mins when aches start in the back and neck, but who cares??!! Also is the only bike that I've ridden that people stare at when I'm out on the road - probably because it's the perfect shade of bright red. And what was my last bike? VFR VTEC - nuff said. A class act. Strengths: Engine Ride/handling Brakes (awesome Brembos - and not even radials) Reliability (so far!) Weaknesses: Long range comfort Soft paint on tank marks easily.

Tested a 999 along with new R6 and ZX6R but had to go for the Duke. Chose the mono 's' as it's just a little more special and it certainly feels it when you're on board. The looks and the sound are great as is the performance, with plenty of low down power ideal for road riding. Admittedly the Jap 600's have more top end but does anyone really need it on the road? Suspension and tyres are also very good and I feel confident on the bike already even though this is my first twin and I've only just run it in(1st service tomorrow, gulp!). Due to the typical English spring we're having it has cut out a few times, generally on the approach to a roundabout which is always fun but apart from that no problems at all. Tank range seems a little low but at least it means I get to sample different service stations! All in all a fantastic experience so far and well worth the extra cost over the Jap stuff just to be a bit different. Strengths: Looks, sound, usable power, confidence and let's be honest, pose factor! Weaknesses: Cuts out in cold, fuel consumption, low screen means neck ache when tucked in.