The 2003 Ducati range

We’ll be bringing you more details on Ducati’s 2003 range of bikes as soon as we get them, but here’s just a sample of the machines you can expect…

The 2003 749S

The radical new 999 superbike is joined by an equally striking 749S supersport version of the desmodromic Testastretta V-twin. Ducati claims 103bhp for the 748cc 749S and a maximum of 56ft-lb of torque at 8500rpm.

It boasts the same 54mm throttle bodies of its larger sibling and fully adjustable, 43mm, upside-down, nitrided Showa forks, and a fully adjustable Showa shock.

And, just like the 999, it will complement, but not replace the classic 748 for the time being. No weight or price has been released for the 749S as yet.

2003 ‘Supersport’ range:

620 Sport:

Available in faired or half-faired versions, the new bike is pitched straight at capturing the new rider market, with a power output just under the 33bhp limit from its air-cooled, fuel-injected 620c motor.

It’s a basic entry to Ducati sports bikes with a non-adjustable, 43mm,upside-down Marzocchi forks, classic trellis frame, and fully adjustable rear shock.

Supersport 800 and 800 Sport.

The 800 range replaces the 2002 750 engine and with it brings a 10bhp hike on power over the outgoing model to 74.5bhp and a new six-speed gearbox.

Supersport 1000

Topping the Supersport range for 2003 is the new air-cooled, fuel-injected 1000cc DS ( ” Dual Spark ” ) powered Supersport 1000. The DS engine is a variant of the design used in the Multistrada and boasts 86bhp, fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks and a fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock. It weighs in at 186 kg (408lb).