Something calls me about that bike and I might have the opportunity to buy one for track use only.
Any major issues?
Cheers?
other than the fact ducati made it you mean? :P:D
fk off Leon 
Belts every 2 years, that’s about it really. Pretty much bomb proof. The early models had grey swingarms, the later, black. There’s no real appreciable differences in performance between the two but the view is the black looks better.
The little testastretta motor is very reliable as long as it’s serviced.
Depending on the model, the suspension could do with some attention if you’re really picky.
http://londonbikers.com/forums/Topic560511-35-1.aspx?Highlight=749
Some comments in there for you…
Cheers Jerry (and bricking it).
I would do all my own servicing. I’m reckoning that since I can change a cam chain and put cams back the right way round in an IL4 engine, I can prob work on a Ducati motor…(hopes :D)
Everything else shouldn’t pose much difficulty…Most road stuff would be stripped off.
What were the niggles on the older generation bikes? Was it to do with the Reg Rec like the old 916s had?
yeah, there’s a little black relay - costs 70p from memory - that goes pop from time to time. Fuel pump primes but the starter won’t go. It’s only a major pia because you’ve got to take the side fairing off, then the battery and holder before you get to this stupid part.
Re servicing - it’s pretty straightforward. Just buy a shim kit for the valve clearances and a cam holding tool and you’re away. Plenty of advice on Ducatisti or just search for belt service on youtube. I don’t do it only because I don’t have the space or the time. Plus, I’ve got a tame mech who does most of the work very cheaply!
Ok, that’s cool. Inside that relay there is probably just generic electrics.
Just buy a better quality new part (not from Ducati) and modify it to fit I guess.
Cheers for your help…Now where can I test ride one :hehe:
Silverstone, Sunday. Borrow mine for a couple of laps
Shiiiiiite…Working 
Cheers though man 
If you can get the black swingarm model, then you will have a much better riding experiance with regards to handeling.
The grey swing arm is far too stiff and as a result gives very littly feel / feedback when cornering and getting on the gas.
I found this out when racing one in 03 and 04 before the 05 swingarm came out.
I chassed suspension setting for a season or so before realising the swingarm was the issuse.
Huge differance for the better.
I have built a few 749’s for the thunderbike series and all the riders feedback reflects this.
good luck, Mike
No, but why would you want to
I have a 749. Agree re the fuel pump relay, it often gets wet and corroded, so its less about buying a non-ducati part (its generic and used in Fiat’s too) and more about sealing it or positioning it so it doesn’t trap moisture.
Belts I had thought about doing, but when I discovered Service centre’s tension them with a sonarscope (i think its called that - basically the pitch) then I decided to leave it to the professionals, not only do they have the tools, its not actually very expensive: a belt change will cost about £200 all in, and the first £140ish is for the belts alone.
Swingarm - imo no difference except cosmetic.
A nice bike overall.
Lastly, Battery doesn’t like it if the bike is under-used but I guess its not an issue for track bikes.