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2002 Ducati 748 Superbike
So I’ve gotten a chance to get out and put some twisty back roads and highway driving on the Ducati and figured I’d post up a review of the experience so far.
Bike Details:
Engine and transmission:
Displacement: 748.00 ccm (45.64 cubic inches)
Engine type: V2, four-stroke
Power: 97.00 HP (70.8 kW)) @ 11000 RPM
Torque: 73.00 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM
Compression: 11.5:1
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 65.5 mm (3.5 x 2.6 inches)
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel system: Injection
Cooling system: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type, final drive: Chain
Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels:
Front suspension travel: 127 mm (5.0 inches)
Rear suspension travel: 130 mm (5.1 inches)
Front tyre dimensions: 120/60-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions: 180/55-ZR17
Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm (8.7 inches)
Physical measures and capacities:
Dry weight: 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds)
Power/weight ratio: 0.4949 HP/kg
Seat height: 790 mm (31.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,080 mm (42.5 inches)
Overall length: 2,030 mm (79.9 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,410 mm (55.5 inches)
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres (4.49 gallons)
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Initial impressions:
Looks: I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I have always been in love with the way that Ducatis look. With the clean lines, single swingarm, and dual exhaust under the seat it’s a real eye turner. The fit and finish on these bikes is top notch. It is also way easier to get the plastics off (Yes probably because they require way more maintenance).
Sound: With the V2 and the dual exhaust the Ducati sounds awesome. When it is just sitting there it sounds mean… I absolutely love it. Then you throw the sound of the dry clutch on top of that and you just fall in love.
Comfort: When you first look at the Ducati, the first thought that you have is “This is going to hurt” and when you read the reviews that is all you hear about. So far I would have to disagree. The seat is made out of some kind of gel/memory foam and is way more comfortable than it looks. The thing that is getting me the most is getting used to how skinny the bike is. The change in width is making me use my leg muscles differently, but hasn’t gotten uncomfortable yet. This bike was not made for city driving though, at 30 mph or less you start to realize that your butt is getting very hot from the exhaust. Once you get above 45 mph the air is able to pull all of the heat away and you no longer feel it.
Performance: This is one area that I won’t claim to be experienced in, other than this bike I have only ridden a 99 Katana 600. The Ducati is way more aggressive than the Katana. It delivers some serious torque even at low RPM so it is great for pulling out of turns. I know that most new 600 super bikes would probably smoke it on a straight away, but put them in the turns and that is where the Ducati shines. This bike wants to lean and it feels so secure doing it. The rear tire is considerably wider than the Kat so you have so much more rubber to use. My first time out hitting the turns that I used to ride daily on my Kat put a huge childish grin on my face. The dry clutch has such a unique feel, when you shift gears it feels very solid and gives you tons of feedback. I constantly find myself staring at the clock waiting to get out and play.
Other: One thing I do miss is a gas gauge. The Ducatis only have a low fuel light that comes on when you have about one gallon of gas left. I miss visually knowing how much I have left. I did have my first issue with this bike when I picked it up, but it was due to mechanic error. When the shop flushed/changed all of the fluids they must have loosened one of the coolant hoses and this slipped off on my first ride out. The shop resolved the issue and made good so in the end it wasn’t such a big deal. Also, the Ducati will not start with the kick stand down. In order to warm up the bike you must be sitting on it. This isn’t such a bad thing, but I used to love doing my pre-ride inspection while the Kat was warming up.
Bike Details:
Engine and transmission:
Displacement: 748.00 ccm (45.64 cubic inches)
Engine type: V2, four-stroke
Power: 97.00 HP (70.8 kW)) @ 11000 RPM
Torque: 73.00 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM
Compression: 11.5:1
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 65.5 mm (3.5 x 2.6 inches)
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel system: Injection
Cooling system: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type, final drive: Chain
Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels:
Front suspension travel: 127 mm (5.0 inches)
Rear suspension travel: 130 mm (5.1 inches)
Front tyre dimensions: 120/60-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions: 180/55-ZR17
Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm (8.7 inches)
Physical measures and capacities:
Dry weight: 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds)
Power/weight ratio: 0.4949 HP/kg
Seat height: 790 mm (31.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,080 mm (42.5 inches)
Overall length: 2,030 mm (79.9 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,410 mm (55.5 inches)
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres (4.49 gallons)
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Initial impressions:
Looks: I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I have always been in love with the way that Ducatis look. With the clean lines, single swingarm, and dual exhaust under the seat it’s a real eye turner. The fit and finish on these bikes is top notch. It is also way easier to get the plastics off (Yes probably because they require way more maintenance).
Sound: With the V2 and the dual exhaust the Ducati sounds awesome. When it is just sitting there it sounds mean… I absolutely love it. Then you throw the sound of the dry clutch on top of that and you just fall in love.
Comfort: When you first look at the Ducati, the first thought that you have is “This is going to hurt” and when you read the reviews that is all you hear about. So far I would have to disagree. The seat is made out of some kind of gel/memory foam and is way more comfortable than it looks. The thing that is getting me the most is getting used to how skinny the bike is. The change in width is making me use my leg muscles differently, but hasn’t gotten uncomfortable yet. This bike was not made for city driving though, at 30 mph or less you start to realize that your butt is getting very hot from the exhaust. Once you get above 45 mph the air is able to pull all of the heat away and you no longer feel it.
Performance: This is one area that I won’t claim to be experienced in, other than this bike I have only ridden a 99 Katana 600. The Ducati is way more aggressive than the Katana. It delivers some serious torque even at low RPM so it is great for pulling out of turns. I know that most new 600 super bikes would probably smoke it on a straight away, but put them in the turns and that is where the Ducati shines. This bike wants to lean and it feels so secure doing it. The rear tire is considerably wider than the Kat so you have so much more rubber to use. My first time out hitting the turns that I used to ride daily on my Kat put a huge childish grin on my face. The dry clutch has such a unique feel, when you shift gears it feels very solid and gives you tons of feedback. I constantly find myself staring at the clock waiting to get out and play.
Other: One thing I do miss is a gas gauge. The Ducatis only have a low fuel light that comes on when you have about one gallon of gas left. I miss visually knowing how much I have left. I did have my first issue with this bike when I picked it up, but it was due to mechanic error. When the shop flushed/changed all of the fluids they must have loosened one of the coolant hoses and this slipped off on my first ride out. The shop resolved the issue and made good so in the end it wasn’t such a big deal. Also, the Ducati will not start with the kick stand down. In order to warm up the bike you must be sitting on it. This isn’t such a bad thing, but I used to love doing my pre-ride inspection while the Kat was warming up.
In a car you can't ride much faster then the posted speed limit for 45mph. But never fear it's a back country road with 0 traffic. It's the only time my VFR ever gets to lean! I'm in Florida remember people.
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