Introduction
The Ducati 748, also known as the Ducati 748S and 748R, is a middle‑weight sport motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati between 1985 and 1995. It represents a continuation of the company's 750‑cc single‑engine lineage that began with the iconic Ducati 750 Scrambler in the 1960s. The 748 was introduced to provide a more modern and performance‑oriented platform for riders who sought a lightweight, agile machine capable of both street use and track work. The model remained in production for a decade, during which Ducati refined its design, incorporated advancements in engine management, and produced several variants that addressed different rider preferences and market demands.
History and Development
Concept and Design
In the early 1980s, Ducati faced increasing competition from Japanese manufacturers in the middle‑weight sport motorcycle segment. To reassert its position, the company began designing a new 750‑cc single that incorporated a radial head, a higher compression ratio, and a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. The 748's development team drew upon the lessons learned from the 750 Scrambler and the 748S, emphasizing a narrow, streamlined silhouette that offered improved aerodynamics while maintaining Ducati's distinctive aesthetic.
Production and Commercial Release
The first version of the Ducati 748, designated the 748S, entered the market in 1985. Its launch coincided with a period of significant growth for Ducati, as the brand expanded its global presence and diversified its model range. The 748S was marketed as a sport touring machine that combined performance with comfort. In 1989, Ducati introduced the 748R, a racing‑oriented iteration that featured a lower compression ratio, a more aggressive camshaft profile, and lightweight components. Production of the 748 series continued through 1995, after which Ducati phased out the model in favor of newer designs such as the 900 series.
Technical Specifications
Engine and Transmission
The Ducati 748 is powered by a single-cylinder, air‑cooled, four‑stroke engine with a 74.5‑degree V‑angle that is characteristic of Ducati's Desmosedici family. The engine displacement is 748 cc, with a bore of 85 mm and a stroke of 66 mm. In the 748S, the engine produces approximately 73 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The 748R's racing variant delivers a slightly higher peak power of 78 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, owing to its increased compression ratio and high‑performance camshaft. Both versions utilize a five‑speed gearbox with a close ratio spread designed to keep the engine within its optimal power band during spirited riding.
Chassis and Suspension
The motorcycle's chassis is constructed from a lightweight aluminum alloy trellis frame, providing rigidity while minimizing unsprung mass. The 748S incorporates a double wishbone front suspension with a 43 mm adjustable fork, whereas the 748R features a shorter fork and a higher degree of preload for track use. Rear suspension on both models consists of a single shock absorber mounted to a swingarm, with adjustable preload and rebound damping. The design emphasizes handling precision, allowing the bike to maintain stability at high speeds and during rapid cornering.
Brakes and Wheels
Both variants are equipped with dual front disc brakes, each measuring 298 mm in diameter, operated by dual hydraulic calipers. The rear brake is a single 240 mm disc with a single caliper. Brake pads are specified for high performance and are available in both standard and racing configurations. Wheels are forged aluminum, with 18‑inch rims on the front and 17‑inch rims on the rear. Tire choices include high‑performance summer tires designed to provide maximum grip on dry pavement.
Variants and Models
748S
The 748S was the baseline model, designed for riders seeking a balance between performance, comfort, and reliability. Its engine configuration is optimized for a smooth power delivery across a broad rev range, making it suitable for both spirited road riding and extended touring sessions. The 748S features a slightly higher compression ratio than the 748R, which translates into a more robust torque curve at lower engine speeds. Its ergonomics are more relaxed compared to the 748R, with a seat height of 810 mm and a windscreen designed to reduce rider fatigue over long distances.
748R
Introduced in 1989, the 748R was developed for enthusiasts and racers who desired a leaner, more aggressive machine. The 748R’s engine employs a higher compression ratio of 11:1, and the camshaft profile is tuned for increased peak horsepower. The chassis modifications, including a lower suspension travel and stiffer components, provide improved responsiveness in cornering. The seat height is slightly lower, at 800 mm, and the windscreen is minimized to reduce aerodynamic drag. These changes result in a lighter, more agile bike that performs exceptionally well in competitive settings.
Other Special Editions
Ducati occasionally released limited‑edition 748 models featuring unique paint schemes, special instrumentation, and additional performance parts. One notable example is the 1993 “Corsa” edition, which came equipped with a 12‑inch front wheel for enhanced grip and a carbon‑fiber seat for reduced weight. While these editions were not produced in large quantities, they remain highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and distinct styling cues.
Performance and Handling
Road Performance
On the road, the Ducati 748 delivers a potent blend of power and agility. The 748S's torque curve allows for brisk acceleration from a standing start, with 0–100 km/h times in the mid‑6 second range for the 748R and slightly slower for the 748S. The bike's low center of gravity, combined with the trellis frame, contributes to precise steering feedback. Riders often report a sense of confidence when navigating twisty roads, thanks to the tight cornering radius and responsive braking system.
Track Performance
Track testing of the 748R highlights its ability to sustain high speeds while maintaining stability under braking. The increased horsepower, paired with the bike's low weight of approximately 140 kg dry, enables rapid acceleration out of corners. The combination of a narrow swingarm and adjustable suspension allows riders to fine‑tune the bike for various track surfaces. Over the course of a lap, the 748R typically records lap times that are competitive with contemporary 750‑cc sport bikes from other manufacturers.
Reception and Criticism
Upon its release, the Ducati 748 received generally positive reviews from automotive journalists and motorcycle enthusiasts. Reviewers praised the bike’s distinctive styling, strong performance, and the smoothness of its engine. The 748R, in particular, was lauded for its racing capabilities and the quality of its chassis. Some criticisms centered around the weight of the 748S, which was considered heavy relative to the bike's class, and the limited availability of spare parts in certain markets. Despite these concerns, the 748 maintained a loyal following, especially among riders who valued Ducati’s engineering heritage.
Racing History
Road Racing
The Ducati 748R found success in amateur and semi‑professional road racing circuits during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its lightweight design and high power output made it competitive in the 750‑cc category, and it earned podium finishes in several national championships. The bike's reliability and straightforward maintenance also contributed to its popularity among private teams. While it did not dominate the global racing scene, the 748R helped cement Ducati’s reputation for producing capable sports machines.
Legacy and Influence
The Ducati 748 played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Ducati’s classic 750‑cc models and the later 900‑cc era. Its engineering choices - particularly the use of a radial head, aluminum trellis frame, and adjustable suspension - became standard features in Ducati's subsequent designs. The 748 also served as a platform for technological experimentation, such as the introduction of advanced engine management systems that improved fuel efficiency and emissions compliance. For many Ducati owners, the 748 remains a cherished representation of the brand’s commitment to performance and Italian craftsmanship.
Technical Evolution and Successors
Following the 748's discontinuation in 1995, Ducati introduced the 900 series, which built upon the 748's foundational concepts while offering increased displacement and enhanced electronics. The 900's engine architecture was a direct descendant of the 748's, featuring a similar 74.5‑degree V‑angle but with a larger bore and stroke. The successor models also incorporated a more sophisticated electronic control unit, improving engine mapping and rider ergonomics. Consequently, the Ducati 748's legacy is evident in the continued emphasis on lightweight construction, sharp handling, and distinctive styling that defines modern Ducati motorcycles.
See also
- List of Ducati motorcycles
- Ducati 750 Scrambler
- Ducati 900 Series
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!