Description
Upon its introduction, Ducati’s 748 proved a resounding success — and for good reason. Considered to be a baby brother to the 916, the two bikes were identical in almost every way, both creations of Ducati in-house designer Massimo Tamburini, and both sharing some design elements with the Ducati Supermono. The only differences were rear tire size (180/55/17 as opposed to the 916’s 190/50/17) and engine capacity (88 mm bore and 61.5 mm stroke) of 748cc. The engine’s shorter piston stroke also gives a higher rev ceiling of 11,500 RPM, and the smaller pistons and lightened flywheel help the L-twin engine build revs quicker up to a peak horsepower output of 95.
Ducati had the Japanese manufacturers beat in a couple of design tricks with the 748. For instance, the positive terminal of the battery is easily accessible through the right body panel air vent, so you can hook up a trickle charger for storage season without removing any bodywork. And when you do remove the bodywork, it comes off with Dzus fasteners. Additionally, Ducati chose to make the vast majority of other fasteners one of three allen wrenches for fairly major servicing.
Though standard bipostos are fairly common machines, the 748 SP is decidedly more elusive. Ducati introduced the up-spec version in 1995 as part of its homologation efforts, and just 500 examples were made worldwide that year. Beyond its legendary status amongst 748s, the SP is also one of rarest Tamburini-designed machines ever produced. With such exclusivity, Ducati gave the bike floating front discs, an Öhlins shock, and an alloy single seat subframe. What’s more, the SP got treated to upgraded cams, a reprogrammed chip, as well as an oil cooler and some Termignoni pipes.
This example is VIN: ZDM748S003012. Engine: ZDM748W4003062. The seller is the original owner of the bike who purchased it from Fowlers of Cheltenham, England, and states, “I bought the motorcycle from new in 1996. I’ve loved and cherished it, and it’s always been stored in a garage and has very rarely been out in bad weather.”
The odometer shows 38,079 kilometers (23,661 miles).
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “The motorcycle has been serviced by Ducati and also by the owner. It has been recently tuned by Hilltop Motorcycles in the UK – expert tuners of World Superbikes. Belt was changed on 16th March 2017 (21,866 miles). I changed the belt myself so I do not have a receipt.”
Modifications:
“Mirror-polished 3-spoke original wheels. 50mm Termignoni carbon fiber exhaust, fully mirror-polished.”
Datatag steering damper.
Decals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Road 5 tires with date codes of 2904 and 1206. “Although the tyres are old, there will be a brand new set of Pirelli Diablo tyres included in the sale.”
The sale includes two keys, owner’s manual, rear stand, service history book, bike cover, and new Pirelli Diablo tires with dates codes 4723 and 4624. “It is also supplied with two computer chips (very rare), one of which has never been used.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“There are numerous small stone chips on the fairing. One small crack on the right-hand fairing, and a small crack on the chain-guard.”
Currently located in Kington, England, this Ducati is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any 748SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
