Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1998 Ducati 748. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Though it was originally introduced in 1994, the Ducati 748 didn’t come to the United States until 1997. That means we already knew what our European colleagues thought of it in advance – and the reviews were glowing.
It was almost identical to the 916, sharing everything from styling to even the majority of the bottom end of the engine. The main differences were a narrower rear tire (180 vs 190) and different cylinders/heads. As the pistons were smaller and traveled a shorter distance, Ducati was able to raise the redline to 11,500 rpm. This resulted in 95 horsepower and a power delivery that thrived on revs as opposed to the lazier, torquier nature of the 916.
The slight sacrifice in peak horsepower paid off in even better handling thanks to the reduced weight, and Ducati’s signature trellis frame was complemented by a set of Showa forks, a Sachs shock, and some Brembo calipers clamping down on 320mm twin discs up front.
This example is VIN: ZDM1SB3R3WB006610. The seller is the original owner and purchased the bike new March 1999 from Cal Coast Motorsports in Ventura, California, and states, “Couldn’t say no to it on the showroom floor…it’s yellow!!. Have loved it ever since. Owned for 25 years. Great track day memories, especially at Laguna Seca. I never get tired of just looking at it. Getting a new bike and seriously sorry to see this go.”
The odometer shows 9,555 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “All work done by Pro Italia or Ducati Santa Barbara.”
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 3921/2821
Tire % Front/ Rear: 95/95
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 36/38
Brake % Front/ Rear : 70/30
Front Hydraulic Fluid: FAIL +3% MOISTURE
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: FAIL +3% MOISTURE
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: MARGINAL +1.5% MOIST
Oil: DARK
Coolant: LEVEL LOW/QUALITY UNK
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: NEEDS SERVICE
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.04
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.70
Notes:
• CRG LEVERS
• FORK TUBE MOUNTED TURN SIGNALS
• INTEGRATED REAR TAIL/TURN SIGNALS
• RED BRAIDED BRAKE LINES
• CARBON CLUTCH COVER
• NO TOP CHAIN GUIDE
• NO BOTTOM CHAIN GUIDE
• AFTERMARKET GAS CAP
Suggested Repairs:
• OIL SERVICE
• SWINGARM CHAIN GUIDES
• COOLANT FLUSH
• HYDRAULIC FLUIDS FLUSHED
• CHAIN SERVICE
• HEADLIGHT DE-FOG
Modifications:
Five-spoke Marchesini magnesium wheels.
Termignoni exhaust.
Carbon fiber front fender.
Carbon fiber rear fender, chain guard, and heel guards.
Alloy rear sets.
Carbon fiber clutch cover.
PSR clutch slave cylinder.
Alloy levers.
Steel braided brake lines.
Fast by Ferracci race gas cap.
Tinted double-bubble windscreen.
New Rage Cycles Rage360 front turn signals on fork stanchions.
LED rear turn signals added to brake lights.
GoPro mount.
Tank pad.
Not shown: ECU chip.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Super Corsa SP V3 tires from 2021.
The sale includes one key, original biposto tail-piece, original front fender, original turn signal lights, original clear windscreen, original passenger footpegs and brackets, matching yellow track stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration current through March 2025.
Have any 748 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
