2001 Ducati 748R #0287

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

Though it first debuted 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 the bottom end of the engine.

The 748R was introduced in 2000 and produced until 2002. With the R designation, you got upgrades galore, including shower injectors, high-lift cams, titanium connecting rods, titanium valves, and a larger carbon fiber airbox to help free all 106 horses from the strengthened engine.

Even still, the 2001 model was the one to get, as that’s when Ducati upgraded the brakes and the suspension to components of a quality befitting a homologation special. In addition to steel braided brake, clutch, and fuel lines, the bike also received a steering damper and fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear.

Worldwide production of the 748R is said to number some 2,610 units total. Of those, 1,756 examples were yellow, and the remaining 854 examples were red. Because all 185 bikes delivered stateside were yellow, the red offering you see before you is quite the rare sight indeed.

This example is VIN: ZDMH300AA1B011282. Iconic Motorbikes imported the bike from South Africa for the owner in 2022.

The odometer shows 11,786 kilometers (7,323 miles). Per the seller, “I never rode the bike since purchased and my only intention was to add to my collection and enjoy the bike on static display. I would occasionally start the bike to keep fluids running and seals lubed. There are no leaks anywhere on the bike and she seems to be mechanically strong. Everything on the bike works correctly (lights, signals, horn, etc.). The bike is also 100% OEM with zero modification.”

It is #0287

Maintenance:
Per the previous owner, “Moto Uno Racing in South Africa replaced the battery, changed spark plugs, installed new air filters, changed the fluids, checked the valves and replaced the belts, replaced the fuel pump, and serviced the sprockets and chain.”

Upon the bike’s stateside arrival, the seller had our service department install new fuel fittings, replace the chain guard, sprocket cover, and heel plates, and install a new rear brake switch. We also had Brian of BKM Creations refinish the side fairing, the mirrors, and the tail piece. At the time, our service department noted the following in their condition report:

Tire Years – Front: 2012; Rear: 2013
Tire Life – Front: 85%; Rear: 85%
Brakes – Front: 80%; Rear: 80%
Battery: 12.6V
Hydraulic Fluid – Front: Ok; Rear: Ok;
Clutch: Ok
Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Good
Coolant – Level: Low; Quality: Ok
Head Light – Lo/Hi Beam: Ok
Turn Signals – Ok, NO REAR SIGNALS INSTALLED
Brake Light – Front: Ok; Rear Switch: Ok
Taillight: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Test Ride: Ok

The seller states that he would recommend new tires (they are aged out) and that “she sounds like she will be in need of new clutch plates.”

Modifications:
Per the seller, this 748R is stock.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires that have aged out.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Brenham, Texas, this Ducati is offered on a clean Texas title. Have any 748R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!