Ducati 748 Model History

[Dan]

PLEASE ONLY POST in this thread if you can provide detailed content to this discussion.

Ducati 748 Model History
As the Moderator of this here 748 forum, I guess I should know a thing or two about the 748 model range, however I have to admit that there are significant gaps in my knowledge, which I'm hoping some of you can help me out with. This thread is aimed at pinning down the exact detail regarding when each 748 model was manufactured and the major specification differences between each.

I'll start off with the very basic models (which I'm not even sure about) and if I get no response, I'll do some research of my own later, and update this first post with details as and when I find them. Please refer back to this first post as I'll add more questions under each model as they arise. Thanks for any help in advance. Have I ever told you my 748 is amazing and I love it!

Ducati 748R (1999-2003)
- 2002: Black graphics on the tank and fairing and graphite paint detail on the seat.
- 2001: Got Ohlins shock, forks, carbon airbox - Not all Euro models got Ohlins dampers until 2002. most did. Brembo p34 4 pad calipers with Brembo race discs (4mm wider spaced too). All R models have the same size airbox, but 2001 are made from carbon (well top half is).
- All came with a slipper clutch as standard.
- 2000: Had the engine modification with shower injectors and increased BHP.
- The airboxes on R model 748's are larger because they have the throttle bodies inside them.
- The frames are the same apart from the cross member under the throttle body assy is 25mm lower to fit the larger throttle bodies. airbox mountings, frame tube size, frame width are all the SAME accross the 748 range.
- R models have wider cam belts, all years the same.
- Original Price from new: £11,000 (How many were made?)

Ducati 748S (?-2003)
- 2002: Available in special edition colours satin grey with red wheels.
- The S replaced the SPS but gave the same BHP as the E, improvements were, five spoke Marchesini wheels, Showa rear shock, Titanium Nitride coated forks for less friction, and the adjustable steering head.
- Original Price from new: £9,500

Ducati 748SPS (1997-1999)
- Replaced SP in 1998. Now get twin pin Brembo calipers, 98 style graphics with just 'DUCATI' on the side fairing and no tank graphics
- SP Steel rods replaced by SPS Titanium rods (NOT race rods, the same design as the BP rod but made from ti.) IMO not as good as the SP Rods but this allowed the crank to be very slightly lighter to balance.
- Original Price from new: £12,250

Ducati 748SP (1995-1998 )
- Engine mods are to allow engine tuning within the supersport rules.
- SP Camshafts - Longer duration, where most of the SP power comes from.
- High Compression Pistons fitted as standard (although if you check the specs they only list at 0.2:1 different, the hi-comp pistons mean with the squish set correctly (factory is always out) you get a far better CR, (just under 12:1)
- SP Con Rods - Steel, H section rods, allowing higher rev limits for racing, these rods are still considered up there with the best, made by Carillo, MUCH stronger than standard so allow sustained high revs.
- Alloy sub-frame with mono seat.
- Available in Yellow only
- Cast iron Brembo fully floating discs,
- Ohlins rear shock
- Came with 45mm standard system but also with the 45-50mm link pipe (without baffles) and 50mm carbon Termignoni's. (most buyers were un-aware of this and the dealer/owners hang on the them or you find the normal 45mm termis fitted.
- Came with yellow cover and rear paddock stand from new.

Ducati 748E (2000-2003)
- 2002 - Fairing design change (now without the side vents, like 998 ) and new exhaust system for E and S models - the exhaust is the same size but without link pipe (all in one) so if you wanted to fit anything other than just 45mm termis (45mm to 50mm for example) then you needed to replace the full system.
- 2001 - Fitted with the Testa-Basa motor (not testastretta!)difference is simply the stepped heads on the exhaust cams side- allowing the same head casting to be used for S4 monster and 748 (exhaust cam is lower in the head to miss the front wheel of the monster). E chassis same as 2000 BIP model but now with grey 3 spoke wheels and grey frame.
- The BIP was replaced by the E model, actually downgrading the Showa rear shock with a cheaper (Sach's?) unit and also losing the adjustable steering head on the BP, which had both road and track settings.
- Original Price from new: £8,500 (Standard two-seat model; E = Entry)

Ducati 748 BIP (1995-2000)
- 2000 model 748 (still listed as BP) has the BP motor in the E chassis but with a gold frame, non adjustable headstock and screw fasteners, no quick release on the fuel hoses. bit of a mix of BP and E models.
- In 1998 got a fairing decal change and 2 pin calipers, the new style rec/regulator and the later type generator system.
- Standard two-seat model (BIP = Biposto)

[harriebird]

Dan i'm pretty sure the E was the standard 748 in later guise...i think the first 748s may have been 1994. And i'm 99% sure they were Biposto ones.

So yes i think you are right when you say the Biposto became the E in later years.

edit.......I've just checked on Parkers, and the Biposto is listed as 94-00 and the E as 99-03.

The 748R is listed as 99-03

The 748 is 96-03

The 748 SP is 94-98

The 748 SPS is 97-99

Hope this helps - I'd check all the write-up in my Haynes manual but i sold it. There are a a good few pages at the beginning of the book telling you about the history etc etc. so if you have yours handy then might be a good starting point?

[colicabcadam]

Hi dan, my bike is not a uk spec machine, so don't use me as an example! hence why it has 5 spoke wheels!

I bought it as a biposto, but 6 months later, i was told that it's an imported s as this is what the frame number states, the importer must of modified the mono seat and subframe........

but no where on the log book does it say it's an import, lol. clocks are even in mph

[Desmo Dave]

I dont know so much about the sports production jobbies but I can help you with the E, S and R coz I owne all three. I anyone disagrees with any of the following I stand corrected.

The first 748's both BP and SP came out a year later than the 916 in 95. The SP was replaced with the SPS in 98. Unlike the 916 SP/SPS models there wasnt a huge difference between the base 748 model and the sportier versions.

Big changes came for 2000 and I think some of the new models were in showrooms the tail end of 99.

The BP was replaced by the E model, actually downgrading the Showa rear shock with a cheaper (Sach's?) unit and also losing the adjustable steering head on the BP, which had both road and track settings.

The S replaced the SPS but gave the same BHP as the E, improvements were, five spoke Marchenisi wheels, Showa rear shock, Titanium Nitride coated forks for less friction, and the adjustable steering head.

Colour schemes on all superbikes were changed from bronze frame and wheels to metallic grey. Some of the first E's off the production line retained the old colour.

First R in 2000 had the engine modification with shower injectors and increased BHP, but the running gear was the same as the S. It didnt sell well apparently. thus:-

In 2001 the R got Ohlins rear shock and forks, Brembo p34 four pot calipers (same as on the 996 R), and slipper clutch. And people bought it. Hurrah!!

2002 all models got new graphics including the designation on the fairing, and the fairings were the aroedynamic (and uglier methinks) type.
The S was available in special edition colours satin grey with red wheels. The R now had black graphics on the tank and fairing and graphite paint detail on the seat.

2003 Production on the R and S stopped and only the E continued alongside the new 749 for one more year.

Prices when new were around 8.5k for the E, around another grand for the S and just under 11k for the R.

Well hope that helps

[Desmo Dave]

Just another thing. The E models didnt have the quick release fairing fasteners like the other models. They have screw fittings, a pain, though possibly might deter an extremely optortunistic thief. I believe E stands for 'Entry' as its relative basic spec, and cheaper price tag, made it the entry level Ducati superbike.

Im also unsure if the 2001 R did actually have a slipper clutch as standard. Ive had two 2001 R's and they both had slippers, but may have been fitted later by their owners.

[Dan]

Desmo Dave, You're a veritable wealth of 748 wisdom, thanks for all the input, you've definitely got the ball rolling. And of course thanks harrie!

I've updated my first post with some of your info. I'll have a look at my Haynes manual when I next visit my bike which should be next week.

Thanks again.

[Wilf]

Hi Dan,

the 748 SP differences to the BP model:

SP features, most to engine mods are to allow engine tuning within the supersport rules...

SP camshafts (longer duration, where most of the SP power comes from)

High compression pistons fitted as standard (although if you check the specs they only list at 0.2:1 different, the hi-comp pistons mean with the squish set correctly (factory is always out) you get a far better CR, (just under 12:1)

SP Con Rods - Steel, H section rods, allowing higher rev limits for racing, these rods are still considered up there with the best, made by Carillo, MUCH stronger than stadard so allow sustained high revs.

Alloy subframe with mono seat.

Available in Yellow only

Cast iron Brembo fully floating discs,

Ohlins rear shock

Came with 45mm standard system but also with the 45-50mm link pipe (without baffles) and 50mm carbon termignonis. (most buyers were un-aware of this and the dealer/owners hang on the them or you find the normal 45mm termis fitted

Came with yellow cover and rear paddock stand from new.

Replaced in 98 by the SPS: changes below.

Now get twin pin brembo calipers, 98 style graphics with just 'DUCATI' on the side fairing and no tank graphics

SP Steel rods replaced by SPS Titanium rods (NOT race rods, the same design as the BP rod but made from ti.) IMO not as good as the SP Rods but this allowed the crank to be very slightly lighter to balance.

[Wilf]

Getting into this now... amazing what you know when you start thinking about it...

Few bits to add to others posts...

748 BP

Ran 1996 to 1999 - in 98 got a fairing decal change and 2 pin calipers, the new style rec/regulator and the later type generator system.

2000 model 748 - still listed as BP - has the BP motor in the E chassis BUT with a gold frame, non adjustable headstock and screw fasteners, no quick release on the fuel hoses. bit of a mix of BP and E models.

2001 - E model - fitted with the Testa-Basa motor (not testastretta!)difference is simply the stepped heads on the exhaust cams side- allowing the same head casting to be used for S4 monster and 748 (exhaust cam is lower in the head to miss the front wheel of the monster)

E chassis same as 2000 BP model but now with grey 2 spoke wheels and grey frame.

2002 - Fairing design change (now without the side vents, like 998) and new exhast system for E and S models - the exhaust is the same size but without link pipe (all in one) so if you wanted to fit anything other than just 45mm termis (45mm to 50mm for example) then you needed to replace the full system.

R models -

Pretty much been covered, LOADS of different parts over the base or S model replaced the SPS rather than the S.

all had slipper clutches fitted, but are just about the poorest one you can get. most get replaced!

2001 got ohlins shock, forks, carbon airbox - Not all Euro models got ohlins dampers until 2002. most did. 4 pad calipers with brembo race discs (4mm wider spaced too)
2002 got new fairings with black decals

thats it until i think of more.

PHEW

[Desmo Dave]

Wow! you know your stuff Wilf. Fascinating info on the SP/S. You enlightened me on the gold framed E issue as well. Ive always believed I owned a 2000 E, now I know its actually a BP! Ive been deluding myself for all these years! Also Id forgotten about the non quick release fuel line on these models, and was unaware of the stepped heads stuff on the actual E.

Disappointing to hear the slipper clutches on the R's are so bad, that explains a lot..

One minor thing I've just remembered.. the last models have a smaller sealed battery right?

[Wilf]

i knew i'd forget something !!!!

You're right, 2001 onwards had the smaller sealed (most of the time !) batteries with and adaptor to fit the original tray.

These may have been on the 2000 model 748 too but i think it was still the larger type, what's yours got ???

Yeah that 2000 model 748, gold 'e' frame and BP motor took me a while to work out too.

The R slipper clutch is there just so they can use one in supersports (rules dont allow clutch 'type' changes like superbikes do) so they fitted the bare min in order to qualify the proper corse type one. personally i think they are a pain on the road anyway.. but thats a different story.....

[Dan]

How much information.... fantastic effort Wilf, thanks! This thread is really coming together now....

Originally Posted by Wilf

E chassis same as 2000 BP model but now with grey 2 spoke wheels and grey frame.

Two Spoke wheels.... sounds dangerous!

Originally Posted by Wilf

2002 - Fairing design change (now without the side vents, like 998) and new exhast system for E and S models - the exhaust is the same size but without link pipe (all in one) so if you wanted to fit anything other than just 45mm termis (45mm to 50mm for example) then you needed to replace the full system.

My 'E' is listed as a 2002 but has the side vents, so is my duke a 2001, or are you saying the changes were just applicable to the 'R'? Also got no quick release on the fuel hoses.

I've edited the 'first post' with all of your info but if you spot any typo's or inaccuracy's please shout! Thanks.

[David C]

My machines is a 1996SP model which has been fitted with a 1998 916BP engine.

The front brakes are brembo CI
The rear subframe is alloy and single
The exhaust is standard but I have a 52mm system
The frame is gold and is complete with adjustable headstock and 2 position steering damper (ohlins)
The standard 748e has no adjustable headstock and a single position damper.
The rear shock is ohlins
The frame fasteners are quick release but are slightly different to the 916/996 type (read cheaper)
The chip I'm not sure about but maybe someone will know if it si suitaboe for 50mm pipes as standard

Regards

David C

[desmoboy]

I thought the R, well the final 02 version anyway had wider belts, different primary gear ratio and much larger airbox.
At some point there was an increase in frame tube wall thickness and mounting bolt diameter. This might have been for all models though.

The E lost the adjustable head angle option as well

[Dan]

Originally Posted by David C

The standard 748e has no adjustable headstock and a single position damper.
The rear shock is ohlins
The frame fasteners are quick release but are slightly different to the 916/996 type (read cheaper)
The chip I'm not sure about but maybe someone will know if it si suitaboe for 50mm pipes as standard

Not sure what model 748 you're refering to David, surely not all 748E info. Although the 748E has a single position damper and doesn't have an adjustable headstock, the rear shock on the E definitely isn't an Ohlin's.

Originally Posted by Desmo Dave

The BP was replaced by the E model, actually downgrading the Showa rear shock with a cheaper (Sach's?) unit and also losing the adjustable steering head on the BP, which had both road and track settings.

[Wilf]

Originally Posted by desmoboy

I thought the R, well the final 02 version anyway had wider belts, different primary gear ratio and much larger airbox.
At some point there was an increase in frame tube wall thickness and mounting bolt diameter. This might have been for all models though.

The E lost the adjustable head angle option as well

R Models had the same gearbox and primary gears. it was only the 916SPS, and testastretta motors that had the 1:84 : 1 primary gears rather than 2:1.

R models have lots of changes (i'll list later , but its a BIG list!)- the airboxes on R model 748's are larger only because they have the throttle bodies inside them. all R models have the same size airbox. 01 are made from carbon. (well top half is)

The frames are the same apart from the cross member under the throttle body assy is 25mm lower to fit the larger throttle bodies. airbox mountings, frame tube size, frame width are all the SAME accross the 748 range.

R models have wider belts, all years the same.