Members Bike - Dan's 2002 Ducati 748E

[Dan]

My 2002 Ducati 748E
I have to admit, that if my Duke had the same styling Ducati intended for the E model I probably would have just walked by on that first encounter. However the previous owner was a bike fanatic called Sean, who had it imported on request and made a load of significant cosmetic changes.



After buying the bike, Sean said he originally intended to develop it as a smaller engined Foggy replica, however only got as far as buying the sticker kit, but within the first year of purchase Sean did add the following; Black Marchesini Magnesium Wheels, 45mm Termignoni Exhaust System, Fiberglass Single Seat Conversion, Front Number Board, a Larger Screen, a Tecmoto Open Clutch Cover, Ducati Corse Front Guard, Colour Coded Mirrors, Carbon Fiber Air Tubes, Carbon Fiber Heal Guards, Carbon Fiber Exhaust Guard, Carbon Fiber Swing-arm Protector, ITG Air Filter, and a pair of Aluminium (Titanium Coloured) Tecmoto Rearsets.



After spending over £3000 on extras for it, Sean eventually part exchanged it after only 18 months of ownership for a New CBR600 - was he mad? Before I bought the bike I went to visit him and asked his reasons for selling his 748, thinking that maybe he’d bounced it off the walls of the Dartford tunnel, or sent it colliding into a neighbours garden wall, on his way to work. He said he actually sold it because he missed the power delivery of a four cylinder, (I have since heard he's bought a 999, and once again is spending thousands on extras).

From talking to Sean I also learnt that he bought the bike to enjoy a few track days. This was no surprise as the original Pirelli tyres were in a terrible state when I bought the bike, and the rear would slide all over the road, even when up right, if there was a hint of sea mist in the air.



I’ve now owned my Duke for two years however for most of that time I’ve had to work in Kent and my bike has lived in Devon, however at long last I now live in South Devon, so I take it for a spin at every available moment. (For my Personal Gallery - (Click Here)

[Brian]

Nice bike you have there Dan

That Sean must of been mad to swap it in for a CBR how can you not love the growl of a twin.

[Tony]

That is a nice bike Dan. and you live in a good part of the countery for taking advantage of it, ive never riden a bike that once setup can turn through bends as nicely as the Duke.

having also owned a few 4 cylinders, I do think that there is a vast difference between the two that alot of people either can't or arn't prepared to learn. the 4 cylinders being certainly the easier which of course gives you more confidence.

I find it strange that he's done track days where the Duke can really excell and yet he still preferd the cbr, still his loss if your gain.

What are the next changes planed, for your pride and joy I wonder?

[Dan]

Tony, It still amazes me why Sean sold the bike. I think it may simply be a case of him having far too much money and wanting to keep up with the Jones'.

As for mods for the future, I've ordered an original tinted Ducati screen because I prefer the lines of the original and if I win the lotto I'd by an Ohlins rear shock because I've got the basic Sachs shock which is pretty inferior to the Ohlins. I have a Mechanic mate that said he could fit Ohlins internals into the Sachs monoshock if I can't raise the money for the Ohlins. I've also got to buy some original Ducati grips.

Decisions, decisions.....

[Rick 996R]

Great write up and ALBUM. SWEET bike

[Dan]

Thanks Rick...
Unfortunately since I wrote this post I've managed to drop my bike off the stand onto it's right side and my bike has also developed a blue smoke problem on over-run from the rear cylinder.

The smoking issue will be sorted at the end of the month and I'll also get to work on the minor cosmetic problems that need attention in February. Once they're both done, I'm possibly going to undertake a Renthal rear sprocket conversion, whilst adding a new chain and adding a couple of teeth on the rear.

It's funny that you've described my bike as a 'Sweet Bike' that's exactly how I see it. It makes one hell of a noise with the Termi's and ITG air filter, but it never fails to brighten up my day whether were riding hundreds of miles or just up the shops for some milk... however during the latter I do look a tw*t standing in the local Costcutter with my leathers on.

Cheers
Dan

[ducky996r]

very nice bike, love the black rims

[Dan]

Cheers Ducky996,
Once I get it back from my spanner man next week (hopefully), I'll be back out on those very same black wheels as much as possible.... can't wait it's been too long without my bike.

[Rick 996R]

Dan
What BRAND of REARSETS do you have ?
Do you like them ??

[Dan]

Rick, They're TecMoto Rearsets $399.99 in the US, and about £350 at present on the TechMoto UK site. Lovely quality and extremely light and made of alloy. However the bad news is that when my bike fell off the stand, it snapped one, so I'm looking for a new pair.

[999nero]

Lovely looking bike!

[Dan]

Originally Posted by 999nero

Lovely looking bike!

Thanks Nero!

[Stinkwheel]

Nice looking bike Dan... Can you tell me who makes the screen on your bike and does it actually work?

I'm after a flip screen but most are pretty ugly looking...

Cheers!

[Dan]

Hi Stinkwheel, I've got no idea who makes my screen because it was on the bike when I bought it.... and because I've only ridden my 748 with this screen I've also got no idea if its an improvement on the original.... however that said, when ridding the bike at speed I feel I've got sod all wind protection unless I put my head on the tank, so chances are it's no better.

[Dan]

Okay it's the long awaited July pay day. Holidays have been had and paid for and MOT and Insurance bills are all in September, so here's a little update to lay out my plans for this month so I can get the 748 back on the road!

Need to buy:
- Renthal Chain, Carrier and Sprockets (going from 14/38 to 14/40)
- Replacement glass (or whole unit) for my temperature gauge
- New Front Brake fluid reservoir cap (maybe do rear brake and clutch caps)
- Need replacement Tecmoto front foot peg (right side, can I buy the peg on its own?)
- New set of fairing screws
- Clutch pressure plate springs and caps
- New glass for right mirror
- An Abbastand
- I need to replace the right-side nose support thingy (mines bent slightly)
- ITG Dust Retention Fluid for Air Filter
- Ducati Case Guard - Chain Guard

Need to service:
- The whole exhaust system is currently off so need to finish cleaning it.
- Replace Oil and Filter (probably gonna use Jim's red oil?)
- Check Clutch plates whilst changing springs

Future considerations:
- Replace Clutch slave cylinder
- Replace Rear Brake slave cylinder
- Not too bothered about all the many scratches and chips on my fairing and tank, but I like the carbon 996R lower fairing look and also need to get my wheels repainted but all the cosmetic stuff can be done when I next change my tyres and win the lottery.