Ducati 748 Problems – Expensive Bike With Numerous Issues?

Ducati 748 problems are a hot topic of conversation on motorcycle forums. This bike is considered expensive, and it has been known to have numerous issues. Despite this, many riders still swear by their Ducatis. If you're considering purchasing a 748, be sure to do your research first!

In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common complaints about the bike as well as what you can do to avoid them. We'll also provide some tips on how to take care of your Ducati so that you can get the most out of it. Are you ready? Let's dive in!

ducati 748 problems

The Ducati 748 was one of the shortest-lived models in the company's history

In the early 1990s, Ducati was struggling to keep up with the competition. While other manufacturers were releasing models with ever-higher displacement numbers, Ducati's flagship model was still the 888, which had been introduced back in 1987. In an effort to stay relevant, Ducati decided to release a new model with a larger engine: the 748.

The 748 was first introduced in 1994 and quickly became a hit, thanks to its combination of power and agility. There were two versions of this bike: the 748S and the 748R. The 748S was the base model, while the 748R was the race-spec version. Despite its success, the 748 was discontinued in 2002, making it one of the shortest-lived models in Ducati's history.

Today, the 748 is considered a classic Ducati, and its desirability has only increased in recent years. Nevertheless, there are some downsides to this model that should be considered by every potential buyer.

It's an expensive bike with a starting price of $4,000

The Ducati 748 is a beautiful bike, but it doesn't come cheap. With a price tag of $4,000 - $15,000 (depending on the bike version and mileage), it's certainly not an impulse purchase.

But for those who have the means, the 748 is definitely a worthwhile investment. This Italian stunner is not only a head-turner, but it's also a powerful machine that packs a serious punch. With its four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin engine and top speeds of over 150mph, the Ducati 748 is definitely a bike that means business.

So if you're looking for a high-performance motorcycle that's also chic and stylish, the Ducati 748 is definitely worth considering.

Despite the high price tag, there are numerous problems with the 748 that have been reported by owners

  • Poor fuel economy

The Ducati 748 is a bit of a gas guzzler. It's not the worst in its class by any means, but it's certainly not the best. The main issue seems to be that it burns through fuel pretty quickly when revved high. This is great if you're looking to get the most out of your motorcycle on the open road, but it's not so great if you're trying to save money at the pump. And let's be honest, who isn't trying to save money these days?

The Ducati 748 might be a bit of a thirsty bike, but that doesn't mean it isn't still a lot of fun to ride. Just be prepared to spend a little extra money on gas.

  • Engine problems

The Ducati 748 was plagued by engine problems throughout its production run. The most common issue was oil leaking from the crankcase seals. This could lead to oil starvation, which could cause the engine to seize. Other common issues included cylinder head gasket failure and piston ring failure. As a result of these problems, the Ducati 748 has developed a reputation as being a very unreliable motorcycle.

  • Electrical issues

The Ducati 748 is a beautiful piece of machinery. It's fast, it's aggressive, and it looks like it means business. But there's one not-so-small problem: the electrical system is notoriously unreliable. Frequent riders have reported a litany of issues, from flickering lights to complete electrical failures. Ducati has issued a recall for the 748, but many riders say that the problem persists even after the bike has been serviced.

If you're considering buying a 748, be prepared to spend a lot of time (and money) at the mechanic. And hope that you don't get stranded on the side of the road.

  • Poor performance

When the Ducati 748 first came out, it was plagued with problems. One of the biggest was its poor performance. The 748 just couldn't keep up with the competition. It was sluggish and didn't have the power to really get going. Additionally, the 748 had a lot of vibration issues. These made it difficult for riders to enjoy the ride. As a result, Ducati 748s quickly fell out of favor with riders.

Thankfully, Ducati has since addressed some of these issues, and the modified 748s are once again a force to be reckoned with on the track.

While some people love their Ducati 748s, others regret spending so much money on a bike with so many problems

The Ducati 748 is as controversial as it is beautiful. Love it or hate it, there's no denying that this motorcycle has a lot of character. For some people, that character is what makes the 748 so special. Others, however, see it as a frustratingly temperamental machine that's constantly in need of expensive repairs.

There's no right or wrong answer here - it all comes down to personal preference. However, as a potential buyer of a 748, you should be aware of its many quirks and potential issues. Otherwise, you might end up regretting your purchase. But hey, even if you do end up with a lemon of a bike, at least you'll look good riding it!

If you are thinking of buying a Ducati 748, be aware of the potential problems you may face

Ducati 748s are certainly not for everyone. They're high-maintenance, temperamental machines that require a lot of care and attention. But if you're up for the challenge, they can be incredibly rewarding bikes to own. Just be aware of the potential problems you may face.

First and foremost, Ducatis are notoriously finicky about oil changes. If you don't keep on top of them, you can kiss your 748 goodbye. Secondly, the desmodromic valve system is a delicate piece of engineering, and it's not uncommon for Ducatis to develop valve issues. If you're thinking of buying a 748, make sure you budget for regular servicing - it's not cheap. Finally, Ducatis are notorious for electrical issues and high fuel consumption. So factor that into your running costs.

But despite all these potential problems, Ducatis are amazing bikes, and if you're lucky enough to own one, you'll probably never look back.

How to take care of your Ducati so that you can avoid these issues?

If you're the proud owner of a Ducati 748, then you know that you've got your hands full with a high-powered machine. But with great power comes great responsibility - and that means taking care of your Ducati so that it can take care of you. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:

  • First and foremost, always keep an eye on your motor oil level and change it regularly. This is the lifeblood of your engine, and keeping it clean and fresh will help to prolong its life.
  • Second, make sure to check your tire pressure often - both underinflation and overinflation can cause premature wear.
  • Third, don't forget about regular servicing - this will help to keep your Ducati running like a dream.
  • And fourth, be careful not to ride it too hard - remember, this is a precision machine, not a toy.

If you follow these simple tips, you'll be enjoying your Ducati 748 for years to come.

Many other bikes on the market are cheaper and perform just as well

For a motorcycle enthusiast, Ducati 748 is the undisputed king of the road. But for those of us who are looking for a bike that's both affordable and reliable, there are plenty of other options on the market. In fact, some of the best-performing bikes out there are actually cheaper than the Ducati 748.

So if you're in the market for a new bike, don't feel like you have to break the bank to get a great ride. Here are just a few of the other bikes on the market that can give you the same performance as a Ducati 748 but without the high price tag: Yamaha R1, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, and Suzuki GSX-R1000.

The bottom line

The Ducati 748 is a great bike, but it has some problems. It's expensive, and some people have regretted buying it because of all the issues they've had with it.

So is it worth its price? That's up to you to decide. I think it's a great bike, but I also know that there are cheaper options out there that might be better for you. At the end of the day, only you can decide if the Ducati 748 is right for you.

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CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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