R1 is way cheaper.
Has way more power
handles way better
cheaper
less required maintenace
performance parts are way cheaper
easier to get a used bike

 

A kid I know just got one,says it's a great handling bike.Dosen't have big power though.:hellobye

 

I just recently sold my 2000 and i'm looking at another 2000 748 Duc and also 2002 R1 and i never sat on a Duc so i'm trying to get some opinions here that could guide me to the right direction.I just dont want to be sorry later i got a DUC.

 

I know there is a forum memeber here that bought the same bike from another forum member.I cant remember his name

 

yep, i had a '99 bip748. i'm on a '03 R1 now. it depends what you're using it for. unfortunately i only used it to commute (sf bay area, lot's of freeway traffic) and weekend riding. it's not much on power, equivalent to a japanese 600cc circa early 90's. it's definitely not comfortable, especially if you're in enough traffic where you need to keep your hands on the clutch and brake. the clutch requires a strong pull when you're at a stop or start so it get's tiring in stop and go traffic. but it's a beautiful bike, sounds great and handles much better than anything i've owned. expensive to maintain so keep in mind you're not just paying the out the door price, you have to keep it running. the maintenance intervals are much closer too than the japanese bikes. you have to check the valves every 6,000 mi i think. but hey, it's a ducati...i loved it. it just wasn't very practical for me to own. too expensive for to maintain, both labor and parts. if i had the money though.... my $0.02.

 

Anyone,Someone more info please....

 

You should PM R1minger he ownes both.

 

Well i almost purchased a 749 and then cancled my order.I never delt with such ignorant people in my life.So is a duc worth all that money,well make sure you purchase a second bike while the duc is in the shop waiting for parts.

 

I had a buddy who had a 748. Its wasnt the 748R just the standard model and it was truly a dog performance wise. It was just plain slow and weak but did handle magically. He weighed 145 and used to have a 98 GSXR 750 that he could wheelie all the way down the block but that 748 he couldnt get the front wheel off the ground, hardly. He missed his Gixxer and sold the 748 rather quickly.

 

don't let the dealers costomer crappy costomer servive change you mind if you would like to talk to one opf the best dealers you should call Ducati Seattle. talk to david. hes the owner
droosevelt@ducatiseattle.com here is his email. maybe he can work out something to ship you a bike.

 

Thanks for all the replies,basically everyone is is saying that handling of this bike is way better than the R1 "correct if i'm wrong"but no power and compare to early 90's 600's.

Is it fuel injection system or carburated(98 748 duc)

 

I too had a 748 (99 mono) and it's really hard to compare it to an R1, they are in two completly different playing fields. If your addicted to the power of the one, you'll be disapointed with the duc. To me the duc took more effort to get it to turn in, felt more stable, and gave more feedback, but then again this will depend greatly on how you have your suspension and chassis set up. The 748's sound nice with their extra bit of rpm range over the bigger duc's, especially with a nice exhaust system ( I had a Forza which I was really happy with). With a full system and a chip they will easly power wheelie first gear, just don't expect any more. As stated earlier in this thred, maintainence is another issue that deffinetly needs to be considered, there will be more with the duc. I did love my duc though, and will deffinetly own another. I would need more motivation than the 748 though (just not the 999, ugh!).

..oh yeah, and they had the Marelli injection in 98 (as with all the other years if I'm not mistaken, could be wrong though).

 

a local had {maybe still has} a 748 with a big bore kit to about 851 i think. only 300 miles on the clock. beautiful bike, close to the price i paid for my 1. i would have probably gone that way except for the maintenance / reliability issues.

 

Well basicaly what i need to know is reliability and maintenance wise,Iwould to have fun riding it not parking it or having it sitting down waiting for special back ordered parts.Well i guess R1 wins again this time .Its just not worth the money oh well there will alwqays be a next time or maybe it can be my spare bike:lol
Thanks guys:rock

 

I own a 98' 748 Biposto. I've only ridden an R1 once.. and I've only been riding for 2.5 years. Saying that, I wouldn't swap my bike for anything else on the market except maybe a 2002 748R.

The looks, handling and SOUND of a Duc is unbeatable in my opinion. If you're after power - I'd get the R1.. from what the experienced riders say, they seem to be the favourite.

Don't be put off by fools who say that Duc's are high maintenance and all that crap. They cost a little more than inline 4's to run.. keep it regularly serviced and change the oil every 3000 km's, you'll be right. I've heard of 748SPS owners who've had nothing but problems.. so stay away from that model.

and btw - the 748's/916/996/998 and so on are all fuel injected.

The power is fine for me.. I still can't push the limits of mine on the track yet.. but I'm getting better. It's fun being overtaken by the GSXR600 on the straight at my local track and passing them on the outside through the first turn... I find my bike is VERY stable through high/low speed corners.

Anyways.. good luck with your decision.. if you get the Duc, you won't be sorry.

 

I purchased a 996 about a year and a half ago. I had some problems with the bike that Ducati or my local dealer didn't want to deal with even though it was under "warranty". Ducati 4 valve motors also have problems with rockers flaking causing major engine damage if you don't catch it happening. Getting the bike into neutral was also a pain.
All this aside the Ducati's handle great, have excellent brakes, rumble, and are great track bikes. Due to such bad service and support, I sold it and bought a 2002 R1 that I am much more happier with. The R1 is a better choice for every day riding, it handles almost as well, has more power, parts are easier to get, and the "warranty"(support) is way better. Just my experience.

 

sorry I am replying a little late to this one. I currently own both.
I will probably never not have a Duc in my garage. As far as the maintenance goes, it is not as bad as everyone says. I have had no problems with mine and the look and sound can not be beat by anything.
Performance wise, an R1 has so much more power it's silly. But, I guarantee the Ducati will make you a faster rider. Everything about the bike feels like it is put together with that extra special touch. You just have to ride one to know what I am talking about.
With that said, I would have a second bike as well to screw around on so you don't trash the Duc

 

My mate had a yellow 748 R - he said it was a brilliant bike in all aspects - except the clutch was too too heavy going for him so he sold it within a month.

And he said the r1 was way more balanced and easier to ride

But 748 R handling, looks and street cred he said it was unbeatable

:2bitchsla