[oneguynick]

My RC51 has been in the garage now for 3 months as I wait for parts to roll in (who the hell decided to make 04 parts so sparse) and a few days ago it bit me. I haven't ridden in awhile. So I did what any sane young man does and began to peruse cycletrader. Low and behold, a 749R Numbered Duc for sale down the road. Seeing as my heart belongs to twins I was intrigued. I wanted to ask for those of you out there that have had a Duc what your thoughts were. I am thinking the pair might make for some good riding seasons. Thanks guys

Nick

[blue1000rr]

if you can afford it go for it man.

[slickwill]

I think the 749's are super ugly but from what I've heard the R's have really amazing handling. Plus the R's will always be something of a "novelty" item so I'd do it if I didn't have anything better to do with the money. I'm saving for an 848 right now. I'm just waiting for them to release an "S" model with the Ohlins and forged Marchesini's.

[oneguynick]

Thanks for the replies guys. I test drove the bike and it was AMAZING...but all I could think about was dumping the cash into my Rc51.

[Grover130]

Those Ducatis are really nice, but the cost of maint is unreal!

[oneguynick]

What is the costs we are talking about? I have always wondered...

Nick

[slickwill]

If you actually compare the maintenance of a Duc to the recommended maint of a Honda it isn't that much different except for one important difference. Because of the desmodromic valve actuation on the Duc you HAVE to have the valves adjusted when recommended, and that's usually about a $500 job. Depending on the model the recommended interval can be as little as 3000 miles. So that could be two or three times a year for some people. For me it would be about once a year, I've been averaging 4000 miles a year. The new ducs (2007-2008) they more than doubled it. I think it is about 7000 miles now. That's what makes the new one's a little more appealing. For things like air filters, oil change, etc. It really isn't different than any other bike. Especially if you do it yourself.

[oneguynick]

Thanks for laying that out there like that. I do all my own maintenance and can deal with 1500 bucks a year for valves. I keep looking at my account and see the cash...darn ducatis looking all beautiful. Thanks for the info guys

[rustybottoms]

ducatis sound great at a light, regardless (dry clutch, decent pipes), but in the end you just end up being a guy with a ducati... i know they're great bikes, but i think i'll die being a person that would rather fix a honda than maintain a ducati. having said that, i must admit to going to the local shop just to ogle the desmodici. still... it's an rc51. but, you said the PAIR. if you can have both, i've ridden a few, also... damn, it'd be nice.

[RB Racing]

Just sold my 51 and bought a 1098, sweet machine sounds awesome with a full Termi exhaust. I believe the valve check is 7500 miles and around $295 Ducati prices.

[Chal De Cecco]

How about giving us a real rider comparison between the RC and the 1098 sans all those magazine comments we hear all the time?........That is, once you get used to the Duc.

[chairbornranger]

I had a 2003 monster 800 ie dark... LOVED that bike to death. I ended up lowsiding in some gravel coming around a corner, bike was a total and at the time I didn't have money to buy back off insurance or it would've been my track bike. Nothing sounds like a duc thats for sure, mine had the factory carbon fiber duals on the back and it was amazing to hear it roar. My next bike I'm looking to get is an RC51 because I want to stick with a twin. If I was you though, I'd probably put some money into the RC and save the rest

[RB Racing]

Originally Posted by Chal De Cecco

How about giving us a real rider comparison between the RC and the 1098 sans all those magazine comments we hear all the time?........That is, once you get used to the Duc.

I have had the 1098 out a few times now and love it, suspension was a bit harsh (firm) stock but I played with the settings and it's not bad now. Seat is really firm also but my butt is getting used to it now, let's get to the performance it just plain rips 150hp at the wheel and at least 30lbs lighter than the RC. I would say on par with most inline 4 liter bikes. Tranny shifts nice but you need a positive shift from 1st to second to avoid any false neutrals happened a couple times but I have limited movement on my left foot from a shattered leg. (don't ask)
Front brakes are the best I have ever felt on a production bike very powerful the dry clutch takes a bit of getting used to but I have an after market slave cylinder for a quicker more positive release.
My RC served me well for 5yrs but it was time for a change and the 1098 was my only choice as I wanted to stay with a v-twin and it's a work of art sometimes I crack a beer in the garage and just look at it.LOL.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...g/IMG_0030.jpg

[navyshooter]

For me, replacing my stolen 1krr with a twin was a given. Kept bouncing between the RC and 999. I'm one of a very few who like the 999 over 1098. I hate single swingers (and normally I'm function over form). Have ridden both, had an 01 RC for 6 months before it was stolen also, so I wanted another. The 1krr was an anniversary present, great bike too. In the end, it came down to the RC so I could afford another .50. I'm gonna do my best to make the RC a duc hunter tho.

[jzanutto]

I hate to hear that the RC is such a theft target

[RB Racing]

I like the 999 also and was considering one until I rode one and decided I liked my RC better, nicer riding position steered easier and power wise not much difference. The 1098 is a much nicer bike then the 999.

[Doomwitha929]

I really hate that the 999/749 got such bad press especially on the looks. I for one thing they look great minus that hidious automotive muffler! Throw a twin can undertail system on it and it transforms the whole bike. I saw one at a local dealer a while back. Me and my girl are in the car gettn ready to leave and the owner comes out and gets on it. We were both commenting on how beautiful it was untill he started it and the clutch noise begain. She looks at me with this concerned look on her face and says "Is its supposed to sound like that!?" The bike is a great performer but I just cant get past that muffler and the noise. I was thinking about getting a 748-749 for a while but they are heavier and under powered compared to my 929. Still... if I could have both Im sure I would. Go for it

[Chum]

Remind me not to leave my bike for even a second in Gresham Oregon. I've been there once. The wifes grandfather lives there. I never took the impression it was a bad place to keep a bike. Good luck keeping your RC!

[SAK]

ducs are nice but a huge money pit. you would spend less on fixing a harley... ok maybe not. but still

[slickwill]

Originally Posted by Doomwitha929

She looks at me with this concerned look on her face and says "Is its supposed to sound like that!?" The bike is a great performer but I just cant get past that muffler and the noise.

The 848 has a wet clutch so it doesn't sound like that.

Of course the 'true' Ducati fans want a dry clutch.

Here's a proper sounding 848.

YouTube - ducati 848

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by RB Racing

I have had the 1098 out a few times now and love it, suspension was a bit harsh (firm) stock but I played with the settings and it's not bad now. Seat is really firm also but my butt is getting used to it now, let's get to the performance it just plain rips 150hp at the wheel and at least 30lbs lighter than the RC. I would say on par with most inline 4 liter bikes. Tranny shifts nice but you need a positive shift from 1st to second to avoid any false neutrals happened a couple times but I have limited movement on my left foot from a shattered leg. (don't ask)
Front brakes are the best I have ever felt on a production bike very powerful the dry clutch takes a bit of getting used to but I have an after market slave cylinder for a quicker more positive release.
My RC served me well for 5yrs but it was time for a change and the 1098 was my only choice as I wanted to stay with a v-twin and it's a work of art sometimes I crack a beer in the garage and just look at it.LOL.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...g/IMG_0030.jpg

That is one beautiful bike..

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Doomwitha929

I really hate that the 999/749 got such bad press especially on the looks. I for one thing they look great minus that hidious automotive muffler! Throw a twin can undertail system on it and it transforms the whole bike. I saw one at a local dealer a while back. Me and my girl are in the car gettn ready to leave and the owner comes out and gets on it. We were both commenting on how beautiful it was untill he started it and the clutch noise begain. She looks at me with this concerned look on her face and says "Is its supposed to sound like that!?" The bike is a great performer but I just cant get past that muffler and the noise. I was thinking about getting a 748-749 for a while but they are heavier and under powered compared to my 929. Still... if I could have both Im sure I would. Go for it

Sideshow has a Ducati 748 and I love the way it sounds.. its awesome and I want one one day

[Doomwitha929]

How does the 748 stack up performance wise against the current 600s?

[navyshooter]

Chum, all of my bikes theft's (oh, it pain's me to say that) were in San Diego during my navy days. My RC was actually stolen on base. Apparently, there was a crew going around with a full size truck equipped with a small, 500lb capacity crane attached, so the disc lock was useless. The cops eventually caught 'em (lucky I didn't) but my bike was Mexican history by then. (Please, don't anyone take that the wrong way)
Doom, I hear you on the looks, but the NOISE? That clackety clutch is music, man!!!

[slickwill]

Originally Posted by Doomwitha929

How does the 748 stack up performance wise against the current 600s?

It's heavier and has a little less HP. It still maintains a torque advantage. The 848 is a huge step forward in power and weight from the 748. Enough of a change that the 848 has a better power to weight ratio than even the 999.

[navyshooter]

Even tho I don't like single schwingers, the 848 was an almost buy for me. Especially when I heard about the power to weight bit over the 999. That is a damn sexy machine.

[HRace]

as the happy owner of an 02 998R and RC. Go for it. You will not regret. The only thing that sucks is to choose which one to ride.......