Ducati 748 Motorcycle Reviews on Cycle Insider (6)
Avg. Rating

The bike looks great. People stare at it constantly. The performance is excellent, handles like a Ferrari. don't expect a power rush like an I-4, there is none. Just smooth delivery. Add a few nice bits, and you've got the best balance of power, weight and looks on the market!

This bike is awesome. I had a harley for 6 years and needed something faster and that could handle the twisties. I bought this bike with 3000 miles on it. I have put 1500 miles on it and love it to death. This bike has excellent suspension, power, looks, and feels like you are riding on rails. I have had no problem with it - very reliable. The riding position takes a while to get adjusted to, but once you relax, tuck in and lay on the tank, and hit the throttle - the bike hankles and seems to like to go fast. Excellent bike

This is my first bike and I have to say that I love everything about it. I haven't had any problems with the riding position. Actually I like the riding position on the bike better than other bikes. I feel comfortable on the bike going at higher speeds. I haven't had the opportunity to take it in some twisties yet, but I can't wait till I do. This bike is way to sweet! If you can afford one, I would definitely tell you its so worth it.

This is my second Ducati bike. My first one is a Monster 600. I'm having a hard time riding the 748. The clutch is too hard and my back & wrist hurts. I want to trade it with the Monster S4.

I just got back into sport bikes after riding Harleys for a number of years. I've looked at everything out there and narrowed it down to the Aprilia, BMW R1100S, and Ducati. I ended up settling for a 900SS instead of the 748 I really wanted. Of course this is my first Ducati and I wasn't sure how I would like these bikes. After putting 1100 miles on the SS, I fell in love with Ducatis. But I wasn't satisfied so I traded the SS in for the 748 and let me tell you, nothing beats a Ducati! I know that power is down compared to the inline 4, but what it lacks in power it rips in handling! I haven't ridden canyon roads since the 80's on a VF500 Interceptor. It's hard to explain how awesome the handling and how easy the 748 is to ride. And yes I do commute to work on it, 100 mile round trip. And I actually find it more comfortable than the SS. I'm 41 years old 5'8" 175 lbs., and the whole setup fits me like a glove. No tired wrists, back, or neck. My next move is to install carbon fibre slip-ons and a chip. Other than that, it will remain stock. If you can afford one, definitely a good choice. It may be a little pricey, but you will keep this bike. Plus all the great compliments you get, especially from the opposite sex. You will not be disappointed.

I have had other Ducati's, as well as Jap bikes and different engines (I4,V2, singles, two strokes). I have nothing but praise for the handling, fun factor, and motor of this bike. Sure, you could nit-pick HP ratings, 748 vs. 996, cost vs. Jap bikes, etc. But if having fun, Sunday rides, showing off in town, and having a sharp looking bike with a sweet sounding motor are your game, this is the bike to have. You already know if you can afford it... if you can, then get it! But beware. Aside from my praises, don't be ignorant. Maintenance is a must: frequent and expensive. Ergonomics afford good riding only in the twisties or on track days, NOT a commuter or for plodding around. don't get stuck in traffic with its oven bake exhausts under your rump, and hellacious pull dry clutch (though the clutch will feel awesome on twisty roads and track days). If you want to expand your rides beyond 200-400 mile days, get a Sargent seat ($270), Helibar bar risers ($270, but they make the bike tougher to fall into a corner... a little extra effort is needed, but once in the corner, kick back and relax) and a Pro Italia slave cylinder ($225, makes that dry clutch a little more bearable). I have gone thru nine bikes in eight years. The 748 is the only one I've kept. Not a primary bike, but an awesome second bike for those wicked days you want to go scuff off your tires while hoping you don't get a speeding ticket! Get it if you can, or lust for one anyway! don't try to justify this bike to another one... it never ads up by numbers alone. If you don't FEEL you want this bike, then you're not ready. And a good rider on this bike can hang with any other scoot out there. Period. Good luck!