Easily lost in the limelight of its big brother, the Ducati 748 is far more than a downsized 916. Though aesthetics and dimensions are nearly identical, the 748 was designed to be a nimble and high-revving middleweight that capitalized on the nine-one-six's already stout chassis. Aimed directly at the 600cc, four-cylinder Japanese bikes and designed to win World Super Sport championships, the 748 compromised little for performance, even at the expense of civility.
The 748 saw several model variations and updates through its years, but little changed in the better part of the decade that it was on the market. Early bikes were Biposto (two-seater) models and belted out nearly 90 HP and 50 LB-FT at the rear wheel, which translated into mid 11's at 120 MPH in the quarter-mile. Higher-performance SP/SPS models joined the team a year later with more power and a Monoposto design.
Toward the end of the run, the standard model was joined by the 748S that added lighter wheels and revised motor/suspension components. But the crown jewel of the 748 family was the race-ready 748R and RS that packed 100 HP at the wheel.
Often described by owners as cantankerous, finicky and hard-to-live with, the featherweight fighter is still revered and loved by its dedicated following. Power is ample yet tractable and handling is rock solid. But superbike agility comes at an expense, as the racer ergos bend riders into pretzels. In the real world they buck, spit and run hot in traffic, the underseat exhausts will cook your arse in an instant and routine maintenance is mandatory. Early models were prone to electrical gremlins and all models suffered from small charging systems that require a battery charger whenever they're parked.
But for everything the Ducati 748 isn't, the undeniable character it oozes makes it as easy to love as it does to hate. Most owners admit that on the right road all shortcomings are forgiven, as the riding experience is sublime. And while 90 percent of the time the rider has to suffer, it's that other ten percent that keeps them coming back for more.
If true Italian exclusivity boils your blood and concessions to politeness don't mean a thing, the Ducati 748 just might be your ticket to ride. After all, saying you ride a Ducati is simply priceless.
1997-2004 Ducati 748
The hot-blooded Italian middleweight was a mirror image of the bigger 916 but with a smaller, higher-revving motor. Handling was legendary and performance numbers registered mid 11's in the quarter-mile and 150 MPH on the big end. If you can ignore the idiosyncrasies it's a small slice of heaven.