Matt Prinianakis
Age: 25
Model Year: 2001 748S
Miles Ridden: 8,900
Mods: Ducati Performance carbon fiber fender, mirrors, one-piece fairings, exhaust shield and chain/brake line guards, Termignoni carbon-fiber slip-ons, Ultimap chip, SC1000 front rotors, Brembo GP 19x20mm radial front master cylinder, Rizoma clutch cover, Evoluzione fender eliminator and sidestand kill-switch delete, Custom Dynamics undertail, Kellerman turn signals, Sargent seat with yellow piping, custom paint
Best Upgrade: "My favorite upgrade is the Brembo 19x20mm radial master cylinder because it makes for effortless one finger braking."
Favorite Aspect: "My favorite aspect of the bike is the handling. The trellis frame demands a good setup, but rewards the rider with unparalleled feel and sensitivity. The bike is also really stable and confidence inspiring whether you've got your knee on the ground in a tight hairpin or you're hanging off in a long sweeper. The bike looks stunning too!"
SSB's Take:
The proverbial smokin' chick: High maintenance and high dollar but hot enough to almost make you forget.
We'd add: Some killer cans for sound and speed (giant pipes are good!), a fender eliminator is a must and carbon-fiber is a Ducati owner's bling. Flushmounts, levers and a radiator screen would also top the list.
The Facts:
Ups: Great handling, rev-happy V-twin, dead sexy, mod it to the moon
Downs: Racer ergos suck on the street, excessive exhaust heat, grabby clutch, lots of maintenance
Typical Problems: Early models fell victim to voltage regulator gremlins and some had swingarm recalls. Look for thorough maintenance records since frequent top-end adjustments are required, if not, steer clear since it's likely a ticking time bomb. Radiators and wiring looms are also easily damaged so be mindful of both.
Coming Next Issue...
Do you own a 1998-present Kawasaki EX500 Ninja?
Fill in the chart below and send high-res pics to ssbmail@sorc.com.
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