Ducati 748 SPS (1997 - 1999)
Remember when you first gazed upon a 916? It's hard to believe you can now pick up the same impossibly exotic dream for under three grand. In fact 916s are getting so bloody cheap I've all but gone off the idea - but I could be tempted by a 748 SPS.For those that don't know, the 'PS' bit basically means a few special goodies for racing homologation purposes, such as hotter cams, slightly more compression, different exhausts and an upgraded performance chip, Ohlins suspension and a single seat mounted on an aluminium subframe. This all adds up to a revvy, urgent, thunderous, corner-slaying weapon that will still do the business in the right hands.
Expect the engine to sound like a washing machine full of bolts when the bike's ticking over with the clutch out, but this mechanical mayhem should quieten down once the heavy-action clutch lever's pulled in. Any knocking or rumbling spells danger. Same goes for smoke from the exhaust. Run through the gearbox on the test ride too - any serious clunks could mean big trouble.
Availability
- We found 3 examples for sale nationwide
- Cheapest - 1999 V reg with 6200 miles for £375
- Most expensive - 1999 model with 15,000 miles for £4200
- Service history a must
- Dry clutch fragile if abused
- Servicing expensive at main dealer
- Frame easily damaged if dropped
- Cambelt changes are vital
- Power 104bhp
- Weight 194kg
- Seat height 820mm
- Top speed 157mph
No comments:
Post a Comment