Riding the Ducati 749 project bike. Road test on the Italian baby superbike middleweight.
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- Опубліковано 16 лип 2023
- Back in February Dave test rode the 749 project bike, then he was too lazy to edit the film, but finally here it is. But how good (or bad) is the baby superbike?
obsessionengineering.co.uk - Авто та транспорт
As the owner of a 2003 749S in Singapore, I'd like to thank you for this series now that it's over, especially because the video prior to this helped me to diagnose the misfiring issues I've been experiencing since the start of this year. In the end, I got the rectifier replaced - just as you did - with a new unit off eBay (cheap as chips, just S$33.46!) back in May and the bike now rides like an absolute dream!
Update: don't skimp on electrical components like I did, because the knock-off Chinese rectifier had its wire connector burnt to a crisp after 3 months due to the low-quality narrow internal ground wire. Thankfully, that was the only thing that went up in flames; the bike's fine and nothing else was damaged.
Ended up purchasing a proper new machined aluminium rectifier with internal MOSFETs from RMStator costing about US$140, and the bike now *actually* rides like a dream!
Be careful those Cheap Chinese crap will fail you and when it does it can fry your ecu
More project bikes for us, please young David!
Can't wait to see that sp1 Dave. 636 had it's first ride yesterday, what a pocket rocket!
It is a great fun little bike 😉
I had one for over 14 years. Loved it. Very sorry I ever sold it.
749 is on my bucket list of bikes to own. Currently own a Gen 1 1200 Diavel.
Just got my 749S back. Paid 4,200usd initially, but after valve/timing belt, tyres, fairings, termignoni pipes, fork rebuild, and new chain…. I’m probably pushing 8k into it…. But at least it’s finally fully sorted. It’s a lovely bike to ride now
Dave you are 100% the man to watch and listen to for project sportsbike resurrection. Simply brilliant viewing once more.
I just wanted to thank you, as I have really enjoyed watching your video.
Coming from a mechanical background myself, I think you are very thorough, precise and it’s a joy to see somebody doing the job properly!
I would definitely purchase a bike that you have refurbished 👍
Thank you. Very kind words and always good to hear from fellow mechs
This is the bike that tempts me to actually buy a Ducati
They are very cool... Go get one!
Excellent result Dave! 749R is next level. Good money for those.
Thanks Dave, for telling everyone how wonderful these unappreciated bikes are! I have a 2003 999 that I bought new and I love it! I also have a 998, but much prefer the 999. My only complaint with the 999 is that is stock trim, it is geared way to high. But that is a simple fix. I think the looks have aged amazingly well and I have formed such a bond with it that I cannot imagine ever parting with it. Hope you find an R model.
They are a gem of a bike, that's for sure
Great review Dave, as we would expect from your good self! Looking forward to seeing the next project take shape, keep up the good work.
Very nice project my friend , is very nice to see in this kind of bike , I have a 999 2006 and know how complicated and lovely are these bikes. Sometimes I hate the italians and your projects and sometimes I love it also ! You made a amazing project and result...
great video Dave, after having one of these on my wanted list for years i finally picked myself up a 2007 model and i absolutely love it .... loads of character, a peach of an engine and handles brilliantly
Have got get myself an 749R myself at some point. Lovely bikes. Have two 999R's already, one for the road and one for track use. Currently building a third 999 "beater" for the track to keep maintenance costs down a bit.
Dave , I'm 63 years old I've owned and ridden just about everything the 749 makes my top 5 . We are talking road bikes how you feel riding them for me on the road up there with the K6 gixer.
Amazing video series, thank you so much, just so informative!! I have a very low mileage 2004 749 (owned since new) that's in need of some TLC and you've inspired me to get the work done asap now. Thanks again.
Get those spanners out 👍🏼
I had the 748R model and it was sublime once I'd dialed the Ohlins in and put a Power commander on it. Loved that bike to bits but alas sold it after a number of years as I just got too old for it. The riding position used to hurt big time esp. slow speed stuff through towns etc. In my top 5 of bikes though
Had one of these come into the shop, rode and loved it, really sweet bit of exotica.....a 749R might be spot on for putting a big grin on your face 🙂
I'm getting one next month, found one with only 9.000 KM on the ODO, and it was maintained by the same owner at the company. This review definitely gave me the last push I needed, thank you.
Great bike, you'll love it
Good to see you are enjoying your free time,,if you ever get any,, just to say your love off motorcycles in their broad range shines through in all the videos you make 🙈☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland 😁 someone is getting a fully sorted bike,,, good series 😊
Nice! Speedo nicely blurred out there Dave. 😆👍
loved mine great bike but its for the twisties. just too uncomfortable to ride to the twisties. warmest bike ive ever rode.
I thought the reason we hadn't seen the final video was that you had binned it on the test ride🤣. Sorry for doubting you Dave.
Great content great UA-cam.
5 months on I can agree with every word. Its a fantastic little bike and on a smooth twisty A road it is sublime....never has "only" 90hp been so engaging. On a bumpy B road at lower speeds it's torture, I compared it to having someone hit your wrists with a ball peen hammer, but thats not its natural environment. Looks are devisive, I love it, its grown on me and I smile every time I go in the workshop. I fixed the fairing, I keep it charged and just ride it. The downside? Now thinking if an 18 year old 749 is this good, how good must a Panigale be 😂
Glad you're enjoying it!
Loved your Gen2 Tuono would love to see you get your grubby little mitts on a V4 one day. ;-)
Just got my '03 749S on the road this week after 9 months of maintenance, a front end rebuild and some additional fettling. Couldn't agree more with your initial thoughts in the video when I rode mine properly for the first time.
Nice bike 👌🏽
Hello,
u talk really well, keep going.
I need one of those pixelated speedometers as well :)
Looks amazing, great charity work!! No celebratory crumble?!
I find v twins/ L twins easier to ride on the roads, this is due to the way v twins/ L twins produce the torque and the amount of torque they produce as well. We all know that 4 cylinder 600s haven't got much torque below 7,000 rpm. Whereas a Ducati or an Aprilia RSV mille has usable torque from very low down in the rev range. All the way up until the engine pretty much runs out of steam at the redline. This makes them easier to ride fast. And they are not intimidating to ride either.
First to comment.. it’s a first for me 😂 - another project to watch, thanks 👍
Dave I have a question my Zx9r front breaks with new pads fluid &lines when on paddock stand I spin the wheel it’s a little sticky not binding when you where setting Franco bike up you changed disc why does this sort the problem and what do you recommend thankyou
On the Fireblade the stock discs mend as they cool, so we had major drag issues if we were in the pits for just a few minutes. The moto master discs don't distort so fixed that issue.
Most brakes will drag a little. The seals are designed to pull the piston back, just enough to take the load away but the pads tend to want to stick to the material on the disc a little. The pads may also drag in the calipers slightly, or the pistons don't pull back enough.
There's loads of little things that can do it. If its only minor I wouldn't worry too much
@@obsession_engineering ok won’t let it bother me just the rear spins like a perpetual motion machine but front won’t spin an inch but front has sps track pads lots of bite into park
Hi, Dave. I was wondering if you were interested in a CBR400-RR NC23 that needs a bit of resurrecting?
Not especially high on my wish list if I'm honest. I've got a bit of a backlog of projects already 😂
@@obsession_engineering No probs, I suspected you were a busy chap!
I’d love one but they weigh a ton. 848s are better ;)
I had an 848 corsa in a few weeks after, nice but the 749 was a better road bike. The 848 was closer to the 916 generation bikes in riding position
40 years old with an 06 999... I love it..BUT I cannot sort my back brake. It will bleed but not harden.. 😪
have you removed the caliper and turned it so the bleeder screw is facing up? that's what I have to do with my 848
@@848evo4 thank you.. its more the foot pegs adjustment.. I bled brake and adjusted the bite at pedal and back brake binded as I went down the road. I've completely wound it off but not sure on adjustment...so no back brake for now. But did as you said as it was a nightmare.. hopefully I can work it out..
Should hire you for Top Gear to do bike reviews
That'd be nice 😁
Wonder what a 999 is like.
A Ducati that turns stable and doesn't sound like a bag of spanners on idle..????😮
Quite the miracle
Cow crap on the road take care mate
Speedos broke
Speedo blurred out from the start, Dave in hooligan mode!! 😂
Was probably in km,😂
@@S.and.K-Works😂
Definitely mph... But wouldn't want you to worry about speed 😂
@@obsession_engineering😂
Sounds like a brilliant bike have u ridden anything jap or otherwise that compares? Luv your channel and your presentation style good luck on a project 749 but that irks the question what on earth would u do to it to upgrade it!!🍻
I've raced and road ridden lots of cool bikes, and a deauville. The Japanese don't really make a direct comparison though. My zx6 b2h would have been about the same era and performance, but the riding experience is quite different! Both great fun, just different sensations
I still would rather have a 748 That bike is ugly as hell
They look better in the yellow.