Handling is as you would expect, sublime. Along my brisk and bumpy test route the 749S never put a foot wrong. The $22995 749S model I had on test comes with a fully adjustable Showa shock and a few more ponies than the lower spec 749 for what amounts to a $3000 premium over the base model. For my money, I think the extra $3000 is money well spent.

As with most high revving twins things are prone to vibrate loose and I discovered the left clip-on bar had slipped down the fork stanchion when I couldn’t complete a left hand turn due to the bar hitting the fairing! Just remember to keep a check on all the bolts during the running in period and everything should be fine.

Overall I was certainly impressed with the 749S. In fact I could imagine myself living with one and thoroughly enjoying it, and that is certainly something I would never have said about its predecessor. Yes, it is that much better.

SPECS - Ducati 749S

Engine: 748cc, L-twin cylinder, liquid cooled
Bore x Stroke: 90 x 58.8mm
Compression: 12.3:1 (11.7:1 on standard 749)
Induction: Marelli EFI with 54mm throttle bodies
Starter: Electric
Transmission: Six speed, dry clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 1420mm
Rake: Adjustable between 23.5 and 24.5 degrees (no adjustment on standard 749)
Seat Height: 780mm
Wet Weight: 197kg
Fuel Capacity: 15.5 litres (including 3 litre reserve)
Tyres: Front _ 120/70ZR17; Rear _ 180/55ZR17
Suspension: Front _ Showa 43mm inverted forks, stepless preload, compression and rebound adjustment; Rear _ Showa fully adjustable shock (standard 749 has Sachs shock)
Brakes: Front _ Dual 320mm discs with four piston calipers; Rear _ Single 240mm disc with two piston caliper
Price: $22995
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres

-- An important note regarding service costs --

A member of our forum owns a 749S and provided us with the quotes he has been given for the servicing of his nice new weapon.  All the quotes were fairly close and he provided us with the following information.

#- 1st service @ 1,000km - $550
#- 1yr service or 10,000km - $1,390
#- 2yr service or 20,000km - $1,830
#- 3yr service or 30,000km - same as 10k
#- 4yr service or 40,000km - same as 20k
#- Optional service at the 5k intervals - $390 (3.5 hrs=$308 in labour)