Harris Posted February 3, 2021 Posted February 3, 2021 Been toying for a long time of buying either of the above as a garage ornament/sunny day toy. Just wondering if they're as bad as they're made out to be for reliability and servicing costs? Would sitting round a lot be worse for them in terms of their reliability? I do imagine being a twin that the 748 would feel quite slow? Anyone got any info or experience to share? Quote
Ian Frog Posted February 3, 2021 Posted February 3, 2021 Had a mate with a 748 back in the day. Defo avoid something that has stood unless you are convinced they know how to look after a bike and refresh the belts prior to using after a lay up. Anything with headstock or bearing notchiness walk away from as wheelies are easy and if the guy is good and holds them too long the bottom end can suffer badly. Please don`t ask me how I know about the wheelie thing lol. The engines come out and strip easily though lol. Cheers Ian 1 Quote
Stu Posted February 3, 2021 Posted February 3, 2021 I was toying with the idea myself a fair few years ago but after a go on one I decided it wasn't for me! It's each to their own though I always liked the idea of a 996 with a TL engine in it! apparently it gives them the power that its meant to have 1 Quote
Old-codger Posted February 3, 2021 Posted February 3, 2021 My brother has owned an early 748 for many years now and they are a fantastic piece of kit. make sure what you go to look at has a good maintenance record that belts have been changed regularly. If you are going after one of the limited edition ones check it for authenticity as there are a lot of basic models done up to be what they are not. The only thing the 748 lacks is the top end of the 916 but the mid range grunt is the same just ride the wave. If it is looked after it costs no more than any other superbike but its not a bike just to ride then stick in the garage until next time to go out, it will need checking looking after. Clutch slave cylinder is a known weak spot but that is an easy change with an oberon cylinder. They can suffer from electrical issues and reg/rec failures and fuel pumps issues but easily fixed and a bike getting on for 28 years now is bound to have the odd problem. The 748 is a stunningly beautiful work of art and so small compared to other sportsbikes. Buy the best you can afford. You will have highs and lows but hopefully the highs will win but that comes with owning a Ducati. 2 Quote
Harris Posted February 3, 2021 Author Posted February 3, 2021 Hmmm that's an interesting set of replies already. Good point made in regards to riding one first and seeing if I actually like it firstly! I suppose theyre pretty similar to a TL really then, old, and a bit fragile in places. Maybe it would be a bit costly to have two bikes of that nature haha! I cant bring myself to get rid of the TL so maybe something newer and more reliable would be better as a second bike Quote
Stu Posted February 3, 2021 Posted February 3, 2021 5 minutes ago, Harris said: I cant bring myself to get rid of the TL I felt the same with mine but in the end I had to otherwise I wasn't getting my next bike! 5 years after getting rid of it I had it back at mine for some repairs and a test ride was in order! I hated it Quote
Harris Posted February 3, 2021 Author Posted February 3, 2021 1 minute ago, Stu said: I felt the same with mine but in the end I had to otherwise I wasn't getting my next bike! 5 years after getting rid of it I had it back at mine for some repairs and a test ride was in order! I hated it Really!? To be fair I can imagine after riding something newer and more nimble it would be hard to go back. I must admit I forced myself to like the TL at first as I'd wanted one for so long and it does wear me out to give it a good hard ride. I do enjoy it though. Ill always admit my previous 636 kwak was probably just as fast if not faster and a lot easier to ride though ha Quote
Stu Posted February 3, 2021 Posted February 3, 2021 Just now, Harris said: Really!? To be fair I can imagine after riding something newer and more nimble it would be hard to go back. I must admit I forced myself to like the TL at first as I'd wanted one for so long and it does wear me out to give it a good hard ride. I do enjoy it though. Ill always admit my previous 636 kwak was probably just as fast if not faster and a lot easier to ride though ha Really! I went from the TL to an FJR1300 purely due to the amount of weekends I worked and when I had a weekend off I was spending it with the wife who wouldn't get on the TL. I was covering less than 1k a year on the TL and went to 7k on the FJR with a 10 day European tour included all with the missus My mates also realised that they was missing out and did the same! chopped in the sports bikes for something more two up friendly! none of us regret it and we also all get out more during the week for blasts on our own The FJR is just as quick and easier to ride and a lot comfier! Quote
Harris Posted February 3, 2021 Author Posted February 3, 2021 A lot of my friends are leaving the sports bikes behind now and going for cruisers, nakeds or more sit up and relax type bikes and seem to have just as much fun if not more as you say 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.