DUCATI 748L Neiman Marcus Limited Edition (1998-1999) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1998, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 748L Neiman Marcus Limited, a special edition sports machine sold exclusively through the Neiman Marcus catalog.

The bike was manufactured in 100 units and featured some distinctive characteristics that set it apart from the standard model. The bike was wrapped in a Mercury metallic paint and packed some carbon fiber elements, such as the front fender and chain guard.

In other departments, it was identical to the base model, packing the same standard features like a full bodywork with dual headlights, a small windscreen for better wind protection, a single seat, a dual exhaust system mounted under the seat, a single-sided swingarm, and three-spoke aluminum wheels.

Underneath its fairing was hidden the same 748cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine as on the standard model, with an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system feeding the pistons, delivering 96 hp at 11,000 rpm and 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) torque at 8,700 rpm.

The 96 hp engine was coupled to a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulically-operated dry multi-plate clutch and a final chain drive that spun the rear wheel to a top speed of 249 kph (154 mph).

A 43 mm USD Showa fork softened the front wheel and was stopped by two 320 mm discs coupled to four-piston calipers. The bike packed an adjustable Showa shock absorber on the rear wheel and a 220 mm disc squeezed by a dual-piston caliper.