DUCATI 748R (2002) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2002, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 748R, a fully-faired sports machine produced as a Ducati racing homologation model made in limited numbers. The bike was the most powerful model of the range and was described by the House of Bologna as the most impressive machine they had built.

The bike featured a revised frame to accommodate the larger, two-part airbox, while race-derived Ohlins suspensions were used instead of Showa components used by the first models, both front and rear.

The bike packed the same standard features as its siblings, such as a full fairing with a small windscreen, a dual headlight system, a single seat, a single-sided swingarm, and five-spoke lightweight wheels.

In the performance department, the 2002 Ducati 748R delivered more power than the base model, packing the same 748cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine but with a different tune, releasing 105 hp at 11,000 rpm and 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) torque at 8,700 rpm.

The bike's engine was paired to a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulically controlled dry multi-plate slipper clutch and a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 250 kph (155 mph).

On the front end, the bike packed a 43 mm USD Ohlins fork and an adjustable Ohlins shock absorber with progressive linkage on the rear, offering excellent suspension performance and handling.