1997 Ducati 748S Biposto

"Even compared to the 748 SP, the 748 S was a very limited production machine, and only available in selected European markets. This series of the 748 S was only available for 1997, 100 being manufactured. It was then resurrected for the 2000 model year... this time, though, the 748 S was available as either a Monoposto or Biposto." - Ian Falloon, Ducati 916.

'Baby brother' of the iconic 916, from which it was virtually indistinguishable, Ducati's 748 was the preferred choice of the many riders who found the smaller model more easily controllable. Classed as a '600' for racing's Supersport class, the 748 eclipsed the Honda and Kawasaki opposition when pitted against a CBR600F and ZX-6R by Bike magazine. "The Ducati's chassis and engine are indivisible; they gel heroically. As its throttle comes on, the 748, rock-solid and overdosing on sheer traction, is already up and out of the turn, homing in on the next corner. The ZX and CBR aren't exactly floundering like a couple of wobbly puddings in its wake, but that's how they feel by comparison." Even today, the 748's combination of v-twin grunt and one of the best chassis ever built are guaranteed to keep it at the front of the track-day pack in the hands of a competent rider. And when it comes to style there's simply no comparison. Universally recognised as icons of automotive art, Ducati motorcycles have been exhibited in some of the world's foremost museums, including the Guggenheim in New York and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.

This 748S Biposto was acquired in 2017 by the private vendor. A keen Ducati enthusiast and collector, he intended to restore it to concours condition after his retirement, only for ill heath to scupper the project. According to our vendor, the machine was purchased locally, from an excellent Ducati-trained mechanic. Although a Biposto model, the machine is fitted with a single-seater (Monoposto) solo tail/seat cowl.

The Ducati is offered from the owner's private collection, all of which were ridden for no more than 2 miles following acquisition and then stored within his house on static display. The current odometer reading is 3,629 miles (at the time of cataloguing/photography), although this is believed not to be the actual distance travelled from new. Accompanying MoTs show the mileage total on 11th May 2012 was 28,381, and on 26th April 2013 was 49, almost certainly indicating a change of speedometer.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. The machine displays a tax disc that expired on 31st March 2014, while accompanying documents include a current V5C Registration Certificate; the previous owner's purchase receipt (2000); a quantity of expired MoTs; sundry invoices; and an owner's manual. It should be noted that the V5C records the frame number as 'ZDM7485005315', whereas the actual number is 'ZDM748S*005315*' and omits the 'ZDM748W4' engine prefix.
Offered with key