Produced to homologate the 749 for World SuperSport racing, the 749R borrowed a great deal from the 999, but there was a lot particular to the introductory 2004 749R. The example presented here is quite original and very well kept, ready to ride with new tires and recent maintenance.
2004 Ducati 749R for sale on eBay
The 749R has a very different testastretta engine than the base model, the wider bore and shorter stroke making higher rpms possible. Internals like valves and connecting rods are titanium, and help make the 118 hp, and much more with a less restrictive exhaust. The classic trellis frame has an adjustable steering head, and supports Öhlins suspension front and rear. The rear has progressive linkage to a box-section swingarm different than the sculpted swingarm on the non-R machines. Brakes are radially mounted Brembos, 320mm fronts and 245mm rear. Marchesini forged wheels are a very light Y design.
Only the 2004 version of the 749R has carbon fiber fairings. For 2005 a new plastic fairing was produced, one way to know the difference is the number of intakes in the nose, four for 2004, but just two for '05 and '06. Interestingly, the 749R has a somewhat larger fuel tank, 18 liters over the usual 15. For the 2006 model year, a standard 749 tank was fitted.
Not often seen in such cherry shape, many 749R's went directly to the race-preparer and then the track. Not that there very many - Ducati was required to build just 500, and though numbers are hard to come by, less than 200 made it to our shores. This particular bike shows very well, with just over 3,000 miles. From the eBay auction:
Completely original, collectable 2004 Ducati 749R - Number 185. New tires (less than 10 miles), new battery, and recent service (changed fluids and belts). No modifications. Bike is in very good condition. Minimal scuffs and scratches to the paint or carbon fiber (see photos). Owner has all keys. Bike was never on a track/crashed. All service performed by Fast by Ferracci in Philadelphia and Ducati of Santa Barbara. One owner bike. Bike located in Southern California.
Reviewers found great power and handling, though Ducati legacies as weak cooling and starting systems weren't revised until the next generation. Unfortunately the marketplace frowned on the departure from the 916/996 styling, and the 999/749 were built for only a few years. On this 749R the immaculate cosmetics, recent tires and heavy maintenance indicate overall good care. If beautifully shaped carbon fairings have an effect on you, 2004 is likely the best year for this significant model.
-donn
