Richard Hammond Reviews The Ducati 748R

Join Richard Hammond as he gives us a review of the stylish and sporty Ducati 748R. He'll be taking a look at the bike's performance and handling, as well as some of it's other high spec goodies. The 748R has a smooth and constant power output throughout the rev range, and comes paired with powerful brakes to help tame those high speeds.
[This clip is from Used Bike Heaven Ep. 14, originally aired 10/9/2002. The full episode can be watched here: • Used Bike Heaven: Seas... ]
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[@DonnieDesmo]

Wow, I'd never have thought someone could look small on a 748 :-D

[@oafyvonskidmark316]

The best/fastest riders are typically the lightest as well, I have seen fat guys who can ride like the wind but talk about looking funny, especially in leathers! I think flip flops and a thong might look better.

[@northcoastbuilders]

@@oafyvonskidmark316 q1qqqqqqq L

[@crossleyjuan]

I would love to see more reviews like this in a grand tour like show, Hammond please run a show like this about motorcycles.

[@carlstyth8368]

44Teeth on KZbin is that show, basically. No Hammond. But check it out.

[@neuregel]

I have a 996 and I can never stop looking at it

[@spencersmith8011]

Same!

[@sl270703]

Dont let the seating position turn you off. The only reason why Hammond cant get off the bike is because he's too small lol

[@sayf_m]

+The Stan you know what that comparison he made with the "abs wheel" is very accurate

[@tranquilcoast]

Guy at a car meet last night rolled up with one and it sounded amazing. He said "it's my first bike, got it three years ago for $4k from a friend's dad." It had 10,000 miles.

[@notmenotme614]

I went to a Ducati dealership many years ago and when I got chatting to the staff I told them I love a 748 or 916 / 996 / 998. Even the Ducati salesman said it would make a terrible first bike and he advised me to get a Japanese 600 first.

[@benchaggaresmusic]

@@notmenotme614 for your first bike I'd advise a 300 or 400. The 600 is too much bike to learn on

[@isakfelton3524]

@@benchaggaresmusic wouldn't it depend on the model? aren't there plenty of good 600s that aren't too powerful for a beginner?

[@seashackf1]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@benchaggaresmusicnot necessarily, depends on ability also. My first bike was a GSX-R600. Not too powerful by any means, but I had experience on dirt bikes and ATV’s.

[@seashackf1]

⁠@@notmenotme614same thing happened to me. I was looking at the 748 and they said to get a used bike. My first bike was a used GSX-R600. It was great advice and made way more sense.

[@b-radsadventures6846]

Loved my 748 bikes. They made me feel like superman every mile.

[@future62]

Hammond should do more bike reviews

[@RS997]

Excellent! I have a 748SPS and should drive it more often. Great bike to ride and a real head turner.

[@isakfelton3524]

beautiful bike

[@doca8792]

Bought a 996s and just stare at it in the garage with beer in hand. I break half wood sometimes.

[@krisu8960]

it would be the same for me if i owned one.

[@pl3a5enophotoz]

Same bro I spend twice as much time in the garage now

[@will3377]

It's 2023 and have my 2001 748 biposto in the garage and plan in taking in for a proper tune up and change it to a track bike. 😎

[@genomekender8471]

You dont just buy Ducati for performance, but you also buy the details and beauty of the components.

[@stustockwell]

Ducati's are more pieces of art than motorcycles

[@bartekkko]

stustockwell no that's mv agustas you're thinking of

[@stustockwell]

bartekkko No... definitely not. They are nice bikes, too. But they aren't Ducati's :D

[@TheSpyChecker]

+stustockwell Both wrong. You're all thinking of Bimota.

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

Where exactly lies the beauty?

[@iOSAndroidRebelForever]

Clarkson hates motorbikes. Hammond and May loves motorbikes.

[@PapodeArmas]

well hes 8' tall so will never be able to ride anything lol

[@PDigsss]

That's because Clarkson is a twat.

[@lukazupie7220]

Goldwing twin turbo for clarkson 🥸

[@christianoppelt6267]

LOVE this bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dnuofntsol]

My favorite Ducati, Mid size with all the features. I got a Monster 696, but I want something a little old school. =)

[@sunshowerpainting1]

Laugh out loud Hilarious.... Thank you.... I just bought my first Ducati today. A 2000 year model 748e with nearly 9000 miles. It looks near new and I admit to being very excited about it. Will ride it home in the morning...

[@oafyvonskidmark316]

Congratulations!

[@sunshowerpainting1]

Kd Grayson Thanks Kd. Now I understand why Ducati owners love their bikes. This thing feels as if it's on rails. I've owned several sport bikes but this ride is something special...A real winner...

[@robposton2439]

Speaking as the owner of a yellow and white 748 Monoposto, welcome to the club! Cheers!

[@matthewbair215]

@@robposton2439 Great!! 98 748 here.

[@matthewbair215]

Ride careful. They are amazing bikes. Get some Termi pipes for it and the sound will awe you.

[@matt88876]

I like that you have an Aria helmet

[@laszlokatona573]

I agree and also the 749

[@lamborghinijr3579]

"Boring 600's".....damn that hurt

[@vincentmckenna1755]

You need an arm wrestlers grip for the clutch,but didnt stop me having two

[@wayne5723]

Correct me if I'm wrong.... but I thought the "R" was the top spec model and not the sps?

[@niels9023]

Correct, the R is it's successor.

[@budyeddi5814]

Classic Hammond 😂👍👌

[@Dante-tt5bz]

I have a 2001 748 s model or maybe base model. Either way I rarely use because I want to keep the mileage down, and when I get off it I need a chiropractor lol I

[@pl3a5enophotoz]

Bro after an hour it’s just a decision of how long the recovery period is

[@interestkase]

I would have to dispute that the 784SPS is a higher spec....lol

[@dodoubleg2356]

What model year is that? For yrs when I 1st started riding, the 748R was my absolute DREAM BIKE. Even if it wasn't a Ducati, it'd still be the best looking & sounding bike of that era (until the Suzuki TL1000R came along that is & became my new dream bike based solely on the sound esp w/aftermarket Yoshi cans).

[@DesmoDreams]

2000, which was the first year of production for the 748R. All of them were yellow as far as I know.

[@dodoubleg2356]

@@DesmoDreams that’s what I thought 💭, what a classic, beautiful bike. Thx for the reply. 😉✌️

[@davyboy4515]

@@DesmoDreams The red 748R was only produced throughout the 2nd year of production, there were only 301 of this model produced.

[@DesmoDreams]

Not quite. The 748R was produced over 3 years: 2000, 2001 and 2002, and the 2002 were mostly red, same as the 2nd year. I've owned 2 x 2001 748R model, including one with the 853 conversion, and I recently bought my second 2002 model (last one got destroyed by a tin box owner). I've owned 748s for twenty years and the R models for eighteen. Love em! Also had a 998Final Edition for a number of years, but the 748R is more fun (except in town!). I should have hung onto the 998, as they're now worth twice as much as what I sold mine for 7 years ago. Mind you, the 2002 748R has almost doubled in that time too.

[@garykegs18]

Is 6 foot 2 to big for one of these please?

[@johnsullivan5101]

Rob Poston Thanks for the detailed info

[@TheSkipsey]

Nope

[@leonhorvath4116]

just got my 996 yesterday ahah'

[@wobblyrod779]

916 was / is better on mid-range and it's good to hear Hamster mention service cost. I hear the Major Desmotronic service cost I believe is upwards of £800 (though I'm happy to be corrected on that)

[@Nick-dz4ml]

It really depends where you do it really. Could be over 1k, could be 500.

[@DeathAngelHRA]

After this video, I'm never selling mine.

[@jamesdaldry4734]

He won the lottery when he got cast for top gear 😃

[@psttech4290]

who wrote the script? the sps was the original top spec version, the R came on the later models. just like with the 916 it was the sps then the 996 came along with the R. there was always the base model, then the S and then the SPS or R

[@DesmoDreams]

Not quite. The original higher spec version was the SP not the SPS, which came later (same on the 916). But yes the R is the ultimate version of the 748, 996, and 998, so Hammond's talking out of his arse as usual. Also the prices he's quoting would be for a 2002, or possibly 2001 model. He's riding the first 748R which came out in 2000. It's pretty similar to the 784S of the same year (2000 was also the first year of the S model), but with shower injectors, larger frame for the bigger airbox and a few extra bhp. The 2001 and 2002 models are a big step up from the first 748R, with full Ohlins suspension, carbon airbox, better brakes, and many engine refinements. The lower spec 2000 models don't command as high prices as a result. They're also all yellow, which doesn't help!. One thing he is right about though is the cost of keeping an R on the road! I've currently got a 2002R and previously had the 2001 model, so I'm talking from painful experience.. Having said that, I think it's worth the cost as I've had more fun on the 748R than on any other bike I've owned (Including a 998FE).

[@psttech4290]

david page the sps replaced the sp. I've never had a go on a 748 but I did ride a friends 998r and at the time I had a gsxr750 and loved the duc, wouldn't mind owning a 998r one day but only got room for the 2 I have

[@DesmoDreams]

northern marine Yeah I've wanted a 998R for a while, but the pesky collectors have pushed the prices right up over the last few years. They come up for sale so rarely nowadays, and when they do it's for silly money. When there was more R's around I told myself I couldn't afford one, but somehow I've ended up with 3 Ducati's and an Mv F4 (just crashed that one a few days ago annoyingly...). I had a moment of 'Oh shit!' the other day when I opened my garage door and realised that the money I'd spent on my bikes could easily have bought an R. If I'd been a bit more sensible I could have had my dream bike, plus I'd only have had one machine to insure, maintain etc, etc. I console myself that I've still got the 998FE though, and I can't imagine there would be a huge difference between the two in terms of performance. The 998FE has the same engine as the 996R, after all, and the 998R is only about 5bhp up on it think. But the R is just so beautiful to look at with it's carbon bodywork and the ventless seat etc. It's giving me the horn just thinking about it! ;). Mind you to the untrained eye the 2002 748R looks very similar to the 998R, which is another thing I like about it.

[@MrMpvincent69]

northern marine got an 748sp😆😆😆. Wouldnt swap or sell it ever.. total heaven to ride😤😨😆😆

[@robertharrold4214]

@@DesmoDreams You know your onions and you are now four years older .

[@tomthompson7400]

put a heli bar riser kit on one and you can tour it all day , im six foot and i have done.

[@seanmoore4653]

its not designed for that.. Go buy a touring bike. Idiot 😅

[@tomthompson7400]

@@seanmoore4653 depends how fast you tour grandad ,, you should not be looking at these bikes they are well beyond your abilities , go buy a Harley , and get a whole lifestyle ..

[@seanmoore4653]

@@tomthompson7400 No go buy a more powerful touring bike designed for touring not a sportsbike shithead

[@coling.4476]

I miss the buddy seat

[@like-icecream]

Wanted one of these so bad back in the day but then I learned about Ducati reliability.

[@oafyvonskidmark316]

You would like a Corvette over a Ferrari then, nothing against a vette, I have an 07 Z51 and had an 84 Z51, my Dad had a 76 with a 4 spd manual, they make 300 lbs + torque above idle so any Vette does a 0-60 better than 9 of 10 cars, but it is essentially the same engine the trucks use but for the aluminum block.

[@Pal.Cockrum]

I have owned one for the past 6 years accumulating 15,000 miles and the only thing that needed repairing was a broken wire to a headlight bulb.

[@NYCZ31]

They are reliable IF you keep up with the maintenance - which many people don’t because it is expensive and a bit intimidating to do yourself. So lots of these bikes end up with critical maintenance being deferred and reliability issues as a result.

[@thetonetosser]

I had a '97 748 and a '99 916 and had no problems at all.

[@Spartansrule118]

@@thetonetosserfor how long / how many miles for each

[@Porsche996driver]

Classic classica ha.

[@thetonetosser]

Not sure about the Kenny Roberts Jr lid and a Duc.

[@420kapatid]

Waiting for the sound check😢😅

[@levgtz8158]

Must win the lottery!

[@lukazupie7220]

To buy 20yo motorcycle?🤔😀

[@presstodelete1165]

I had a 748SP that I picked up for 3K but its carbon bodywork was, ahem, not the best

[@MrJuggahomie]

Its Richard Hammond from top gear!!! Lol

[@shazzya109]

My m8 has 1 is beautiful

[@devillj]

Uncomfortable as shit, when you're going slower than 120km/h, after that the wind pressure from the front takes the weight off your wrists and it's beautifully comfy. :-)

[@TukunTube]

Not fast enough but all time gorgeous.

[@martinmoran89]

I imagine this is a little bit more comfortable than the latest panigales too!!

[@nando03012009]

It's much more comfortable than any panigale. I have a 1299 and v4. Both run extremely hot. But the panigale is much more reliable

[@titiem01]

Am I going loony toons or did he just say a 95' 748 was an R? Yeah, no. The R came in 2000, and had Ohlins front and rear (though there were early showa models). This is as much an R as a tugboat is a battleship.

[@robposton2439]

I didn't catch him staring that it was a '95 *I did hear him state that it had 5K miles or kilometers, though)... but no, this isn't a 1995, and most definitely is not an R model.

[@peterjennings8258]

Its "W" reg so that would be 2000.....

[@notmenotme614]

The biggest question is… red or yellow?

[@faustfutter]

Lol, this bike is never 748 R.

[@justynanatkanska5648]

this is not an R

[@robposton2439]

But.... but.... the sticker says so! 😂

[@jockmcthingiemibobb3014]

@@justynanatkanska5648 I think it is. The 2000 had showa, the later ones ohlins. Std 748 had no oil cooler and had 3 spokers not 5 (the S had em too). Termi exhaust wasnt standard either. The piss weak alloy subframe that's prone to cracking and larger throttle bodies is easiest way to tell an r....apart from just twisting the throttle. Most disappointing bike i ever owned...

[@squirrelman6719]

the second-most uncomfortable biker i ever rode, while MV Agusta was #1. pitifully weak at low revs.

[@veedee4860]

Shame on me. This video is 4 years old and I had no idea he was an enthusiast for less even knew how to ride. 🤯

[@henryairconcepts2999]

Yeah, nice to look at. Pain in the neck to ride it. Pain in the wallet to own it. Stick with japanese

[@jamesosborn2540]

Stick to cars! The R superceded the sps, the only higher spec 748 in the range was the track only Rs.

[@oafyvonskidmark316]

How rude, Richard is the rare journalist that is capable of putting any vehicle through it's paces, he is definitely a better rider, driver than you.

[@theant9821]

He's probably referring to the 996

[@MoonBernie]

hes pants....???

[@thegarytull]

We all know the real reason he couldn't get off of it...

[@AnManHydro]

Richard you hooked me a guy is sell this 748s 2100$ American I’m IN great 👍 sell

[@arifabdullah7142]

Only 1000 units produced

[@repocult]

Per Ducati, 690 for the year 2000.

[@mohandasghandi3441]

Look at that beauty and expensive thing lol

[@robertharrold4214]

WHERE'S THE OHLINS? I HAVE JUST GOT HOME AFTER RIDING A 748R FOR THE 1ST TIME AND YEP IT IS SUPERB. FEELS LIGHT BUT PLANTED ,NICE AND REVVY, AND GOOD SOLID BRAKES. AND YES THEY DO LOOK 'KIN NICE. I DO HOWEVER NOW HAVE A NECK OF THE CRICKED VARIETY , BUT WTF......COME ON!!!

[@robposton2439]

Ohlins weren't standard equipment on an R sticker package. 😂 $100 says that whoever tried to clone an R with this bike, did not even clearcoat over the decal.

[@theant9821]

@@robposton2439 ohlins weren't fitted to most of the pre 2001 ones

[@robertharrold4214]

@@theant9821 Hi. That is a fact and i observe this information.

[@robertharrold4214]

I have a non ohlins one too now.yesterday from near the fackin m25. Had a small ride today and yes these bikes are phenomenal . instant revvy punch, planted light feedbacky handling, and what about tommy robinson?

[@caveman6627]

How dare you, CBR 600s are rare and exciting... Or something

[@stu748r]

Its an R alright, but the R in this one stands for Rip off. How do I know this, err let me think.

[@oafyvonskidmark316]

errrr mouth hanging open as slips of drool stain your stinky shirt.

[@gdfggggg]

He looks like a hamster on a Swiss roll.

[@robertharrold4214]

THIS IS NOT A 748R. So how in the name of shower injections are you reviewing it as one. Bloody hamster.

[@robposton2439]

Frank: Certainly not an R. The owner might have added the R sticker, or possibly changed out the rear seat cowl to an R cowl. Ic ge changed out the decal, it likely would be applied to the surface, whereas if it were correct, the decal should be clear coated over the decal. I'd say the bike was originally a basic 748 biposto, and somewhere along line, the owner wanted a monoposto, so he bought a subframe section and seat cowl from an R model. If it were an R, however, it should have Ohlin's suspension, for one.

[@theant9821]

@@robposton2439 not all had ohlins

[@robertharrold4214]

oh gawd, i think i am wrong. erg

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

It looks like a biwheel square with one mother's smallest glasses. Who would seriously buy this over the same gen Blade or R1? Lol

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

@Willy Wisper R1 first gen? Man, it revolutionized the industry. Now I understand the Alfa/Maserati/Ferrari thing, they make cool cars indeed, but what's cool about this?

[@bigvee401]

what a boring review.

[@rezaervanda3871]

At least he didn't crash it

[@bigvee401]

@@rezaervanda3871but that would've made it less boring

[@EskiLdn]

looks like shit if you ask me

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

Kinda agree to that. I love Italian and British cars, and I can perfectly understand what makes them so esthetically desired. But this Ducati hype is just like Alfa Romeo hype - no matter what they produce and how shitty it looks, you manically just have to "objectively" like it. The Fireblade and especially R1 looked much better IMO; sexy bikes is what the Japanese have always been good at.

[@sidefx996]

Good thing no one asked you, considering most everyone else considers it one of the most beautiful and most iconic motorcycles ever made.

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

"Everyone else" also think iPhone represents the pinnacle of technology. We're there again: One well-thought argument is worth a shit ton more than a billion of mainstream opinions.

[@sidefx996]

You're absolutely right. "looks like shit if you ask me" is certainly "One well-thought argument."

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

nice try mate ;) You just miss one little detail: as everything's relative, it's still a massive lot more well-thought that your "everyone else considers" :D