What makes this bike great? Ep3: Ducati 749R

What is it that makes Ducati's 749R so special?
#ducati #749R #motorcycle

[@TheStranger52]

The looks of the 749 were so ahead of the time. In 2024 it looks awesome.

[@sealcuddl3r]

Agreed. I still don't like the stacked lights personally, but everything else about it looks fantastic to me.

[@bposavec91]

right? it’s got aero in the fairing like a brand new cbrrrr1000rrrrr-rrrr sp

[@weed46]

I was about to say this exact same thing, then I saw your comment. They really do freaking cool today! The 1098 looks amazing, but almost looks "old fashioned" next to the 999 today

[@funcool32]

My first Ducati was a 999s and I absolutely loved it. Everywhere I went people came over to look at it and I always received great comments. But I used to say the same thing about it being ahead of its time. Ducatistis didn't appreciate it, so when I decided to sell it, it took a long time to sell, and it was immaculately maintained with low kms. I found someone who specifically loved the 999 look, thank God. In hindsight I should've kept it, as now they're sought after models.

[@edgarovsepian1067]

Indeed the values are slowly going up. I'm sure as hell holding on to mine!

[@Jonny189]

super regret selling my ‘05 749 as well, what a great bike.

[@UrbanoModa]

Bikes like these always end up in the hands of people that know what they are talking about, whom we all admire , who deserve to review them properly like this. I can imagine this one hugging up with your gsxr in the garage as special.

[@RogelioCordovez]

This is the most beautiful Ducati ever designed. All Ducatis are beautiful but none are this highly designed.

[@Imaginary_Life_UK]

I said the day these bikes came out that they were not only the most beautiful Ducati ever, but possibly the most beautiful bike ever. I was ridiculed left right and centre, but I still hold that view. Great to see it getting some belated praise.

[@elcookiemonsteru]

Sorry buddy, it´s pretty but not the 998R :D

[@brianrainey2739]

It's a solid 6/10.

[@Villani_AV]

​@brianrainey2739 good thing looks aren't objective lmfao

[@MrNufzed]

WEE STORY: Sunday ride,so-cal, beautiful weather,Fresh new tires,749s,(not R), and my friend asks me to take it up and down the mountain "so as to have no nubs" and it looks like he can "lean over".OKAAY...since you're a friend i'll do it sez I ! Long n short... I was absolutely in love with that bike,brilliant bike for "spirited" riding. Telepathic..blaah,blaah. Took it up n down mountain twice!! Bear in mind , I had ,on paper a waay superior bike, a cbr954,with everything/track bike,ohlinsfr/rear,tuned,geared,etc etc, and this bike was superior on a road I knew very very well. Yeup ! great bike. A 749s (749r for sure) was a motorcycle to experience. A bestest memory.

[@ricatiman]

I had a 2006 in 2007 - I traded in my '06 S2R1000 Monster for the lightly used (800 kms) 749R, and loved it. It had the race kit - ECU, airbox mod and race filter, plus the full Termi system, and mine here in Canada came with the forged Magnesium Marchesinis. Sadly I sold it on after 1 season to go drag racing on a ZX-14. I will always have fond memories of riding my 749R. It was the purest bike I have ever owned, out of 43 machines since 1969.

[@keshavchintamani]

Broken tacho? Reflects the state of Ducatis reliability in the early 2000s 😂. Although I agree she's a beauty

[@BorisZX6R]

First thing I noticed and thought as well. Underrated comment 😂

[@neevesybikes]

Check out the speedo, too…

[@kleinbottled79]

It's simply a fact that our Neevesy would never break a traffic law.

[@HughSheehy]

Tacho's working later on. 09:33

[@cr82ride]

I bought a 999 as my first bike. Spent two years going through the bike by myself. You get so much confidence from the handling. Pushing the bike, you would think it should feel chaotic but it very much at home. always wants just a little effort from the rider.

[@brdllc]

Came back to rewatch this, I really love how this and the gsxr are longer ish videos, you have more insight than anybody I can think of on these bikes and have good taste in more than just what has the most horsepower haha. Hope for more of this series in the future!

[@telemaster]

Love this format - hope there are more reminiscing retrospectives on the way. Been reading you since I was a kid, so this hits the nostalgia feels. Thanks Neevesy

[@may_12521]

These old ducatis are so special, i got to see a 916 SP3 with termis recently, and the sound it makes is stuck in my soul. Ground shaking, thunderous roar with that dry clutch clank that tells you to wake the f@#! up. Absolutely amazing.

[@ogofog9120]

The rattle of the dry clutch, so evocative. You wouldn’t want to ride it in the rain though!

[@xcelmaster4779]

Beautiful bike. As a prior owner of a Ducati I can say there are two great days with Ducati’s, the day you buy one and the day you sell it. Thanks for these videos.

[@joshb3929]

Load of rubbish 😂 owned Ducati’s for years… perfectly fine if you just don’t ignore maintenance.

[@Underbreath]

Owner of number 45 and I love it

[@michaelmarkides]

Thank you for the video Michael. We really need more of this nostalgic throwbacks. I have my self a 2005 Ducati 999. It’s been 4 years now and every time I uncover it I’m stunned with its looks. Incredible to ride too.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

We're loving this series, Neevesy! Keep up the good work and there's no doubt many people will continue contacting you wanting their bike featured. A win-win for everyone!

[@biladitanya]

I think this bike looks beautiful now compared to when it came out. Especially when all the bikes look almost the same, this one looks unique.

[@61js]

I just had the standard 749 and absolutely loved it. Not a performance monster, but for a semi normal rider, the balance of real world performance and handling, like the 748, was just spot on.

[@tuonouk6896]

Does a Ducati video, still gets a gsxr750 reference in , the man is obsessed 😂😂😂😂😂

[@geoffball9547]

For the true sport bike aficionado you just never ever get this out of your system and video is testimony to our visceral passion! All the discomfort tales are trumped by one trip on a true ride like this one! Rock on St. Neevesy and thank you for another great video!

[@user-hh9cu2px9g]

I Remember when these were new. I test rode a std 749 back then. Wasn’t that taken by it. Fwiw, my daily bikes then were a ‘93 888 and a ‘91 900ss. This 749r is really a spectacular modification of the std 749. Jaw dropping list of racing mods. What a bike! Wow!

[@bikeanon5470]

Radial brakes alone change the look of a bike. I love these.

[@elgar6743]

That klac klac klac of the dry clutch is iconic...love that and the booming exhaust note that is a ducati trademark. Great vid, I really enjoyed it.

[@tom30]

This is a great series Neevesy. Please make more of these!

[@VinceWatches]

Wonderful machine, unique and stunning design, great engine, perfect handling and racing history. It will become the most look after Ducati classic with the 996R.

[@itsmeagain1745]

I remember the old 750SS - my dream bike at the time (mid '70s). The shop where I bought my starter bike (250 mk3 in blue/gold with clip-ons) had one in for servicing. The sound when rev'ed and the pressure from the exhaust hitting the legs still lives in my head. That 250 was also an awesome bike to ride. Being a learner at the time, I never got to ride a 750SS. When I did have my full license, I was too poor to own one! Had to 'make do' with a Bonnie 750.

[@shadowred1980]

Great job, a lot of time in the edit on this one. Looking forward to whichever bike you feature next. :)

[@johnszwede8516]

Good on this owner for making it what he wanted, As an owner of a 2005 999r I love em, in wsbk form ( race fairings) I’d Argue they look as good or better than a 916 series . 🎉

[@Rgh71fish]

Great art grows into itself over time. Like cars, there's been a few examples of models that weren't well received when new, but became some of the most highly sought after as the years went on. I think the 749/999 bikes are no different. Its design is captivating and timeless.

[@JopieH2]

Thats just an awesome bike. I bought the 749 and i just love the sound on that Termi. Its just so RAW and yet it feels and looks so modern. I like a lot of new bikes to, but the sound is just not to compare. The V4 is just another topic, but having a 749 is just how it al began and you can feel and hear the difference.

[@paulmullany7147]

They are so pretty it hurts. What a bike! Cheers Paul

[@wakajawaka44]

A big thank you to Joe for allowing Michael to make this smashing video.

[@paulhughes1038]

Thanks Michael (and Joe) love this clip!! Love the bike that dry clutch and Termi gets me very excited!!

[@ride4adventure]

I had a 2005 999 and 999S in my younger yearand loved them, still do. I was one of the few that liked them from the start and it seems many years later, other see what I saw then.

[@brdllc]

Great timing, I’ve been on a 999 kick lately, it’s grown on me so much and seems like exactly what I’m looking for in my next bike

[@luddite6239]

A great retrospective, thanks! My enduring memory of the 999/749 series is of the 2004 WSBK season and specifically Frankie Chilli. He really disliked his 999RS and modified it to run a single-sided swingarm to try to improve feel. When that didn't work, he bought one of the road-going 998R homologation specials with the same testastretta engine as the 999. After tuning it with the bits from his discarded 999RS he had the power of the 999 and the handling of the 998, calling it his "998.5". It obviously suited him as he finished fifth in the championship that year with nine podiums including a win at Misano. I seem to remember that Ducati top brass were none to happy to see his mongrel creation beating their thoroughbred racer. Happy days!

[@kmac5849]

What a lush example,I could sit just looking at it😍

[@spirobouloukos511]

What a beauty! Thanks for the review.

[@hordboy]

I built and tuned these for racing back in the day. They would really make some nice power once uncorked. Truly special engines. Be mindful of the kilometer limits on the cases and valves however!

[@tonymarcella13]

Perfect time for this video as I've just got a 749. I wish it was the R through!

[@stevedrane2364]

Brilliant. . . A unique piece of Ducati history. . 👍👍

[@deanmsimpson]

That is a beautiful motorcycle. Motorbikes are about how they make you feel. This would make you feel very special. Great review 👍

[@ArranD1]

What a fantastic video Neevesy, more like this is an absolute must!

[@mineblock9024]

Genuinely beautiful and not in a nostalgic retro way - stands up against the best 2024 has to offer

[@jeffestrada6857]

I had the big brother the 2005 999 R limited to 500 to Australia if I remember correctly & which was the full “race” version and full carbon fibre the Termi’s etc etc. Was great to ride and was very sexy, every time I stopped people always admired it. However, at the same time I had a Hayabusa. More often then not I would ride the Suzuki as it was a much much better road bike. Comfortable, smooth, practical, could pillion -everything the Ducati couldnt do. In fact the 999 made me a crappy rider as if you stopped for long enough you would literally burn from the heat! So therefore I never stopped if I could help it, ran lights and the like. It really is a track machine and nothing much more in my view. I sold it and never looked back. In saying that the 749/999 in my view is the best looking Ducati ever made and was a great experience

[@dankorolyk5917]

What an absolute brilliant looking machine

[@Paul.-Amanda.22]

Totally agree with everything you said about that beutiful duc many dislike the front end I always loved the 999 great video nevvessy mate 👍

[@russellhale7694]

I have recently bought a 2004 749S - it is just a joy to ride!

[@DersNoNem]

Always love the front look. Looks very brutal!

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Stunning. An absolute thing of beauty and sounds lovely. 🤩 ❤

[@tobysemler]

So lovely. If I recall correctly, these were also incredibly expensive, well beyond the means of "normal" riders 😞

[@BatFastard01]

Always loved the 749\999 bikes. Had a Nero 999s many years ago. Was epic! Bit more of a pain to work on around the air box compared to the 996sps but other than that, glorious to ride. Still miss it, wish I never sold! 🙄

[@tonyking6163]

I owned the 749s which I absolutely loved. Single seat mono with Termi's under seat. Prior to that I owned three 748's both Red and Yellow. My nick name is Ducati Tony..😊

[@Terraceview]

I always loved the looks of this generation, maybe it's because of a mate of mine bought one new back in the day and he let me have a go at it in the French Alps.

[@elricker]

Another great video Michael. I love it when you do your "what makes this bike great" series. One request - if possible, can you please make a playlist on your KZbin channel specifically for you "what makes this bike great" videos so it's easier to retrieve them? Keep up the great work - looking forward to the next one.

[@Squiserker]

Watching you describe it with such passion makes me want to have one 😁 Awesome content, as usual!

[@neetones]

Just bought a 999s, sight unseen and can't wait to get it in my hands.

[@DustyVisorMotorcycles]

I have the 749S, with a bunch of upgrades, Love it and don't care about the "Cyclopes" headlights.......... It is a joy to ride that's all that really matters...😎

[@MikeSmith-qs2nr]

I love this era.. 👉I have my 999 fila up for sale on ebay 06 model. ❤ only reason is I need a bike for the uk weather... ie ..rain.. 😢 🌧

[@MotoLen51]

I had a 2005 749 (not R) and it was a great bike. I only rode it on the track, and it was bulletproof over almost 100 track days. Unfortunately the same could not be said for the 1198S I had later. :-( It was what finally pushed me over the edge and made me a serial GSXR 1000 owner. ;-)

[@williambate8249]

Owned a 749S and could keep up with the R on most tracks when it was working. The 749 R and S did have major problems and sold mine as soon as the warranty was up.

[@maxnne1464]

Thank you Michael for a wonderful video, please know is very much appreciated and enjoyed! (2022 Panigale V4s owner, which is waaay too much bike for the vast majority of us...)

[@PulpComic]

Glorious, top three favorite Duc for sure.

[@brianrainey2739]

Ducati peaked with the 916 and its been downhill ever since. I agree that it looks great from a distance. About 50 yards. 😄

[@renkaison]

What timing, I just picked up a 749R today as a track bike. Can't wait to get on the track with it

[@ragerider6283]

Really nice vid & I agree, this bike is indeed great! Remember these well as used to regularly lust after them back in the day. I always preferred the 749 over the 999 as it made more sense to me with the less is more ethos. Ducati also used to do the standard version in yellow which I always thought looked so nice too.

[@RoryMacdonald-pfff]

Great splendid wallet-threatening run through!!

[@patrickmalone9380]

Sounds amazing

[@nickeakhurst2533]

Had one like this back in the day. Loved it. Love this video, another great one matey, ty

[@farmind6582]

I love this bike maybe my favourite, but I think that taking this and then modifying it destroys the point, I decided not to go this way, so I took a base 2006 749, then why dick around with a big bore kit, so I threw in a 999s motor, full termi with ECU, OZ wheels, 848 forks with Ohlins NIX 30 internals, Mupo rear shock, M50 callipers and a bunch of other stuff, great little road bike and at Mugello was the best! And if you crash it as I did its not heartbreaking so much (bad enough though ) and very easy to rebuild.

[@scottmcpeek4132]

I'd love to have one of these, or an 848 EVO. Really like the Ducatis of yore!

[@weed46]

We need more videos like this

[@MachoMadness69420]

Neevesy is probably looking into what the trade-in value is for his GSXR on a 749R 😅

[@pistolpete6321]

Stunning motorcycle!

[@rickeco4tango33]

Also too, I was working at a mall and employees had to park on the bottom of the garage, the administration let me park on the first floor because I was setting off too many car alarms, and they were getting too many complaints

[@neevesybikes]

@@rickeco4tango33 brilliant 😂😂

[@teatowel11]

This is what a motorcycle should look like according to 16 year old me. Would love to give one a ride.

[@JayEss414]

sportbikes are supreme .great taste in motorcycles m8

[@motorcyclehustle]

Loving this series. ❤

[@morri03]

Gorgeous but bet it costs a mint to keep it in tip top shape

[@Goldieridesbike]

Whatever it is, it's NOT the rev counter! 🤣🤣🤣😏

[@kiztime1234]

It's making me thankful my needle just bounces around a bit, could be worse! 😆

[@stoneautomotive]

What a wonderful thing! Thanks for the insight

[@space.youtube]

"...from a distance this thing looks absolutely amazing..." lol

[@jpmotorsport4728]

Great review as always Sir, I think at the time like mentioned people were like what have they done with the styling, but nowadays , I think this looks stunning ! And sounds epic 👍🏽😎🏍🏁🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mikescott2450]

Good timing! - I'll be putting a 2004 749R up for sale shortly 🙂

[@Oilyhands749]

I’ve only got the poor mans version! I had 748 then an 848 after your review, got to say this one feels best to me , at 6”2 it’s a great fit too.

[@kenhodgdon7015]

Incredible motorcycle!

[@afropovic]

Great vid Neevesy. Would love to see Desmosedici RR in the next of this series

[@duke6321]

I still have a Ducati 999R of the first series (MY 2004) in the garage and from time to time I thought about selling the motorcycle. I haven't driven it for a good 5 years and it only has a good 22000km on the speedometer. When I see it, it's amazing how timeless the design is. And the features of the first series are something special, because it was slimmer than the Series 2 from 2005 and has these beautiful attachments made of carbon fiber. It was regularly driven to the Nürburgring (I live near the most beautiful race track in the world), but never chased away by it. I would never forgive myself for scrapping it there on an oil or cooling water trail of an over-motivated tourist. It's been in my hand for 20 years now - I can't part with it. Is that still normal?

[@evanr9945]

I too owned a 749, not the R though. I really liked the bike, its sound and especially the stability in (higher speed) corners. It wasn't just all great though, some words of criticism as well - found it to be a quite heavy bike, slightly underpowered. But the worst for me was the stalling of the engine when in idle waiting at a traffic light, time and time again. It is a feature of all 749 bikes, caused by the throttle bodies supposedly and can be fixed at the cost of several €. Also the coating at the back of the engine behind the back cilinder - and other parts of the engine - comes off sooner or later and is just extremely ugly. And of course, the heat coming through the seat is not desirable but that's quite common with Ducatis. Great stuff though, keep it up!

[@justakos]

Great bike always liked the 797. I was thinking to buy on of them but because i used them quite often i will go for the supersport 950 .

[@westonsrkitchens]

Neevesy, I've got a recently recommissioned 996R, I'm up in Derbyshire, more than happy for you to borrow it for another 'What makes this bike great vid'. Hate when these bikes just end up mothballed!

[@neevesybikes]

Hi mate, thanks for the offer. I was thinking of asking if anyone has interesting bikes I can review. Watch this space...

[@xl447]

Ahead of time styling wise. Thanks Neavesy

[@antheaholder4487]

Beautiful bike

[@anthonyfox2836]

Thanks for a Brilliant video of a class leading machine. I’ve a standard one with 70,000 km on the clock. Regular maintenance. Curious 🤨 anyone on here with one with more kms/miles.

[@stevegee218]

Thanks Joe

[@dacat8171]

I always wanted a 999s, but ended up getting a Honda Fireblade. Comparing the 749/999 to the Panigale V4S I choose the V4S.

[@moto_biker]

Great video as always, but as someone looking to buy an '04 749R I wish you had made this video AFTER I had already done the deal!!! 😆

[@andrewotter8163]

Come have a go of my “ultimate” 999R. Best in the UK 😎👍

[@theant9821]

I remember not liking it when it came out, then it grew on me, and i decided not to buy a 748 and bought a 749s. Incredible bike, wile all other bikes of the time look dated these still look brand new. Only a 749s but Incredible handling, so stable but so quick to turn as well, full termi exhaust sounds amazing, amazing bike. But the service cost was expensive.