Ducati 748SPS (1998-99)

The Ducati 748 SPS was a high-performance motorcycle produced from 1998 to 1999. It featured a four stroke, 90-degree L twin cylinder engine with desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder and a capacity of 748 cc. The bike was liquid-cooled with a compression ratio of 11.6:1 and a primary drive ratio of 2:1. It had a maximum power output of 72.1 kW at 11000 rpm and a maximum torque of 75 Nm at 8700 rpm. The SPS model had a dry, multi-plate clutch and a 6-speed transmission. The frame was a trestle type constructed of “ALS 450” steel alloy, and the bike featured an inverted type front suspension and a progressive linkage with an adjustable monoshock rear suspension. The front brakes were equipped with two 320mm discs and four-piston calipers, while the rear brakes were equipped with a single 220mm disc and one-piston caliper, both made by Brembo. The bike weighed 198kg, had a fuel capacity of 17 litres, and had a top speed of 250 km/h. The Ducati 748 SPS had a consumption average of 5.8 L/100 km and could go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds. Its braking distance from 60 km/h to 0 was 13.3m, while its ¼ mile standing time was 11.2 seconds with a top speed of 204 km/h. It was a highly-regarded and sought-after motorcycle, known for its power and agility.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Ducati 748 SPS

Year: 1998 – 99

Engine: Four stroke, 90 degrees L twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven

Capacity: 748 cc / 45.6 cu in

Bore x Stroke: 88 x 61.5 mm

Cooling System: Liquid cooled

Compression Ratio: 11.6:1

Lubrication: Wet sump

Engine Oil: Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40

Oil Capacity: 3.5 L / 3.7 US qt / 3.1 Imp qt

Induction: Weber I.A.W. CPU 1.6M

Spark Plug: Champion A55V

Ignition: Electronic

Battery: 12V 16Ah

Starting: Electric

Max Power: 72.1 kW / 98 hp @ 1100 rpm

Max Power Rear Tyre: 66.8 kW / 90.8 hp @ 10900 rpm

Max Torque: 75 Nm / 7.65 kg-m /55.3 ft-lb @ 8700 rpm

Clutch: Dry, multi-plate, hydraulic control

Transmission: 6 Speed

Primary Drive Ratio: 2:1 (31/62)

Gear Ratios: 1st 2.466 / 2nd 1.765 / 3rd 1.400 / 4th 1.182 / 5th 1.043 / 6th 0.958:1

Final Drive Ratio: 2.64:1 (14/37)

Final Drive: Chain, 520 VL4 – 5/8″ x 1/4″

Frame: Trestle type constructed of “ALS 450” steel alloy

Front Suspension: Inverted type, 43 mm diameter stanchions, Showa GD051, fully adjustable

Front Wheel Travel: 127 mm / 5.0 in

Rear Suspension: Progressive linkage with adjustable monoshock, Showa GD052-007-02

Rear Wheel Travel: 130 mm / 5.1 in

Front Brakes: 2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers, Brembo

Rear Brakes: Single 220 mm disc, 1 piston caliper, Brembo

Front Tyre: 120/60 ZR17

Rear Tyre: 180/55 ZR17

Rake: 25 degrees

Dimensions: Length: 2050 mm / 80.7 in Width: 685 mm / 27.0 in Height: 1090 mm / 42.9 in

Wheelbase: 1410 mm / 55.5 in

Seat Height: 790 mm / 31.1 in

Ground Clearance: 150 mm / 5.9 in.

Handlebar Height: 850 mm / 33.5 in.

Dry Weight: 198 kg / 436 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal

Consumption Average: 5.8 L/100 km / 17.3 km/l / 40.7 US mpg / 48.9 Imp mpg

Braking 60 km/h – 0: 13.3 m / 43.6 ft

Braking 100 km/h – 0: 37.7 m / 123.7 ft

Standing 1/4 Mile: 11.2 sec / 204 km/h / 127 mph

Top Speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph