Yes, less really is more. Less motor, less (harsh) suspension with less colour for less money equals a Ducati four-valve supersport bike which is, quite simply, more super than a 999
ON THE 23RD of April 1972 I was 10 years old, Amazing Grace was at number one and I had just got back from Sunday School praying my folks would buy me that orange Raleigh Chopper in Halfords' window. On that same day in Italy something far more significant was taking place.
ucati has decided to go back in time to invest in its future by introducing two bikes from its new Sport Classics range. Back in the early seventies the Italian firm burst onto the big-bike scene for the first time with its big-bore V-twin engined road and race bikes.
The current 999R costs £19,995, and this version will cost more. But this is an even more powerful and polished example of what’s already the best road-going Ducati
I’ve ridden every new 2004 bike and the 749R is the one I really want to ride again. I’d love to own one; it looks ace, handles great, has a mint motor and is good off track, too. I’d take a 749R over any 999 anytime
The old style is still very much in place on the Ducati Monster S4R but, with that alloy single swinger and those hi-level pipes, it’s got a much racier attitude
A wonderfully capable all-rounder that will satisfy your need for speed or go the whole distance. It's just a good job you don't have to look at it when you're riding it.
The 749S is a better bike than the 749 and when it comes to price the 749S is cheaper than both the 999 and 999S, and if you don’t mind missing a few bhp is virtually the same bike
It’s a brilliant bike and everything it promises to be. In Bertie’s words; “It turns every roundabout into the Ascari Curve and constant radius turns into the Parabolica at Monza”