749 R

21 April 2012

In 2004 Ducati produced a road going pure bred race bike and called it the 749R. The 749R was a limited production bike, with each bike being numbered with a number plate fixed to the top triple clamp. Between 2004 and 2006 a total of 1200 units were produced.

Compared to the 749/S models of the same era, the 749R was lighter and liberally sprinkled with high quality race upgrades. The 749R came with Ohlins 43mm titanium nitride coated forks and fully adjustable Ohlins suspension unit at the rear. The Testastretta desmo V-twin R version had a shorter stroke, increased bore and larger valves which allowed it to run more efficiently at higher RPM, and hence produce more torque and power than the 749/S models. The 749R also came with a larger 18 litre tank, slipper clutch, racing cams, titanium valves, valve guides, and connecting rods, magnesium head covers, and carbon fibre belt covers.

The use of titanium in the production of the valves represented a totally new innovation for Ducati. In fact, the 749R was the first Ducati ever to make use of such technology. Titanium valves reduce the mass of moving parts significantly and permit higher RPM and more agressive camshaft profiles.